Some type or form of the economic diplomacy has been present since the very beginning of organizing society in communities. In the past, these were empires, kingdoms and city-states, which negotiated with each other and created alliances, often through contracts and marriages. Globalization, liberalization of trade and strengthening of trade are the processes that enabled the development of modern economic diplomacy, like it has been carried out for the last 50 years. With different economies interacting on international markets and are in constant interaction there is a need for proactive economic and political cooperation, which is necessary for the progress and development of the economy. Although there are several different definitions of economic diplomacy in the literature, they all contain a key concept: the promotion of economic interests in order to achieve the most favorable position on the domestic and foreign markets. Considering the increasing dependence and interaction of different economies, the growth of imports and exports, and rapid changes in the environment, for the growth and development of the economy and creation of competitive advantages, it is very important to participate and coordinate the activity of economic diplomacy. This is of particular importance for small, economically "weak" countries, such as Croatia. If these activities are not carried out, there is a risk of an increasing gap in development and a weakening of the position on world markets. The organizational model of economic diplomacy implemented by the state depends on its needs and capabilities. In literature, the models are classified as: unified model, partially unified, third generation model, competition model and surrender model. Selecting and identifying the most favorable model and eliminating inefficient actors and processes can accelerate the growth and progress of the national economy. And it can be crucial for achieving a favorable position on international markets. Croatian economic diplomacy played a key role in the post-war period, in transition of the Croatian economy and joining of numerous international organizations that sped up the process of recovery and development of the Croatian economy.