Croatia's Sustainable Growth and Innovation on Display at EXPO 2025

Strategic Insights -

Croatia has made significant strides in balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility, with Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic highlighting the country's achievements in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. At EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Croatia showcased its commitment to innovation, economy, and sustainability under the theme "Croatia - Climate Diversity." The Croatian pavilion featured an innovative installation that allowed visitors to experience the temperature in 43 locations across Croatia in real-time, emphasizing the importance of tangible experiences in understanding climate change.

Key Takeaways:

  • Croatia ranked 8th globally in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating its commitment to balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility.
  • The country achieved a 3.9% GDP growth last year while simultaneously reducing its ecological footprint.
  • The Croatian pavilion at EXPO 2025 featured an innovative installation powered by over 15 kilometers of piping and 13,000 connections linked to meteorological stations across the country.
  • The installation enabled visitors to experience the temperature in 43 locations across Croatia in real-time, providing a tangible representation of climate change.
  • Croatia has more than 20 Japanese companies operating in the country, with trade between Croatia and Japan recording growth in the first six months of 2025.
  • Prime Minister Plenkovic emphasized the importance of investment in new green technologies to protect natural resources and ensure sustainable economic growth.
  • Croatia and Japan will strengthen their partnership and mutual investments, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
  • The Japan-Croatia Economic Forum brought together around 200 Croatian and Japanese business leaders and institutions, highlighting the countries' growing economic ties.
  • The Croatian and Japanese football associations signed a cooperation agreement in Tokyo, and a similar agreement was signed between the two countries' Olympic committees during EXPO 2025.

Statistics:

  • Croatia ranked 8th out of 193 countries globally in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • The country achieved a 3.9% GDP growth last year.
  • The Croatian pavilion at EXPO 2025 featured an installation powered by over 15 kilometers of piping and 13,000 connections.
  • Croatia has more than 20 Japanese companies operating in the country.
  • Trade between Croatia and Japan recorded growth in the first six months of 2025.

Sources:

  • Hina, "Croatia is Growing Economically While Reducing its Ecological Footprint, Prime Minister says."