ZAGREB, April 17 (Hina) - Croatia is heading in the right direction - a series of free trade agreements have been signed, the country has advanced satisfactorily in drawing closer to the European Union, the fiscal deficit has been
decreased, the kuna is stable, and the central bank has been implementing the monetary policy in a competent manner - however, all these positive measures are too slow for the business world.
ZAGREB, April 17 (Hina) - Croatia is heading in the right direction
- a series of free trade agreements have been signed, the country
has advanced satisfactorily in drawing closer to the European
Union, the fiscal deficit has been decreased, the kuna is stable,
and the central bank has been implementing the monetary policy in a
competent manner - however, all these positive measures are too
slow for the business world. #L#
This is the conclusion of a two-day Fourth round table of economists
and Croatian government officials, organised by Economist
Conferences, the regional director of the Economist Corporate
Network, Nenad Pacek, told a press conference on Wednesday.
The round table attracted around 150 participants with an equal
number of representatives of international companies,
organisations and institutions and Croatian economists.
However, Pacek said, it was a little disappointing that large
foreign investors, who were the usual guests at similar conferences
in other countries, did not participate or demonstrate an interest
in new investments in Croatia.
Nevertheless, Pacek believes that the interest and support shown by
the Croatian government, particularly Prime Minister Ivica Racan,
is encouraging because it shows that direct talks with businessmen
could help the government's work.
(hina) sp sb