June the 20th, 2024 – US Ambassador Nathalie Rayes spoke at the recently held AmCham (American Chamber of Commerce in Croatia) conference, where she discussed American companies investing in Croatia, revealing staggering figures.
As Poslovni Dnevnik/Domagoj Puljizovic writes, the fact that American companies recognise the enormous potential of the Croatian economic scene is confirmed by the fact that more than 100 American companies are investing approximately 820 million dollars on Croatian soil. The aforementioned was revealed by US Ambassador Nathalie Rayes at a business lunch at Zagreb’s Sheraton Hotel, organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Croatia (AmCham).
“These investments are more than financial transactions. They represent a shared commitment to growth, innovation and shared prosperity,” Rayes said. She emphasised that the bond between the United States and Croatia is now stronger than ever.
“Croatia’s achievements, including membership in NATO, entry into the European Union and the Eurozone and into the Schengen area, and soon into the OECD, serve as a beacon of hope and a role model for the region,” she said.
better connectivity
US Ambassador Nathalie Rayes noted that over more recent years, Croatia also entered the American Visa Waiver Programme and the Global Entry Programme, which made travelling between the two countries much easier. “Our new treaties on mutual legal assistance and extradition are now in full force and contribute to our jount transatlantic security goals,” the ambassador emphasised. She then asserted that Croatia and the USA are aligned on all major foreign policy and development projects and goals.
“This includes more than 700,000 American tourists who explored the stunning landscapes of Croatia last year alone, which is an increase of 33% compared to 2022. It also regards cross-border investments worth tens of millions of euros, the creation of thousands of jobs across Croatia, and revolutionary progress in sustainable energy through collaboration,” said Rayes.
shared priorities and goals
Croatia’s expansion of the Krk LNG terminal and shipping capacities aren’t only infrastructure projects, but “symbols of resilience and progress that encourage regional economic growth and security across the region and reflect Croatia’s unwavering determination to tackle challenges head-on and achieve exceptional success,” she emphasised.
The ratification of the Treaty on Avoidance of Double Taxation was and continues to remain a top priority of the US Embassy, Rayes assured. “This contract is crucial to support the business sustainability and profitability of both of our countries. Establishing an investment screening mechanism, streamlining the licensing system, improving the efficiency of the judiciary and reforming the land landscape will send a strong message to the rest of the world, especially to American companies and businesspeople, that Croatia is truly open for business,” concluded US Ambassador Nathalie Rayes.
