Press Releases
USAID Program Helps the Ministry of Economy, Labor and Entrepreneurship Improve Croatia's Business Climate
For Immediate Release
November 3, 2005
ZAGREB, NOVEMBER 3, 2005 - United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Croatia Mission Director, William Jeffers, witnessed the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Ministry of Economy, Labour and Entrepreneurship and USAID's project Poduzetna Hrvatska on November 3.
The letter of intent was signed by Minister Branko Vukelic and USAID Mission Director William Jeffers. The purpose is to establish a mutual framework for technical assistance to Croatian businesses and entrepreneurs. USAID and the Ministry will work together on increasing the investment, employment, and profitability of enterprises in the following three areas:
- Improving access to and raising the quality of business services for entrepreneurs through the business-to-business web-based portal "Business Navigator";
- Supporting investment by improving promotion and facilitation of foreign direct investment and improved investment climate; and
- Improving the availability of credit to small and medium sized businesses through Local Guarantee Funds.
USAID is the primary assistance organization of the United States Government. Since 1992, the United States has provided over $407 million to Croatia (much of it through USAID programs) to strengthen democratic institutions and assist in postwar reconstruction and the return of refugees, to support de-mining and economic development, and to provide educational and training opportunities. The U.S. has also provided guidance and support to the Croatian judicial and military sectors to further Croatia's integration in Euro-Atlantic institutions.