WHY INVEST IN CROATIA?

An advantageous territorial structure and friendly legislation, a diverse land attractive to both businesses and tourists, a large number of independent commercial entities on the market, a strong transit location at the hub of east-west and north-south routes, and the great potential of its capable population with an age structure and education levels that correspond to other European countries are all factors that create an exceptionally favorable environment for investors. Investment models in the Croatian economy have also been adapted to the interests of potential investors.

• Croatia has a well established institutional and legal framework which is currently being harmonized with European standards.
• The Government is committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability.
• The Government actively encourages foreign direct investment to stimulate the economy.  A number of multinationals are already established in the Croatian market.
• The Government has accelerated Croatia's integration into western institutions and increased the prospects of regional political stability.
• Croatia has joined NATO's Partnership for Peace, become a member of the WTO and European Free Trade Association, and concluded the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the EU.
• Foreign investors have the same rights, obligations and legal status within an enterprise as domestic investors.
• Foreign investors are entitled to special tax exemptions depending on the nature of the investment and the activities they carry out in Croatia.
• Croatia offers a production tradition, highly educated work force, modern communication systems and high standards of transport infrastructure offering major advantages for investors.
  

• Croatia boasts a long tradition in tourism and its major attraction is its Adriatic coastline.  Croatia has 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites and 8 national parks.
• Croatia's tourism sector has grown significantly over the past two years.  Croatia registered a 4% increase in foreign visitors during the 2002 Summer season.
• The majority of Croatia's tourists come from Germany, Italy, Austria and Slovenia and the Government's policy aims at targeting higher income groups.
• The rapid re-emergence of tourism provides investors with a unique opportunity to invest in a dynamic and growing sector.