More than one million people of Croatian descent live in the United States, forming a community whose professional expertise, business connections and investment potential could play a greater role in Croatia’s development.
Nikola Meteš, president of the Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP), discussed these opportunities in an interview with HRT’s Glas Hrvatske, emphasizing the importance of stronger cooperation between Croatian Americans and institutions in their ancestral homeland.
The Croatian American community includes entrepreneurs, doctors, scientists, lawyers and technology professionals, many of whom maintain strong connections with Croatia.
Connecting Croatian Americans With New Opportunities
Over the past decade, ACAP has grown from an initiative established in California into a professional network connecting thousands of people with Croatian heritage.
The organization supports professional networking, knowledge sharing and cooperation between businesses, academic institutions and individuals in Croatia and the United States.
Meteš also highlighted growing interest among younger Croatian Americans, including second-, third- and fourth-generation descendants of Croatian immigrants.
Although some do not speak Croatian, many want to reconnect with their family’s homeland through education, employment, investment and business opportunities.
For some, Croatia is becoming a potential destination for professional development or relocation rather than simply a place to visit during holidays.
ACAP Plans to Expand Its US Network
According to Meteš, the Croatian diaspora can contribute more than financial investment.
Professionals with experience in the United States can help Croatian businesses establish international partnerships, access the American market and connect with potential investors.
Their knowledge and professional networks could also support cooperation in healthcare, science, education and technology.
Croatian American organizations have also participated in efforts related to a bilateral agreement between Croatia and the United States aimed at preventing double taxation.
As ACAP enters its second decade, the association aims to reach 10,000 members in the United States and strengthen cooperation with Croatia’s public and private sectors.
Meteš sees the Croatian American community as a potential long-term partner in Croatia’s economic and professional development, particularly as younger generations seek closer ties with their heritage.
