The EBRD has so far invested 1.3 billion euros in Croatia in the form of loans to the public and private sectors, as well as in the form of investments in private companies.
Lemierre said that relations between the EBRD and the Croatian government were good, voicing satisfaction with Croatia's progress and the EBRD's readiness to support all future activities that will help the country join the EU, the statement said.
The EBRD will particularly support infrastructure projects of local self-government bodies, notably those which it will be possible to co-finance with EU pre-accession funds, and try to increase investments in private companies to boost their exports and help them expand their business in the region, it was said at the meeting.
The EBRD will also continue supporting priority public projects such as the completion of the Rijeka-Zagreb highway, the construction of a ring-road bypassing the northern port of Rijeka, and the modernisation of the southern port of Ploce. Agreements on the three projects are expected to be signed in 2006.
Lemierre confirmed that the loan for the completion of the Rijeka-Zagreb highway will be granted, for the first time ever for Croatia, for a repayment period of 25 years (instead of 15 years as was the case so far), which is a significant improvement of financial conditions, the statement said.