Slovenian-Croatian Business Conference Investments in Construction 2025

On March 25, 2025, the Slovenian-Croatian business conference “Investments in Construction 2025” was held at the Ambasador Hotel in Opatija. The opening speeches were delivered by Mrs. Alenka Bratušek, Minister of Infrastructure of the Republic of Slovenia and Mr. Oleg Butković, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure. The conference was also attended by the Executive Director of the Port of Rijeka Authority, Mr. Denis Vukorepa, and the President of the Management Board of the Port of Koper, Mrs. Nevenka Kržan. In a full hall of investors and representatives of Slovenian and Croatian construction companies, a wide range of various challenges in construction was discussed, from the lack of professional workforce to operational workers. During the conference, the Executive Director of the Port of Rijeka Authority, Mr. Denis Vukorepa, presented the strong investment cycle of the Port of Rijeka Authority worth EUR 151.9 million, intended for the implementation of nine large infrastructure projects. As much as 85% of grants from the EU CEF program have been provided for these projects, which are directly related to the challenges of the construction sector, including operational and financial aspects. During the conference, the possibilities of reconstruction of the Rijeka-Pivka railway line were also discussed, as well as the issue of building a highway from the Slovenian side to Rupa, Croatia. The addressed topics play a significant role in the further development and progress of the Rijeka traffic route.