Burai Global Chief on Croats Returning From Abroad: 'People Want to Come Back, but Something Stops Them'

John Gašparac arrived in Croatia from Vancouver in 1997 for a business assignment expected to last two and a half years. Nearly three decades later, he calls Croatia home.

In a new episode of the Cronnect podcast, Gašparac describes growing up in Canada, returning to Croatia, and choosing to remain there. He also reflects on how much the country has changed since the late 1990s, when its economy was only beginning to open to international markets.

Gašparac helped establish Price Waterhouse in Croatia and spent almost three decades at PwC, following the development of the domestic business environment from close range. He later served as chairman of PwC Croatia and worked at the Southeast European level. He now leads Burai Global, with a career focused on international business and new technologies.

The conversation presents Croatia as more competitive and open to business than it was when he arrived, while also pointing to obstacles that still hinder stronger investment. Gašparac discusses whether the country can build more practical ties with its diaspora through cooperation, investment, and access to new markets.

He emphasizes that the diaspora's value extends beyond money. Knowledge gained in major global markets, business relationships, international networks, and different business practices can also benefit Croatia's economy. Gašparac, who is active in the Association of Croatian American Professionals and has taken part in Meeting G2 conferences, also addresses young Croats of the second and third generations who are considering returning or investing in Croatia.