ZAGREB, May 14 (Hina) - Despite the pessimistic forecasts some years ago that Croatia would be faced with collapse and illiquidity, this did not occur. The country has seen very stable and favourable macro-economic indicators, and at
a time of world recession too, Assistant Finance Minister Velimir Rajkovic said on Tuesday at a seminar on import financing, organised by HVB Bank Croatia.
ZAGREB, May 14 (Hina) - Despite the pessimistic forecasts some
years ago that Croatia would be faced with collapse and
illiquidity, this did not occur. The country has seen very stable
and favourable macro-economic indicators, and at a time of world
recession too, Assistant Finance Minister Velimir Rajkovic said on
Tuesday at a seminar on import financing, organised by HVB Bank
Croatia. #L#
Positive indicators include a low inflation rate, a decrease in the
budget deficit and public debt and large foreign currency reserves,
along with an expected good tourist season and an increase in
building activities and retail trade, Rajkovic said. This should
contribute to the government's objective of a 3.5 percent economic
growth for this year.
Emphasising the significance of the tourist sector for Croatia's
economy, Rajkovic presented data indicating a 25 percent increase
in overnight stays in the first several months of this year. The
number of foreign arrivals in the first three months increased by 44
percent, which indicates that this year's tourist season could be a
record one, he said.
According to the latest information from the Customs Service, the
first four months of this year recorded a significant nominal
increase in exports - of approximately 11 percent, Rajkovic said,
adding that the governments' priority was to attract direct foreign
investments.
(hina) sp