Croatia expresses interest in investing in defence, other sectors: Commerce Ministry

A presentation on the Croatian Economy, the trade and investment relations between India and Croatia and Industries potential on key sectors of mutual interest was shown. Representational Pic

The Commerce and Industry Ministry on Tuesday stated that Croatia has expressed its interest in investment in the Indian defence sector, solar cells production, food processing technology, automobiles and knowledge sharing amongst other sectors.

Croatia extended the offer during the bilateral discussions held between Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal and his Croatian counterparts Zdenko Lucic, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and Ivo Milatic, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry further added that the meetings focused on advancing India-Croatia trade and investment relations, promoting sectoral collaboration, and reinforcing India's engagement with the Central European region, as per news agency ANI.

During the meeting with Zdenko Lucic, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development, discussions were centred around taking forward the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and enhancing bilateral trade cooperation, the Ministry added in the statement.

The Commerce Secretary referred to the visit of the EU President and 27 Commissioners to India as the first visit of the College of Commissioners outside the European continent since the start of their new mandate and also the first such visit in the history of India-EU bilateral ties, reported ANI.

Commerce Secretary mentioned the areas of collaboration between the two countries, such as Railways, Global Capability Centres, Electric Vehicles, IT, etc.

In the meeting of Commerce Secretary with Ivo Milatic, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy, discussion was centred on promoting investment flows, and enhancing cooperation across key sectors including Healthcare, Education, Tourism, Entertainment (mentioned about WAVES summit), Supply-Chain integration, Logistics, Transports, Pharmaceuticals, Digital Technology, Renewable Energy and Manufacturing, reported news agency ANI.

According to ANI, for the third Session of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, which is due, both sides exchanged their views on improving the work of the commission with more frequent meetings and directly connecting the entrepreneurs of both countries for a stronger and faster progress, the Ministry added in the statement.

The Commerce Secretary also participated in a business interaction event "Exploring Economic Cooperation Opportunities between India and Croatia," organised by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE), where he met with the heads of various industry associations and leading Croatian business representatives.

A presentation on the Croatian Economy, the trade and investment relations between India and Croatia and Industries potential on key sectors of mutual interest was shown.

(With ANI inputs)