As part of Activity 2.1 – Empowering manufacturing SMEs with skills and resources, the Croatian project partner REGEA participated in the 33rd Zagorje Economic Fair (Zagorski gospodarski zbor), held from 11–13 September 2025 in Krapina, Croatia. This three-day international event is the largest economic gathering in Krapina-Zagorje County and a long-standing platform for business networking and knowledge exchange.
The fair brought together around 150 exhibitors from sectors such as energy, agriculture, finance, and industry, attracting approximately 1,300 visitors. It was organized jointly by Krapina-Zagorje County, the City of Krapina, the Chamber of Crafts of Krapina-Zagorje County, the Croatian Chamber of Economy – Krapina County Chamber, and Radio Kaj.
REGEA hosted an outdoor exhibition stand on the main pedestrian street, where it presented the CREDIT4CE project and its key activities to a diverse professional and public audience. On the first day alone, around 250 visitors explored the exhibition area, offering an excellent opportunity to increase project visibility, highlight its objectives, and engage directly with SMEs and stakeholders at both regional and international levels.
During the event, REGEA networked with five new companies and established cooperation with a firm specializing in the production of steam boilers, pressure vessels, and heat exchangers – a collaboration with strong potential to support decarbonization and circular economy activities within the CREDIT4CE project.
Importantly, the participation of several Slovenian companies further enhanced the cross-border dimension of the event, fostering interregional cooperation and strengthening transnational links between SMEs and stakeholders in the manufacturing and energy sectors.
Through this participation, REGEA made a significant contribution to the implementation of Activity 2.1, supporting innovation, SME development, and regional collaboration – fully aligned with the mission and long-term goals of the CREDIT4CE project.