Bangladesh has achieved remarkable economic progress since
independence, with emphasis on export-oriented industry (especially textiles
and garments), GDP per capita growth, and poverty reduction, said Nenad Črnac,
Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Croatia, in an interview with Imtiaz Ahmed of Daily
Capital Views
Regardless of Bangladesh’s internal political changes,
Croatia consistently supports stability, economic development, and stronger
trade ties with Asian partners, said Nenad Črnac
During the interview, Nenad Črnac gave a detailed views on
Croatia–Bangladesh multilateral relations highlighting trade, migration, energy
and regional cooperation
The rest part of the interview is given below:
1. Bangladesh
Nationalist Party (BNP) got two-thirds majority in the parliament election held
on February 12, 2026. Prime Minister of Bangladesh government is Tarique
Rahman. How do you see Bangladesh–Croatia multilateral relations in the coming
days?
Croatia and Bangladesh have maintained
diplomatic relations since 1997, and the opening of Bangladesh’s Honorary
Consulate in Zagreb in 2023 marked a new phase of practical cooperation.
It is encouraging that, during last week’s
UNGA in New York, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has held a bilateral
meeting with Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, which demonstrates
goodwill on both sides for developing long-term, stable cooperation. Regardless
of Bangladesh’s internal political changes, Croatia consistently supports
stability, economic development, and stronger trade ties with Asian partners. I
expect that, with continuity in foreign policy, exchanges in trade, logistics,
IT, agriculture, and education will intensify—especially through the Port of
Rijeka as a potential distribution hub for the region.
2. Bangladesh has
become a middle-income group country this year. How do you see the economic
development of Bangladesh in the last 54 years?
Bangladesh has achieved remarkable economic progress
since independence, with emphasis on export-oriented industry (especially
textiles and garments), GDP per capita growth, and poverty reduction. Attaining
middle-income status is the result of long-term reforms, a demographic
dividend, and integration into global value chains. Since my appointment and
the more active work of the consulate, much has already been done to bring the
two economies closer—not only in Croatia and Europe, but in the broader rapprochement
between Bangladesh and the European Union: the export gap, which was negligible
before my arrival, has today grown by tens of millions of euros. The idea is to
use Croatia as a gateway to facilitate the entry of Bangladeshi goods into the
European Union, and through the projects we are jointly advancing with chambers
and companies, we expect the figures to be significantly higher in the next
five years.
3. Croatia has had
major success in world soccer. How can Croatia help Bangladesh improve the
soccer game in Bangladesh?
Croatia has a proven football system—from youth
academies to top-level coaches and infrastructure—as well as experience in
organizing major competitions. Concrete steps include: exchanges of coaches and
fitness experts, summer camps for young Bangladeshi players in Croatia,
training for coaches and referees, and advisory support for developing
academies and league structures. There is also room for club cooperation,
friendly matches, and joint projects between football federations.
4. What is the
present trade volume between Bangladesh and Croatia? What is our target to
reach bilateral trade within the next five years?
According to available data, annual trade stands at
approximately: Bangladesh’s exports to Croatia US$15–20 million (mainly
garments and textiles), and Croatia’s exports to Bangladesh US$5–7 million
(chemicals, machinery, electrical equipment). Other sources cite similar orders
of magnitude (around €30 million in total), noting considerable untapped
potential. The goal over the next five years is to multiply total trade,
primarily through: increased imports of Bangladeshi garments, pharmaceuticals,
leather, and jute into Croatia and the region; and exports of Croatian food
products, chemicals, IT solutions, and services to Bangladesh, with logistical
links via the Port of Rijeka.
5. The BNP
government is working on improving the business environment in Bangladesh. What
are your observations about the business environment?
Bangladesh continues to improve its business
environment: simplifying procedures, incentives for exporters, development of
special economic zones, and expansion of digital services. As someone who
regularly speaks with Croatian entrepreneurs, I see growing interest in
Bangladesh in IT, food processing, logistics, and renewable energy. Maintaining
predictable regulation, accelerating customs processes, and ensuring
transparency will be key to attracting further foreign investment.
6. The population of Croatia is less than 4 million. Do you see the prospect of migration of skilled Bangladeshis to Croatia in the coming days?
Croatia has fewer than 4 million inhabitants and faces
demographic challenges, creating room for the immigration of skilled labor.
Several thousand Bangladeshi workers already live and work in Croatia, with
diplomatic sources estimating up to 10,000. What I see as the most realistic
prospect is the inflow of a skilled workforce—particularly in IT and other
knowledge-based sectors.
7. The European
Union, USA, and Canada have put sanctions on Russia. In retaliation, Russia has
also imposed sanctions on western countries. Do you see the impact of the
Russia–Ukraine war on the Bangladesh–Croatia business?
The war in Ukraine and reciprocal sanctions have
affected energy prices, logistics costs, and supply chains in Europe, which
Bangladesh also feels indirectly through higher import and insurance costs.
Croatia, as an EU member, has adapted its energy and logistics flows, and the
Port of Rijeka and Adriatic corridor can offer alternative routes that reduce
dependence on risky corridors. For bilateral trade, this means more flexible
contracts, diversification of supply chains, and greater use of euro payments to
mitigate currency and sanctions risks.
8. What is the
number of Bangladeshis living in Croatia and how do you evaluate their
contribution to your country?
Available information indicates that several thousand
Bangladeshis live and work in Croatia, with some estimates reaching around
10,000. They make a significant contribution to the labor market in
hospitality, construction, logistics, and manufacturing, filling labor
shortages and supporting growth in certain sectors. It is important to continue
integration measures, language education, and protection of workers’ rights to
secure their long-term contribution.
9. Croatia offers
scholarships to students of developing countries. Can your government give
scholarships to Bangladeshi students in its educational institutions?
Croatia offers scholarships to students from
developing countries through state programs and university projects, with an
increasing number of English-taught study programs. I support establishing, in
cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Education and universities, a
dedicated quota or line of scholarships for Bangladeshi students, especially in
engineering, IT, maritime studies, tourism, and agriculture. This would
strengthen Bangladesh’s human capital in the long term and create lasting
bridges between the two countries.
10. The USA–Israel imposed war on Iran and Russia–Ukraine war has caused uncertainty in the global energy market. Bangladesh has been at the risk of an energy crisis. How Bangladesh and Croatia work together in improving energy security in Bangladesh?
Global energy insecurity, driven by conflicts and
market disruptions, calls for diversification of sources and investment in
renewables. Croatia has experience in developing solar and wind power,
modernizing grids, and improving energy efficiency, which can benefit
Bangladesh through technical assistance, joint projects, and expert exchanges.
Additionally, Croatia’s port and logistics capacity can facilitate imports of
energy and equipment for Bangladesh, with potential cooperation in LNG and
storage facilities.
