ZAGREB, May 10 (Hina) - Data on economic trends in Croatia at the beginning of this year indicate a gradual, months-long revival is finally evident, the Croatian National Bank (HNB) Council said in a statement following Wednesday's
session. The session, chaired by HNB governor Marko Skreb, discussed the latest economic and monetary trends, and passed a temporary financial plan for this year. Industrial production in this year's first three months has risen by 3.7 percent in comparison to the same period the year before. Retail trade has also recorded an increase towards the end of last and earlier this year, but the statement points out this still has not had the desired effect on the growth of employment, namely a drop in the unemployment rate, which has actually increased. Both retail prices and the cost of living has registered an 0.8 percent rise in April, which in greatest p
ZAGREB, May 10 (Hina) - Data on economic trends in Croatia at the
beginning of this year indicate a gradual, months-long revival is
finally evident, the Croatian National Bank (HNB) Council said in a
statement following Wednesday's session.
The session, chaired by HNB governor Marko Skreb, discussed the
latest economic and monetary trends, and passed a temporary
financial plan for this year.
Industrial production in this year's first three months has risen
by 3.7 percent in comparison to the same period the year before.
Retail trade has also recorded an increase towards the end of last
and earlier this year, but the statement points out this still has
not had the desired effect on the growth of employment, namely a
drop in the unemployment rate, which has actually increased.
Both retail prices and the cost of living has registered an 0.8
percent rise in April, which in greatest part is seen as a result of
higher oil prices.
Kuna's currency rate is stable.
The HNB Council believes the fact that foreign currency savings
continue to grow is especially important, since it is the most
dependable indicator of trust in the domestic banking sector.
Foreign currency savings have marked a 6.8 percent increase in this
year's first trimester, totalling some 2.5 billion kuna (US$290
million). Savings in the domestic currency have also marked an
increase, considerably more modest, yet still significant.
Interest rates have been reduced, the banks' liquidity is high,
even though crediting in the economy is stagnating.
The temporary financial plan for this year includes remarks from a
recent parliamentary debate, and envisages that HNB's income
earnings this year will total 960.6 million kuna (US$111.7
million), and expenditure 941.5 million kuna (US$109.5 million).
(hina) ha jn