Opening the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Damir Polancec underlined that Croatia's economic environment was improving and that exports were constantly growing.
He said that in March-June this year, industrial output went up five per cent, tourist arrivals 5.3 per cent, and that inflation was 2.9 per cent, which he added indicated Croatia was on the way to creating a stable and quality economic environment.
Polancec said the HBOR was important for the implementation of the government's economic strategy because it financed and insured exports, and cooperated with export banks and agencies in opening new markets for Croatian business people.
Board chairman Anton Kovacev said that in 2004 the HBOR approved 4.5 times more funds than in 2003, granting a total of 3.2 billion kuna in loans and insuring 600 million kuna worth of exports.
During today's conference the HBOR signed a cooperation agreement with Russia's Vnesheconombank and EXIM bank as well as a EUR25 million agreement with the former bank.
With the second agreement the HBOR opened a new credit line to provide the best conditions possible for Croatian exporters interested in the Russian market.
Vnesheconombank board chairman Vladimir Dmitriyev was received by Croatian President Stjepan Mesic, Mesic's office said in a press release.
(EUR1 = 7.4 kuna)