The Croatian Chamber of Commerce is continuing its promotion of the Croatian economy through its innovative and multi-awarded Be CROative exhibition which was recently promoted in Australia. After a series of the exhibition abroad the promotion of Croatia’s quality products (classified with the “Izvorno hrvatsko” and “Hrvatska kvaliteta”) signs as well as world recognised inventions by Croatians and Croatia as a land of innovative and creative people, the exhibition was held in Sydney from 16 to 19 April in Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal.
The exhibition was officially opened on 16 April by NSW Governor Marie Bashir. After the official opening a special promotion of Croatian gastronomic delights (“Okusi Hrvatsku – Taste Croatia”) were served up in Sydney’s renowned “Wildfire” restaurant. On that occasion Rene Bakalovic presented Croatia as a land of exquisite foods and restaurants and a country with the best olive oil in the world. Guests were able to hear about Croatia’s wineries and olive oil fields and of course guests were given an opportunity to taste some exquisite wines, liqueurs and rakija added to cheese, olives and olive oil and of course sweets.
After being shown in Europe, Northern and Southern America, Australia was put on the list of countries with potential markets for Croatian quality products not only because of the numerous Croatian expatriate community of about 250.000 who showed exceptional interest to help promote Croatia and its economy but also because Croatia has marked a surplus in goods exchange with Australia since 2005.
The Be CROative project by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce was presented in Sydney at a stall covering 170 square metres of exhibition space on two squares representing Croatia’s recognisable squares from its coat of arms. The multi-media exhibition of Croatian products was designed on the principle of “watch, listen, feel” that enchanted Croatia in its best edition to the Australian audience. Glass cabinets exhibited numerous Croatian products worthy of carrying the "Izvorno hrvatsko" and "Hrvatska kvaliteta" trade marks as were Croatian inventions while a video wall presented the typical sound of the Croatian sea, seagulls, crickets and Dalmatian kampanele.
The Chamber of Commerce presented 41 Croatian products including Podravka’s Vegeta, Pliva’ Sumamed, Badel’s šljivovica, Kraš’ Bajadera, Paprenjak – a traditional Croatian cookie, Amareno fruit cordial and Maraschino from Maraska, Pag lace and Pag cheese, etc. Visitors had an opportunity to learn about numerous inventions that originated in Croatia: Penkalo’s lead pencil, Vučetić’s dactyloscopy, Vrančić’s parachute, Lupis’ torpedo, Tesla’s exchangeable electricity and numerous others. 208 products have been granted the “Hrvatska kvaliteta” trade marks 104 carry the mark “Izvorno hrvatsko” and were presented in commercial productions that were screened throughout the exhibition on a large plasma video screen.
The exhibition has already been presented in Germany, Portugal, Belgium, France, USA, Italy, Argentina, Chile and Bosnia-Herzegovina.