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At the Osaka Expo, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković addressed the importance of Croatia’s geographical and economic positioning within Europe. Despite being a smaller nation compared to Japan, he asserted Croatia's strategic advantages as a member of the European Union, NATO, the Eurozone, and the Schengen Area, with aspirations to join the OECD.

In a reflective speech, Plenković recalled the nation’s tumultuous history, mentioning the scars left by the aggression of the Milošević regime that devastated the economy and claimed numerous lives. He noted that the legacy of conflict necessitated a long-term demining effort, which is set to conclude next year, underscoring Croatia's resilience in overcoming adversity.

He credited responsible public finance management for enabling Croatia to achieve significant milestones, including integration into the Eurozone, maintaining a public debt of 57 percent, and keeping the budget deficit below 3 percent. These achievements have culminated in an investment credit rating recognized by major global agencies. Plenković also highlighted substantial investments in energy infrastructure, positioning Croatia as a regional hub, with over 600 million euros allocated to new gas pipelines aimed at future hydrogen transport.

In discussing economic indicators, Plenković pointed to record employment levels and a notable increase in GDP per capita, which has risen from 11,000 euros at the beginning of his term to 22,000 euros today. He emphasized the tangible benefits of EU membership across various sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, and sustainable development.

The Prime Minister articulated a vision for deepened cooperation with Japan, identifying key sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, and information technology that hold promise for mutual growth. He stressed the importance of leveraging the EU-Japan economic partnership agreement as a foundation for reliable and respectful business relations.

Plenković's remarks underscored a commitment to fostering Croatian companies' presence in Japan, highlighting the nation’s strategic location as a gateway to the broader European market. His recent meetings in Tokyo were described as fruitful, paving the way for enhanced bilateral relations.

As the forum concluded, Plenković expressed optimism about future economic exchanges, particularly in agricultural products like Adriatic tuna, and the burgeoning interest in Croatia's pharmaceutical and technology sectors. The atmosphere was one of readiness among Japanese and Croatian businesses to forge meaningful partnerships that will bolster economic ties between the two nations.