Over the past weekend (October 3–5, 2025), the MBF – International Networking B2B Event – was held in Rovinj, once again confirming its status as one of the most important and best-organized business events in the region. Excellent organization, high-quality panels, and inspiring participants enabled constructive discussions and new business connections.

Numerous participants and media outlets shared similar impressions about the great atmosphere and high level of organization, which can also be read here: https://shorturl.at/KPb5J.

It was a great honor for our Alan to be invited to and take part in this exceptional event, whose environment encouraged open dialogue on key topics of economic development and investment in the region.

During the panel on the investment market, Alan Leo Pleština emphasized that Croatia has a number of high-quality development strategies, but their implementation often encounters obstacles due to a lack of knowledge, coordination, and determination.

“When there is no knowledge, fear arises — and fear is the biggest brake on development,” Pleština highlighted, adding that this very fear—of capital, responsibility, and change—often leads the administration to block projects that could bring real progress.

He specifically addressed tourism, noting that high-quality resorts do not destroy the coastline but rather raise the destination’s standards, create new jobs, and encourage small private renters to improve their offers. Such projects contribute to sustainable development, unlike unplanned apartment construction.

“It’s time we learn to distinguish between apartmentization and development,” he said, also commenting on the ban on property subdivision, which he believes should be reconsidered in the context of encouraging responsible investments — as instead of preventing overconstruction, it stifles sustainable projects and discourages serious investors.

His presentation highlighted the importance of better cooperation between the public and private sectors and the need to entrust development to knowledgeable, visionary individuals who are willing to take responsibility.