Croatia has enormous potential in America: Nikola Meteš reveals how to leverage it

More than a million people of Croatian descent live in the United States, and Croatia has still not sufficiently utilized their economic potential. At the same time, an increasing number of young Americans with Croatian roots want to study, do business, and even live in the homeland of their ancestors. The president of the Association of Croatian-American Professionals (ACAP), Nikola Meteš, reveals how to turn the knowledge, capital, and experience of the Croatian diaspora into a development opportunity for Croatia.

From a small initiative started in California to an international network connecting thousands of Croatian-American professionals, ACAP has grown over ten years into an important platform for linking the Croatian diaspora with the homeland.

ACAP President Nikola Meteš spoke about past achievements, the untapped potential of Croatian emigrants, and future plans for the show "Globalna Hrvatska" (Global Croatia). Vladimir Brnardić, the editor of the Department for Croats Outside the Republic of Croatia, interviewed him in Seattle.

A million Croats in America – potential Croatia has yet to leverage

Meteš believes that Croatia is still not sufficiently utilizing the knowledge, business contacts, and capital of its emigrants.

"There are more than a million people of Croatian descent in America. Many have achieved exceptional business success, yet they continue to nurture a love for their Croatian identity and want to contribute to the homeland," Meteš pointed out.

This is precisely why ACAP strives to connect successful Croatian professionals with people, institutions, and companies that can benefit from their knowledge and experience.

Among the major initiatives, he highlighted the engagement surrounding the double taxation avoidance treaty between Croatia and the US, as well as cooperation in health tourism, science, law, and other fields.

"People who didn't know each other before are now working together on various initiatives. ACAP connected them," he emphasized.

Young generations are rediscovering Croatia

Particularly encouraging is the growing interest of the second, third, and even fourth and fifth generations of Croatian emigrants in the land of their ancestors.

According to Meteš, young people increasingly recognize Croatia as a place to study, start a business, and live.

"Today, Croatia has more study programs in English, a better entrepreneurial climate, and numerous opportunities that attract younger generations," he explained.

Through its programs, including the Domovina (Homeland) Task Force, ACAP aims to bring Croatian heritage closer to young people and open up opportunities for a stronger connection with the homeland.

In doing so, Meteš points to the examples of the Irish and Italians, who have managed to preserve strong ties with their home countries across numerous generations.

Knowledge from America for a stronger Croatia

One of ACAP's key goals is to enable the experience of successful Croatian professionals from around the world to find concrete applications in the Croatian economy.

Meteš emphasizes that cooperation must be mutual – the diaspora preserves and learns about identity and heritage from Croatia, while it can offer the homeland valuable international experience, knowledge, and business contacts.

He also views the increasingly strong cooperation with Croatian state institutions positively, as well as the growing interest in programs intended for the diaspora.

ACAP aims to gather 10,000 members and connect Croats worldwide

After its first decade of operation, ACAP is setting even more ambitious goals. Meteš notes that the organization wants to continue expanding its membership, with one of the goals being to reach 10,000 members in the United States.

At the same time, plans include strengthening the international network, connecting with partner organizations, and fostering tighter cooperation with both the private and public sectors.

"The first ten years were about ensuring the idea survived. Now we want strong growth and even better connectivity among Croats worldwide," Meteš said.

His message is clear: no matter where they live and how many generations removed they are from the homeland, Croats need to stay connected. It is precisely in this connectivity that ACAP sees an opportunity for a stronger Croatia and future generations.