Labour minister warns about bleak demographic future for Croatia

ROVINJ, Oct 13 (Hina) - Labour and Pension System Minister Mirando Mrsic on Saturday called for the creation of a socially responsible society in Croatia in which the worker would not be perceived as the goods and which would promote the know-how, work and social solidarity.

"Currently, Croatia has some 3.5 million people of working age, however, demographists project a bleak future in 2050 with the decline of working-age population in Croatia to two millions by then," the minister said in Rovinj at the three-day international conference called "Innovative Health Initiative", which started on Friday.

In order to go forward, Croatia must have two million people employed and therefore investments are crucial, he said at the discussion on demographic shock management.

The number of employed people in Croatia in August was 1,404,612, or 0.5% fewer than in July, according to preliminary figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics in late September. At the end of September there were 311,100 jobless persons registered with the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) which is 3.2 percent or 9,517 people more than in August and 9.7 percent or 27,433 more people out of work compared to September last year.

"Croatia still does not have a strategy for directions of the country's development. Some pollution-prone industries will no longer be possible in Croatia," Mrsic said adding that Croatia would have to focus on small and medium-sized enterprises and on the European market.