The project envisages the modernisation, restructuring and privatisation of the Rijeka port by 2009. About 100 million of the loan will be used to renovate and build roads leading to the port, while about 50 million will be used for the port itself.
One of the problems in the implementation of the project is obtaining construction permits, port authority head Bojan Hlaca told the press.
The head of the project, Michel Audige, said the Rijeka Gateway was a complex but successful project aimed at establishing long term cooperation between the public, state, and public sectors, as well as at providing for future investment.
Earlier today, the World Bank representatives visited the southern Adriatic port of Ploce. Audige said the bank was willing to consider investing in the port and that both Croatia and nearby Bosnia-Herzegovina were interested in the port. Investment in Ploce would increase turnover and integrate trade and transport, he added.