PRESIDENT MESIC RECEIVES FRENCH GAS SUPPLY CORPORATION REPS

ZAGREB, April 18 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic on Tuesday received a delegation of renowned French gas delivery corporation Gaz de France and of Zagreb's Montmontaza, the President's Office said in a statement. French Ambassador to Croatia Albert Turot was also in attendance. Gaz de France is known also for some technological innovations in the power supply industry, such as underground gas storing and the distribution of gas under high pressure. Today's talks tackled possibilities of cooperation in the power supply industry, especially gas supply on the basis of concessions. The French corporation's representatives expressed a considerable business interest in investing in the power supply sector and cooperation with Croatian companies, such as oil company INA, Montmontaza, Zagreb's city gasworks, and others. President Mesic said Croatia's new authorities wanted to stimulate foreign investments, especially concession-based ones. The new law on municipal services also encourages concession relations, he added. According to the President, improved economic relations between Croatia and France would be an important factor for Croatia's access to the European Union. France, he said, is an important member. During the talks, it was said Croatian-French economic relations should be advanced because there exist many unused possibilities. (hina) ha mm