GOVERNMENT MEMBERS DEFEND ECONOMIC POLICY

OPATIJA, Nov 21 (Hina) - Finance Minister Mato Crkvenac disagrees with assessments made at a seminar of the Croatian Economists' Society which point to a dire economic situation and poverty. The economists made the assessments in the northern Adriatic town of Opatija on Wednesday, at a seminar tackling Croatia's economic policy in 2002. Claims that Croatia is still in recession, depression, and social poverty are groundless, according to Crkvenac, who does not deny Croatia has huge problems but maintains it is not undergoing a crisis. The problems of the past couple of years notwithstanding, the domestic economy has stabilised, providing factors which can lead to progress, he told the conference. Speaking about the government's main goals in 2002, Crkvenac mentioned growth, employment and development, an ascending living standard, openness, competitiveness and stability. In this respect, the current economic policy resumes without major turnabouts, he said. Deputy Prime Minister Slavko Linic announced a war on grey economy, more resolute action against those not paying taxes or labour, measures aimed at increasing the efficiency of office workers, and the reduction of disloyal competition. Linic also announced the privatisation of the oil industry INA and the Croatia Osiguranje insurance company, as well as of the tourist sector. (hina) ha sb