Ambassador Harrington interview with Jutarni List
On 5 January Ambassador Harrington was interviewed by Jutarni list (“The Morning Newspaper”) one of the leading Croatian national newspapers.
Ambassador Harrington spoke about setting up the Embassy of Ireland to the Republic of Croatia (the Embassy was formally opened on St Patrick’s Day, 17 March, 2015). The Embassy is here to support Irish citizens, visiting, resident or doing business here in Croatia. We are also here to assist Croatians visiting Ireland, whether as visitors, business people, students or working. The Embassy will also work with Croatia in Europe.
Ambassador Harrington emphasised the potential for greater economic links between Ireland and Croatia. He told the interviewer that the Irish economy is growing very strongly (growth reached 7% of GDP in 2015). Ireland is home to many leading ICT, Internet and pharmaceutical companies. The Ambassador also told Jutarni List that the Embassy is working with IDA Ireland (the state agency that assists companies interested in investing in Ireland) to help Croatian companies who wish to establish a presence in Ireland.
The Ambassador emphasised the importance of connecting people, in this context he noted the growing Croatian diaspora in Ireland.
Ambassador Harrington noted that 2016 was a very important year for Ireland - the anniversary of the Easter Rising of 1916 – a seminal moment in Ireland’s journey to independence.
On a personal note, the Ambassador Harrington commented on how much he and his family enjoyed living in Croatia and exploring the country and seeing all that it had to offer in terms of culture and great natural beauty.