Commerce Secretary’s Visit to Croatia Boosts Trade, Investment Ties

02 May 2025 CW Team

In his meeting with Mr. Zdenko Lucić, discussions focused on advancing the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and deepening bilateral trade relations. Shri Barthwal noted the historic visit of the EU President and 27 Commissioners to India—the first of its kind outside the European continent—highlighting renewed momentum in EU-India ties.

Key areas identified for collaboration included railways, global capability centres, electric vehicles, information technology, and defence manufacturing. The Croatian delegation expressed interest in investments in India’s defence sector, solar cell production, food processing technologies, automobile components, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

In a separate meeting with Mr. Ivo Milatić, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy, both sides explored ways to enhance investment flows and foster cooperation across strategic sectors. Areas of discussion included healthcare, education, tourism, entertainment (with reference to the WAVES summit), logistics, supply chains, pharmaceuticals, digital technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

The leaders also exchanged views on revitalising the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, which is due for its third session. They discussed the need for more frequent meetings and deeper engagement between Indian and Croatian businesses to accelerate progress.

Shri Barthwal participated in a business interaction event titled “Exploring Economic Cooperation Opportunities between India and Croatia”, hosted by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE). The event brought together leading Croatian industry associations and business leaders, offering a platform to explore trade facilitation, investment opportunities, and collaborative ventures.

The visit reinforced India’s commitment to building stronger economic partnerships within Central Europe and expanded the scope of commercial collaboration with Croatia. The high-level discussions, business engagements, and institutional dialogue underscored a shared commitment to enhancing trade, investment, and innovation-led cooperation between the two countries.

Commerce Secretary Shri Sunil Barthwal, Government of India, visited the Republic of Croatia from 22–23 April 2025 to strengthen bilateral trade, investment, and sectoral cooperation. During his visit, he held high-level meetings with Mr. Zdenko Lucić, State Secretary for Foreign Trade and Development (Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs), and Mr. Ivo Milatić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy.In his meeting with Mr. Zdenko Lucić, discussions focused on advancing the EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and deepening bilateral trade relations. Shri Barthwal noted the historic visit of the EU President and 27 Commissioners to India—the first of its kind outside the European continent—highlighting renewed momentum in EU-India ties.Key areas identified for collaboration included railways, global capability centres, electric vehicles, information technology, and defence manufacturing. The Croatian delegation expressed interest in investments in India’s defence sector, solar cell production, food processing technologies, automobile components, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.In a separate meeting with Mr. Ivo Milatić, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy, both sides explored ways to enhance investment flows and foster cooperation across strategic sectors. Areas of discussion included healthcare, education, tourism, entertainment (with reference to the WAVES summit), logistics, supply chains, pharmaceuticals, digital technology, renewable energy, and manufacturing.The leaders also exchanged views on revitalising the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, which is due for its third session. They discussed the need for more frequent meetings and deeper engagement between Indian and Croatian businesses to accelerate progress.Shri Barthwal participated in a business interaction event titled “Exploring Economic Cooperation Opportunities between India and Croatia”, hosted by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (CCE). The event brought together leading Croatian industry associations and business leaders, offering a platform to explore trade facilitation, investment opportunities, and collaborative ventures.The visit reinforced India’s commitment to building stronger economic partnerships within Central Europe and expanded the scope of commercial collaboration with Croatia. The high-level discussions, business engagements, and institutional dialogue underscored a shared commitment to enhancing trade, investment, and innovation-led cooperation between the two countries.

Infrastructure Urban

29 Oct 2025

Designing Tomorrow: Amaravati’s Net Zero Landmark

Amaravati has achieved a defining landmark in India’s sustainable infrastructure journey with the inauguration of the APCRDA Project Office, the nation’s first government building to earn the IGBC Net Zero Energy Rating – Design Stage. Conceptualised by the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) and certified by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), the project exemplifies how governance, design and innovation can converge to deliver measurable environmental impact.A vision rooted in sustainabilitySet within a 4.3-acre site along the Seed Access Road in the Amar..

Real Estate

29 Oct 2025

Pidilite Elevates Construction with PPS

Pidilite Industries introduced Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS) — a dedicated vertical for the construction and interiors ecosystem — at ACETECH Bengaluru 2025. Designed to empower architects, developers, contractors, and interior specialists, PPS delivers comprehensive support that extends far beyond products to ensure project excellence from concept to completion. Kavinder Singh, Joint Managing Director, Pidilite Industries, noted, “At Pidilite, we believe in enabling the construction fraternity to build boldly and sustainably. With Pidilite Professional Solutions (PPS),..

Infrastructure Transport

29 Oct 2025

Punjab, Centre Fast-Track Rajpura-Mohali Rail Line Development

The central government has fast-tracked the construction of the Rajpura-Mohali rail line to enhance connectivity in Punjab. This ambitious infrastructure project, aimed at improving transportation links between Rajpura and Mohali, has been identified as a key step in fostering regional economic growth. Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced the project’s acceleration during a recent assessment of the area. The rail line is expected to play a significant role in reducing travel time, promoting industrial growth, and boosting logistics efficiency in the region. The project,..