Croatia honours Western Australian Croatian Chamber of Commerce

by croatiaweek
December 17, 2025
in Business

(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Tomislav Bušljeta)

Zagreb, Croatia – President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanović has awarded the Charter of the Republic of Croatia to the Western Australian Croatian Chamber of Commerce (WACCC) in recognition of its outstanding contribution to strengthening economic ties between Croatia and Western Australia.

The award was presented to mark 20 years of dedicated work by the Chamber in promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation between Croatia and Australia.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Milanović highlighted the important role played by Croats living in Australia, despite the vast distance between the two countries.

“Although Australia is a far-away country on the other side of the world, many Croats have found – and continue to find – their home there, raise their families and run businesses,” Milanović said. “They live dignified lives and work tirelessly to connect the economies of Croatia and Australia.”

(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Tomislav Bušljeta)

The President acknowledged that building strong economic relationships with a country as large and complex as Australia requires long-term commitment and persistence.

“Australia is a large country and a major economy. It takes a lot of effort and patience to sow the seeds that may one day bear fruit. This is demanding work and a long journey, and I thank you deeply for these efforts,” he said.

Milanović encouraged the Chamber to continue its work and described it as a model for Croatian communities elsewhere around the world.

“This is an example to others, because Croats live not only in Western Australia but across many parts of the world. Our doors will always be open to them, and this award is a small way of showing our gratitude,” he concluded.

The Charter was formally received by Luka Jurčević, President of the Western Australian Croatian Chamber of Commerce.

For the past twenty years, the WACCC has played a vital role in connecting Croatian and Western Australian businesses, industries and entrepreneurs. The Chamber has regularly brought Australian companies and business leaders to Croatia, while actively promoting Croatia as a safe and attractive destination for investment.

(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Tomislav Bušljeta)

Beyond trade and investment, the Chamber has also contributed strongly to promoting Croatian culture and identity in Western Australia. Its members participate annually in Croatia’s Statehood Day celebrations in Perth, organise the Croatian Wine Festival, promote the role of Croatian women in business, and support numerous initiatives through financial donations that showcase Croatia in Western Australia.