Addressing the 144th convention of the association, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said that his cabinet was committed to encouraging the work of export-oriented companies.
"When it comes to overall economic circumstances, two and a half years ago we defined a very clear goal: we want a sound growth which is not based on borrowing but on the reduction of our debt, a responsible budgetary policy, a budget surplus, better absorption of European funds, a responsible policy in conducting structural reforms and on attracting foreign investments," said Plenkovic.
The visibility of the effects of the government measures on the economy and investments and the effects of EU fund absorption will rise over time across all parts of Croatia, he added.
Plenkovic noted that eventually the main outlays from the EU went to exporters and that Croatian exporters strongly benefited from the country's European Union membership.
"Our future steps will be to implement, in the next four to five years, the euro introduction strategy which will make our businesses and exporters stronger," Plenkovic said, underscoring that Croatia's admission to the passport-free Schengen area would facilitate doing business for Croatian exporters.
The association's leader, Darinko Bago, said that exporters accounted for 15% of all companies, however, they employed 52% of the total number of the employed workforce and generate 64% of investments, 67% of revenues and 68% of profits.
Text: Hina