PRESIDENT MESIC RECEIVES REPRESENTATIVES OF DEUTSCHE BANK

ZAGREB, May 8 (Hina) - Croatian President Stipe Mesic on Monday held talks with representatives of one of the biggest world banks, Deutsche Bank, about its stronger presence in Croatia. Croatia is in the phase of making key decisions in the establishment of a legal and economic system, the establishment and development of market mechanisms, especially financial, based on wide-spread privatisation, both sides stressed. "In this environment the Deutsche Bank will be a reliable and strong partner to Croatian economic and social development, prepared to financially back investment projects of small and middle-scale entrepreneurs, particularly in tourism, traffic infrastructure and the public sector," the President's Office said in a statement issued after the meeting. Following the political changes in Croatia, bankers are indicating increased interest for supporting Croatia's development, they are offering services in the privatisation process and Croatia's approach to the global capital market, the Office said. The Deutsche Bank is one of several biggest world banks, the biggest in Germany and has an office in Croatia. (hina) lml