Croatia promotes return incentives and business opportunities to diaspora in Argentina

ZAGREB, 17 June (Hina) – A webinar organised by the Argentine-Croatian Chamber of Commerce (CACIC) brought together representatives of Croatian institutions, the business community and members of the Croatian diaspora interested in opportunities for returning and pursuing professional development in Croatia.

Participants were presented with current measures and programmes through which Croatian institutions seek to facilitate the return of emigrants and their descendants, their integration into society and entry into the labour market, the CroLatam portal said on Wednesday.

CACIC President Edi Šeparović stressed the importance of strengthening economic and social ties between Croatia and Argentina and highlighted the role of chambers of commerce in promoting trade and investment cooperation.

Snježana Posavec of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce presented an overview of Croatia’s economy, highlighting stable economic growth, the country’s membership of the European Union, adoption of the euro and its strategic position as a gateway to the European market.

Speaking about economic relations between Croatia and Argentina, Posavec said current levels of trade left room for further cooperation, particularly in tourism, information technology, the food industry and other sectors of strategic importance to the Croatian economy.

Ivana Perkušić of the Ministry of Demography and Immigration presented return measures including simplified administrative procedures, easier access to residence status for descendants of Croatian emigrants, integration programmes and tax incentives for those choosing to live and work in Croatia.

Participants were also introduced to Croatian language learning programmes, which include expanded scholarships for applicants from Latin American countries including Argentina, Chile, Peru and Bolivia.

Representatives of the Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy and the Croatian Employment Service outlined labour market trends, citing record employment, historically low unemployment and growing demand for workers across many sectors.

Particular attention was given to the “I Choose Croatia” scheme, aimed at Croatian citizens living abroad who wish to return to their homeland. It provides financial support for relocation and self-employment, with grants of up to 27,000 euros available for those launching their own businesses.

Institutional representatives also presented available support for entrepreneurs, measures to establish companies and programmes designed to help returnees integrate more easily into Croatia’s labour market.

Entrepreneur Antonela Stanić shared her experience of relocating to Croatia and developing her business in Zagreb. She spoke about establishing a gastronomy business focused on promoting Argentine products and the challenges and opportunities she encountered while adapting to life and work in Croatia.

Around 300,000 Croats and their descendants live in Argentina, making it the Latin American country with the largest Croatian community.