MESIC SAYS INT. ZAGREB FAIR IMPORTANT FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION

ZAGREB, Sept 17 (Hina) - After touring the exhibition area of the Zagreb Fair on Monday, President Stipe Mesic said this international autumn event was significant for Croatia and its neighbours as it strengthened economic cooperation. Mesic added the fair was important for Europe as well as for this region which must open to Europe. Europe, he said, must also show understanding for Croatia and other countries in transition as only an associated Europe can solve the problems of small and large peoples and states. Mentioning the Zagreb Trade Fair in this context, Mesic said that if businessmen shared a good cooperation, cooperation would follow in other fields as well. Mesic commended the management and organisers and exhibitors at this year's autumn fair for their efforts, and applauded the decision to accept Bosnia-Herzegovina as this year's partner- country at the event. "This is important for Croatia as we can conquer many markets with (Bosnia) given our compatible economies, so we have to and can cooperate," Mesic said. He toured the exhibition area with Bosnian Presidency chairman Bozo Krizanovic and Zagreb Trade Fair managing director Jurica Pavelic. The president held talks with the chairman of the board of the World Trade Centre, Bryan Montgomery, and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of the northern Yugoslav province of Vojvodina. (hina) ha