The sale of the 3. Maj and Uljanak shipyards could mark a pivotal turning point for Croatian shipbuilding, according to the Minister for Economy, Ante Šušnj, who spoke during an interview on HTV’s Dnevnik.
The minister highlighted that Croatian shipbuilding had long represented a significant burden on the state budget. This burden, he said, had continuously strained public finances and required constant state intervention.
The sale of the two shipyards is therefore seen as a move that could change the way the state relates to the sector. Rather than permanent subsidies, the sale could pave the way for the shipyards to operate on a market basis.
The minister spoke about the sale in the context of the Dnevnik interview, emphasising its importance for the future of Croatian shipbuilding. The turning point, he described, lies in the possibility that shipbuilding can cease to be viewed solely through the lens of budgetary burden.
The minister for economy thereby confirmed that the sale of 3. Maj and Uljanak is a topic high on the list of economic priorities. His appearance in the central news programme on HTV further indicates the attention the government is paying to the issue.
Croatian shipbuilding is thus at a crossroads, with the decision potentially determining its future direction. Whether the sale will indeed represent a turning point will depend on the subsequent steps taken in the implementation of the process.
