MESIC ATTENDS SHANGHAI CHINESE-CROATIAN BUSINESSMEN FORUM

SHANGHAI, May 14 (Hina) - Croatian President Stjepan Mesic took part in the Chinese-Croatian Businessmen Forum in Shanghai on Tuesday, the second day of his trip to China. #L# Croatia and China are looking for their place in their regions as well as on the globalised world market, said Mesic. Both countries are looking for adequate solutions in reforming their economies and developing democracy, he added. China has "become a key factor of balance and stability in the globalised economy of the modern world," said Mesic. He added China was one of the few Asian economies which successfully evaded the 1997 and 1998 financial cries, managing to achieve a high growth rate through its own economic policy. "China's experience is very instructive for us," said Mesic. He added trade was low although possible in tourism, shipbuilding, the chemical, petrochemical and oil industries, agriculture and food processing. China could benefit from Croatia's geographical position as a doorway to the European Union market, said Mesic, voicing hope the businessmen forum would help intensify economic cooperation and define concrete cooperation between Croatian and Chinese companies. Mesic said the two countries' businessmen would get a new chance to make deals at the Zagreb autumn fair, at which China will be the partner country. The vice president of the Shanghai International Chamber of Commerce, Zhang Peiping, spoke about Shanghai's fast development into China's biggest economic centre. He voiced hope Mesic's visit would advance Croatian-Chinese economic cooperation. Attending the Chinese-Croatian Businessmen Forum, besides representatives of Shanghai's major companies, are representatives of Croatia's INA, Crosco, the Zagreb Airport, the Rijeka Port, Generalturist, the Zagreb Trade Fair, Inker, Koncar, Podravka, Bilokalnik, and Riz. Earlier today, Mesic visited Pudong, Shanghai's economic, trade and financial centre. He said after the visit that Croatia should institute free zones, learning from China's experience. Croatia has the sea and underused market possibilities, he said. Mesic also visited the 88-storey Jinmao, Shanghai's highest building. On Wednesday, Mesic and the Croatian delegation are going to Xi- an. (hina) ha