Petar Šimić, a panelist at the Vukovar Business Forum – Meeting G2.12 conference, speaking on the topic of energy security in Croatia and the region.

Born on April 7, 1964, Petar Šimić has built his professional career through the economy, entrepreneurship, and public engagement. Following his work at the companies DILJ Vinkovci and Jurograd Vinkovci, he has been managing the company Grad-export d.o.o. since 1992, where he serves as owner and managing director. Over more than three decades of business, he has built a reputation as a successful entrepreneur and businessman who actively contributes to the development of eastern Croatia.

He focused his education on the fields of the wood industry and agriculture. He completed the Woodworking School in Vinkovci, earning a degree as an engineer of final wood processing, and later graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture in Pozega, majoring in Family Farming.

Alongside his business career, Petar Šimić is also known for his strong social and political engagement. He is a volunteer of the Croatian War of Independence and a recipient of the Homeland War Memorial Medal. He served as a special advisor to the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Crafts, as well as the Minister of Labor and the Pension System, in the period from 2016 to 2017.

He has actively participated in the political and social life of Vinkovci and Croatia – he is one of the founders of the HDZ for the former municipality of Vinkovci, a member of the city and county committees of the HDZ, and a member of the party’s presidency. He served as a member of the City Government of the City of Vinkovci and was a member of the Vinkovci City Council for three terms. Today, he is also the president of the HDZ National Community of Entrepreneurs and Craftsmen.

He also shares his wealth of experience with the academic community as a guest lecturer at the Faculty of Economics in Osijek, within the graduate program in Entrepreneurship.

By participating in the “Energy Security of Croatia and the Region” panel, Petar Šimić brings a valuable perspective of a businessman who, through years of experience, understands the importance of a stable energy system for the development of entrepreneurship, industry, and the regional economy. His experience in the real sector, public policies, and strategic economic development planning will further enrich the discussion on the key energy challenges facing Croatia and the region.