Executive Director Alenka Jajac-Knez took part in the 43rd meeting of the Lider Exporters Club, held on 14 April 2026 at the Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia.
This initiative brings together leading Croatian export companies and their executives with the aim of strengthening competitiveness, sharing experience and fostering dialogue on key economic issues. Through regular meetings, members jointly address the challenges of export business and propose solutions for further growth in international markets.
The meeting was opened by Lider Editor-in-Chief Miodrag Šajatović, who welcomed representatives of member companies and noted that the Office of the President was a particularly fitting venue for this year’s gathering, as exporters are especially interested at this moment in hearing the views of President Zoran Milanović on the state of Croatian exports.
The President emphasised that the true driver of growth can only be competitive, technology-based exports. He noted that Croatia still produces and exports too little and, despite the growth in absolute figures since joining the EU, remains overly dependent on tourism as its only strongly developed sector. He also stated that he would use his position to help open doors for Croatian exporters: “I will do everything in my power, as someone who formally represents Croatia in the world, to support, promote and open doors for Croatian goods, services and knowledge,” said President Milanović.
Participants agreed that, despite significant potential, Croatian exports continue to face key challenges – primarily rising energy costs, which are around 18 per cent higher for Croatian companies than the EU average, as well as a low share of high value-added products and dependence on a limited number of markets.
The conclusion was that investment in technology, product development and expansion into new markets is a necessary next step in strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Croatian exports.
For JGL, which has been building a strong presence in international markets for years, such meetings provide an opportunity to exchange concrete experiences and contribute to discussions that shape the direction of the Croatian economy.