In Livno, the second work-information meeting was held with representatives of the diaspora and Livno communities around the world. Since the first meeting held at the end of July 2022, visible progress has been made in cooperation on the economic level, and a coordinator for work with the diaspora has been appointed.
It is assumed that at least one more Livno lives in the countries of Western Europe, including those across the ocean. However, this economic potential has not been sufficiently utilized.
“Our able, successful, educated, competent people are the greatest resource of our region, what we as the City Administration want to do in the future – to be open to all their ideas, to be their support and, of course, to have a bilateral relationship of cooperation, we are all together in this project”, said Darko Čondrić, mayor of Livno.
Livno communities throughout Europe and the world also play a big role, and since last year’s meeting, visible progress has been made.
“There are certain interests of the Swiss in coming here, and also of our businessmen who will try to come to the Swiss market. We are expecting a large corporation that will come to check one of the strongest products – Livno cheese, which will be presented for sale in the most luxurious department store in Switzerland”, said Jozo Dalić, representative of the Livo community in Switzerland and member of the Council of the Government of the Republic of Croatia for Croats outside the Republic of Croatia.
Examples of good foreign investment practice were also presented, including a returnee from Germany.
“We deal with industrial assembly, steel structures and pipes, pipeline systems. At the moment, we have about 40 employees at the Livonian application and 40 in Germany,” emphasized Dalibor Vrdoljak, director of proton assembly Wobke d.o.o.
New opportunities also open up in cooperation with USAID, since Livno entered the “Diaspora Invest” project.
“On USAID’s side, it is important to bring mentors, expert agents, to think about how we can animate people from the diaspora who have already shown an interest in connecting with their local community,” said Nedim Jahić, USAID’s representative for the Diaspora project.
The participants of the meeting were presented with investment opportunities in Livno, the capacities and equipment of four economic zones, the diaspora register was established, and it was emphasized that tourism was mapped for the first time as an activity that can contribute to the economic development of the town.
