U.S. – Croatian Economic Relations: A Conversation with Ambassador Pjer Šimunović and Representative David Joyce

On June 13, 2019, the Meridian Corporate Council partnered with Cogent Strategies to host a breakfast and conversation with His Excellency Pjer Šimunović, Ambassador of Croatia to the United States, and The Honorable David Joyce, member of the House Appropriations Committee and Co-Chair of the Congressional Croatian Caucus.  

Representative David Joyce, who represents Ohio’s 14th congressional district, identified the strong link between the Croatian and American peoples, and their governments’ strong transatlantic relationship made possible through their shared commitment to free economic systems and individual liberty. Ambassador Pjer Šimunović affirmed Croatia’s commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the European Union, and to the United States as Croatia’s most important ally on matters of defense, national security, and intelligence. 

Macroeconomic indicators are pointed in a positive direction for the southeastern European nation, a trend Ambassador Šimunović attributes to the government’s policies to promote individual enterprise and technological innovation, a sentiment that Representative Joyce echoed. Participants, however, viewed Croatia’s dependence on Russian natural gas as a challenge in asserting itself as an independent nation with a robust economy and effective global engagement. Progress is being made with the construction of a liquified natural gas (LNG) terminal on a frequently visited island, as well as the proposed Ionian Adriatic Pipeline (IAP), which Ambassador Šimunović hopes will increase regional cooperation.  

An improving economy, a focus on international engagement, and involvement in international organizations all mark Croatia as having particular interest to the members of the Meridian Corporate Council. 

Photos by Jessica Latos.

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