Domovina Urednistvo
In light of the numerous demographic and economic challenges facing Croatia, the return of the business diaspora is seen as a key element for the long-term recovery and strengthening of its economy. This return is not only necessary for stabilising the workforce, but also for stimulating the creation of new jobs, increasing competitiveness and developing strategic sectors in which Croatia has significant potential. One of the key actors in this initiative is Mr. Zdenko Striga, Advisor to the Government of the Republic of Croatia at the Ministry of Demography and Immigration, who, through his many years of experience in international business circles, has recognised numerous opportunities for the inclusion of the diaspora in the development of Croatia. Mr. Zdenko Striga also heads the relatively newly established not-for-profit organisation Marshall Plan for Croatia whose mission is to improve the demographic and economic picture of Croatia by harnessing the practical resources already existing in the large Croatian diaspora and even growing new ones if needed.
Croatian media has this week referred to a meeting held on 27 January 2025 at which Mr. Striga presented to Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic key guidelines for the revitalisation of the Croatian economy through the return of the business diaspora and herein I bring you a translated into English version of those media representations, which come out of a press release written by Mr Striga.
Mr. Striga’s proposals are based on the rich experiences gained during his many years of work in Frankfurt, Germany, where he headed a Croatian Business Promotion Centre and was also an expert advisor for foreign capital investment in the countries of Southeastern Europe. During these years, Mr. Striga is said to have built strong relationships with business leaders and investors and understood the importance of strategically integrating the diaspora into the development of his own homeland.
At the heart of this strategy is the idea that the business diaspora, as an economically very potent and well-connected network, can play a key role in the economic revitalisation of the country. However, in order for Croatia to successfully attract investments and businesspeople from the diaspora, it must offer credible and concrete incentives, as well as projects that provide long-term benefits for both parties.
Business diaspora as a strategic resource
Croatian business diaspora includes successful entrepreneurs, investors and managers who have built international careers, acquired capital and created business networks over the years. These people, who left Croatia in search of better business opportunities, now represent a significant potential for creating new economic opportunities in the country. The key advantage of the business diaspora lies in their knowledge, experience and global contacts, which can help identify new markets, encourage investment and introduce innovations into the domestic economy.
However, in order for the diaspora to be motivated to return and invest in Croatia, it is necessary to create conditions in which they will feel safe and valued. In this context, Mr. Striga emphasises that it is necessary to bridge the gap between the diaspora and the home country, by creating a favourable business environment and conditions that include concrete incentives. To achieve this, the Croatian Government must offer the diaspora concrete and long-term financial support, aimed at the development of sustainable and strategic sectors.
Green energy and organic agriculture: key sectors for Croatia’s future
Two sectors that represent huge opportunities for the business diaspora are green energy and organic agriculture. These sectors are not only in line with global trends towards sustainability, but also offer great opportunities for developing innovation, employing young people and strengthening Croatia’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Green energy – renewable energy sources
The green sector in Croatia, especially renewable energy sources, is one of Mr. Striga’s key focuses. Croatia, with its wealth of natural resources – from wind, solar, water and biomass – has significant potential for the development and production of clean energy. In the context of the global energy transition towards sustainability, Croatia can position itself as a leader in this area, and the diaspora can play a key role in investing in infrastructure and technologies that enable the use of renewable energy sources.
To encourage investment, Striga proposes specific financial incentives, including the “Dollar for Dollar” model, which allows the diaspora to participate in renewable energy projects on favourable terms and with a return from the state. This model is not only a financial incentive, but also a way to create a partnership between the diaspora and the home country, in which both parties share responsibility for long-term development.
Green Croatia – organic agriculture
Similarly, organic agriculture represents enormous potential for Croatia, which has excellent conditions for the production of organic products. In order for Croatia to harness this advantage, it is necessary to actively involve the diaspora in the development of these sectors. The business diaspora can play a key role in promoting and investing in ecological projects, as well as in organising and marketing ecological products on international markets.
Programs such as “Dollar for Dollar” could also be applied in the ecological agriculture sector, thus enabling faster market expansion and the creation of new jobs in rural areas of Croatia. In addition, strengthening the ecological agriculture sector can be a significant factor in reducing the negative migration trend, as it will attract young people looking for sustainable and promising jobs in their own country.
Young Generations and Connections with the Homeland “Discover Your Croatia”
The return of young Croatians from the diaspora is crucial for the revitalisation of Croatia, whose demographic problems require an active role for young people in social and economic development. The “Discover Your Croatia” program provides young people aged 18 to 26 from the diaspora with the opportunity to connect more deeply with their homeland through educational trips, thematic workshops and cultural events. This ten-day program allows young people to not only tour Croatia, but also to actively integrate into local communities, get to know cultural, historical and natural landmarks, and create personal connections that can have long-term benefits.
Connecting young people with their local peers enables the building of community and understanding, thus creating a strong identity framework that helps them recognise their own role in shaping the future of Croatia. The program also opens doors to professional opportunities, as it allows young people to connect with entrepreneurs and mentors, identify business opportunities and gain concrete information about the labour market.
The “Discover Your Croatia” initiative can become a key platform for long-term cooperation between the diaspora and Croatia, creating the foundations for professional integration and personal connections. Through this program, young people can become active participants in the development of Croatia, thereby contributing to the sustainable and prosperous future of the country.
Prime Minister Plenkovic’s reported satisfaction with the presentation of the proposals by Mr. Zdenko Striga, Advisor to the Government of the Republic of Croatia, is seen as a confirmation of the earnestness of the Government’s approach in addressing key demographic and economic challenges. At the meeting held on 27 January 2025, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the return strategy of the Croatian business diaspora as a key component for the country’s long-term recovery, with a special emphasis on sectors such as green energy and organic agriculture.
Prime Minister Plenkovic expressed his satisfaction with Mr. Striga’s detailed proposals, which include innovative projects such as the “Dollar for Dollar” program and the “Discover Your Croatia” initiative. These proposals, which are based on concrete financial support for returnees from the business diaspora and connecting young people from the diaspora with domestic communities, are considered extremely important for the long-term stability and development of Croatia.
Mr Striga reports that Prime Minister Plenkovic had promised that the Government will consider the proposals seriously and that discussions on the next steps to be taken will resume very soon. This positive meeting gives hope for the renewal of trust between the diaspora and the home country, thus opening up space for the development of sustainable and competitive business sectors, which will surely result in new investments and the creation of new jobs. Initiatives like this, with the strategic support of the Government, can mean the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Croatia, based on sustainable development, prosperity and stability.
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The www.zdenkostriga.com website has a wealth of information in the Croatian language regarding various programs designed to boost Croatia’s demographics and economy through the input and participation of the Croatian diaspora.
(Prepared and translated by Ina Vukic)
