Around 300 directors and high representatives from 25 Chinese state-owned companies and 40 private enterprises from mainland China, Chinese regions Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, and Croatia, Malaysia and Japan, all participated in the event that presented current investment projects and business opportunities in the fields of infrastructure development, logistics, trade, tourism, medicine and cultural exchanges.
Croatian companies CSEBA Tours, Luxury Real Estate, Eurogate, Fizio Vita, Iločki Podrumi and Olea Mar used the opportunity to present their respective products and services during the forum, specially prepared for the Chinese market. Some of the Chinese companies present at the forum were: Chinese National Sports General Administration, Hainan Air and Sea, Chinese Development Research Institute, State Administration of Radio, Film and Television, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, China International Economic and Technical Cooperation Promotion Association, National Federation of Industry and Commerce, Pharmaceutical Chamber of Commerce, Sino-Russian Trade Association, China Port Association, International Trade Promotion Council and many others.
During her opening speech, the founder of Z-Run Well Ton Industry Co., Ms. Jiang Yu emphasised that Z-Run is following national direction of international implementation of the “Belt and Road Initiative”, and that they have strategically chosen Croatia as their first stop.
“We are quickly advancing in the establishment of the special economic zone near Zadar and progressing in several other investments all around Croatia, in the fields of tourism, health care, culture, sports and others. Opportunities are plentiful, just not explored enough”, said Ms. Jiang Yu and invited other Chinese enterprises to further open up, initiate international partnerships, and put more attention to foreign markets and their products.
Positive momentum in the development of bilateral and economic ties between China and Croatia, especially after this year’s visit of PM Li Keqiang to Croatia, was also highlighted by Ms. Dalija Budiša, representative of the Croatian Embassy in China in her speech during the forum. She welcomed even more business and trade activities, and confirmed government support for Chinese investors into Croatia. Various Chinese business experts gave their views on the development of international trade, challenges and opportunities in the strategic integration of Asia and Europe. Cultural aspect of mutual exchanges has also been on the spotlight, especially in terms of stronger entrance of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to Europe, professional exchanges in media (radio, film and television) and martial arts (Shaolin), as strong and universally recognized representatives of Chinese culture.
During the event, strategic cooperation was announced between Z-Run Well Ton Industry Co. and Croatia’s wine producer Iločki Podrumi, and Olea Mar Essential Oils for the promotion and distribution of their products in China. For this purpose Olea Mar established a new line of essential oils brand called “Lady Yu”, specially prepared for Chinese market.
