LINIC: CROATIAN GOODS MARKET CONSIDERABLY LARGER THAN DECADE AGO

RIJEKA, Sept 24 (Hina) - Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Slavko Linic said at a meeting with Rijeka and Primorje-Gorski Kotar County business people Monday the fact that the market for Croatian goods is considerably larger than a decade ago was one of the government's greatest achievements. Some markets have completely abolished import restrictions for Croatian products. A part of domestic production will still be protected from competition in the next few years, he said. Linic stated the government managed to define tax policy and contribute to the administration becoming of service, and not a hindrance to economic development. We cannot be satisfied with what has been done in the grey economy prevention, however, and we intend to introduce heavy fines for violations, he said. Speaking of privatisation, Linic said the government was working on diminishing the number of government-owned companies, and would support new ownership and new businesses with over 25 billion kuna ($3 billion). From now on, only shipbuilding and agriculture would receive government subventions, with the government control of the export industry, he added. Linic pointed out the kuna exchange rate would not be tampered with, mostly because Croatia has a high foreign debt, and most loans had been paid in foreign currency. (hina) js