Irish President Michael D Higgins told a group of business leaders in Croatia this week that the Irish economy is recovering.

Speaking at an event in Zagreb aimed at developing Ireland’s economic links with Croatia, President Higgins made his remarks on the final day of his State visit.

According to RTE President Higgins told the audience of Irish and Croatian business people that the days of Ireland's speculative economy are a thing of the Celtic Tiger past.

Instead the country is focusing on its sustainable and traditional businesses such as agriculture, tourism and services, he said.

Only $66 million a year is traded between Ireland and Croatia currently, but tourism and education are seen as potential growth areas between the two countries, especially after Croatia becomes part of the EU at the beginning of next month.

President Higgins is scheduled to stay in the country until Sunday. He will reportedly spend the next two days in the northern coastal area.