Chinese Chamber of Commerce launched in Croatia

ZAGREB - The Chinese chamber of Commerce in Croatia was launched here on Wednesday aiming to help Chinese companies doing business in Croatia and assist Croatian counterparts seek business opportunities in China.

The chamber was initiated by Norinco International, Huawei and China Road and Bridge Corporation which currently work on some of the largest projects in the country.

"This is the first time that Chinese companies have their own organization in Croatia," said Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Hu Zhaoming at the launch ceremony.

According to Hu, only a few years ago there were only one or two Chinese companies in Croatia. In the last two years, however, the number has tripled, while Chinese investment in the country witnessed remarkable growth.

In 2017, Chinese investments in the country increased more than 100 times over the year before. Nearly 90 percent of Croats view China as a friendly country, while Chinese enterprises have positive views on the investment environment in the country and its future economy.

"Some Chinese companies are considering to set up regional offices or even European offices in Croatia," said the ambassador.

In 2018, China Road and Bridge Corporation won the bid to construct the Peljesac bridge connecting the Croatian peninsula Peljesac with the mainland, while bypassing a short strip of the neighboring Bosnian coast that interrupts the continuity of the Croatian territory. It is the largest infrastructure project in the country in recent years, to the tune of over 400 million euros ($485 million dollars).

Also this year, Norinco International signed a deal to construct a wind farm near the city of Senj, with an investment of almost 180 million euros (around $200 million dollars).