Global Entrepreneurship Week recently picked up an endorsement from the president of Croatia, Ivo Josipovic.
President Josipovic has stated recently that "entrepreneurship is the only thing that can help Croatia achieve positive growth and sustainable development" and he has been urging Croatians to adopt a more entrepreneurial culture--so his support of GEW couldn't be more perfectly aligned.
Led by the Croatian Small Business Union (HUMP-CROSBU), the European nation has celebrated GEW since the initiative launched in 2008. During that time, 55,367 participants have taken part in 193 activities designed to help them take the next step in their own entrepreneurial journey.
The national campaign has taken root and is starting to grow. Last November, 55 partner organizations planned activities throughout GEW/Croatia--the highest annual total yet.
..............................................................................................................
REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
PRESIDENT
Message by the President of the Republic of Croatia on the occasion of Global Entrepreneurship Week
I am delighted that Croatia has been involved in Global Entrepreneurship Week from the outset, since 2008.
Entrepreneurship is the foundation of progress and we encourage it. At a time of crisis affecting not just Croatia but a major part of Europe, the way out is possible only by creating new jobs, starting new production and strengthening the economy. Entrepreneurship, innovation and boldness are the best ways how to achieve these goals.
In that sense, it is especially important to emphasize the significance of education, particularly in relation to the younger generations. It is important that they accept the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation in order to be better involved in the world of business. They need to accept the fact that in the world of entrepreneurship it is possible to succeed but also to occasionally fail – and they need to cope with that.
We are a country that has all the prerequisites to provide perhaps the best tourism offer in Europe. However, there is still much room for additional investment in the tourism industry as well as industries which are closely linked to it such as the energy sector, production, transport, infrastructure etc. The current economic crisis must not discourage us. After all, in a time of crisis, if money is not put to work, if it is not invested into some business undertaking, it will be lost.
I consider Global Entrepreneurship Week and all the associated activities to be a new opportunity for fostering entrepreneurship and discussion on our strategy for our economic development. It is important that as many Croatian partners as possible be involved in these activities. Likewise, it is important to place Croatia on the world entrepreneurship map, to develop our identity and to be active as partners and investors. The forthcoming accession to the European Union will additionally open the door of this country to all who wish to start business here. It will also provide an opportunity for our people and companies to invest elsewhere with less obstacles.
I wish you every success and a pleasant stay in Croatia.
Ivo Josipović
President of the Republic of Croatia