Doncaster looks to Croatia

A TRADE delegation from Doncaster is set to visit Croatia to discuss new export opportunities with the country.

The visit follows a meeting between MP for Don Valley Caroline Flint, UK Ambassador to Croatia David Blunt and local businesses hosted by Doncaster Chamber.

Daniel Fell, head of policy at the Chamber, said: “The meeting with Caroline gave our members a greater idea of the scope of what opportunities there are overseas. With the global economy changing Doncaster businesses will need to look different in 10 years time to what they do now.

“It is therefore important that local businesses look at different ways of differentiating their business from the competition along with skills, innovation and green technology, international trade provides a key way of doing this.”

He added that Croatia was on the tipping point of coming out of the recession and was likely to become an EU state within the next three years creating many openings which may be of interest to Doncaster companies.

Sectors of key growth he said was education, construction, marine, leisure, ports, CDI, renewable energy and security.

Ms Flint said: “I want Doncaster firms to know that the UK Government and our Embassy team in Zagreb will play their part to make a success of such a visit and win new exports for Yorkshire.

“Europe may be in recession, but the economy of Croatia is going to grow very quickly in the next decade, and now is the time for British firms to start doing business with Croatia and the Balkan states.”

Any businesses are seeking support or information about these opportunities should contact Doncaster Chamber of Commerce on 01302 341000.