Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković urged Canadian business leaders on June 23 to view Croatia as a gateway to Central Europe, highlighting the country’s economic growth, investment-grade credit ratings and expanding energy infrastructure.

Croatia and Canada have strong potential to deepen economic ties, Plenković said, pointing to a Croatian diaspora in Canada of around 250,000 people.

Speaking at the Croatian-Canadian Business Forum in Toronto during an official visit to Canada, Plenković said Croatia offered investors a stable business environment underpinned by the rule of law and strong integration with European institutions.

“I urge Canadian entrepreneurs to recognise Croatia as a possible gateway to Central Europe,” Plenković said, according to a government statement, adding that investors would find a market-friendly environment supportive of long-term partnerships.

Plenković said Croatia had achieved major strategic goals over the past decade, including joining the euro zone and the Schengen passport-free travel area, while nearing accession to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

He said Croatia’s gross domestic product had nearly doubled to €93bn from €47bn over the past decade, while GDP per capita had risen to €24,000. The prime minister said Croatia had also secured A-level investment-grade ratings from all three major credit rating agencies, helping strengthen investor confidence.

Bilateral between Croatia and Canada reached $430mn last year, up 150% y/y, according to data quoted by Croatia Week, with the drivers including Croatia Airlines’ purchases from Canadian companies, and ships ordered by Canada's Algoma from the 3. maj shipyard in Croatia.

Plenković highlighted energy security as a priority amid geopolitical uncertainty, citing investments in liquefied natural gas terminals, gas pipelines and renewable energy.

He also signaled openness to expanding nuclear energy cooperation following the signing of a memorandum with Canada on civilian nuclear energy during his visit.

Croatia is seeking to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels while ensuring long-term energy security, he said.

Plenković identified information technology, defence and security as additional sectors for deeper bilateral cooperation. He noted a strategic partnership between Croatian drone-maker ORQA and Canada’s Remote Robotics focused on artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial systems.