The South Australian Government and the Government of Croatia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further strengthen cooperation between the two Governments.
The MoU was signed at a meeting between the Premier of South Australia, Hon Peter Malinauskas MP and the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, His Excellency Dr Gordan Grlić-Radman.
Australia and Croatia have enjoyed friendly relations since the European nation was officially recognised on 15 January 1992. Croatia is a member of the European Union and NATO and is in the process of accession to the 38-member OECD.
South Australia has a large Croatian community which has been prominent in manufacturing and building industries, in the fishing and processing industries of Port Lincoln, in forestry in Mt Gambier, and in fruit growing in the Riverland.
Croatian South Australians have also had considerable success as opal miners at Coober Pedy and Andamooka.
South Australia is very keen to expand economic trade and investment ties with Croatia. The MoU will open opportunities to collaborate in areas such as tourism, education, renewable energy, hydrogen, defence, maritime and fisheries, viticulture, information technology, arts, culture and sport.
Like South Australia, Croatia has an ambition to use green hydrogen in decarbonising its industry. In 2022, the country adopted a national strategy that sets out a vision for the development, research, production, infrastructure and deployment of hydrogen technology.
Despite over 15,000km separating Croatia and South Australia this MoU will advance cooperation between our institutions, our people and businesses.
This historic agreement marks the start of a new chapter between South Australia and Croatia.
We have an opportunity to share knowledge and learn from each other through this MoU, which will in turn benefit both our economies.
As put by Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas
Today marks the start of a new relationship that builds on our cultural connections and strengthens cooperation to grow our economies into the future.
I am grateful to Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman for visiting South Australia and agreeing to work together on opportunities to strengthen commercial and other links.
This MOU provides the basis to enhance investment and economic opportunities, academic and research cooperation and exchange knowledge and expertise in various fields including renewable energy, maritime, fisheries, arts, culture, sport and viticulture.
As put by the Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, His Excellency Gordan Grlić-Radman
Croatia and South Australia share a special bond, one built on common values and enhanced by the vibrant, hardworking and successful Croatian community in South Australia.
We are building on a solid foundation of economic cooperation stemming from one of the largest Australian investments in Croatia originating from Adelaide, as well as fishing expertise and technology coming from Port Lincoln.
This Memorandum of Understanding will also be an opportunity for South Australia to advance cooperation with a member state of the European Union and NATO. I am grateful to Premier Malinauskas who has a tremendous understanding of the role and the importance of international engagement and particularly with Europe, given his own heritage.
Croatia welcomes the opportunity to advance cooperation in the important industries and areas that the Premier has highlighted and beyond, including in emerging technologies
