To improve economic ties between UK and Croatian marine industry companies, representatives of seven Croatian companies, representing special vessels shipyards from all along the Croatian Coast, the Hrvatski Brodarski Institut (Croatian Institute of advanced technologies) and distributors of maritime equipment attended the Seawork Commercial Marine and Workboat Exhibition and Conference in Southampton in mid-June, where they met with British partners.

The UKTI-sponsored visit to the Seawork Exhibition allowed the Croatian group to get insight into the latest innovations and developments in the commercial vessels industry. It was also a great opportunity to meet respected UK companies, and to make useful contacts with potential partners. This trip will benefit the Croatian marine industry in the future.

Initial feedback from the Croatian participants has been positive. They were impressed with what they had seen in Southampton and are interested in more such opportunities. Cooperation between a UK-based and a Croatian-based company is already underway. The other companies that have not yet started cooperative efforts with UK companies are just as grateful to the UKTI team.

UKTI is the British Government organisation that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy and assists overseas companies to bring their high-quality investment to the UK.

The Croatian mission was accompanied by Tamara Elvedji Jerman of the British Embassy’s UKTI team.