ZAGREB, May 29 (Hina) - Croatia's Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic on Monday attended an economic forum held in Zurich as part of the "Croatia in Switzerland 2000" project, the Economy Ministry said in a statement. Minister Fizulic
acquainted the participants in the forum, representatives of Swiss and Croatian companies, with the work results of the first 100 days of Croatia's new government, and with measures the government is taking to improve investing conditions. Fizulic visited Bern later in the day, where he held talks with Swiss counterpart Pascal Couchepin. The Swiss minister inquired about the overall economic situation in Croatia following January's parliamentary elections, and the government's plans in connection with finding solutions for unemployment, boosting economy, especially tourism and the industry, and the government's intentions with regard to priva
ZAGREB, May 29 (Hina) - Croatia's Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic
on Monday attended an economic forum held in Zurich as part of the
"Croatia in Switzerland 2000" project, the Economy Ministry said in
a statement.
Minister Fizulic acquainted the participants in the forum,
representatives of Swiss and Croatian companies, with the work
results of the first 100 days of Croatia's new government, and with
measures the government is taking to improve investing
conditions.
Fizulic visited Bern later in the day, where he held talks with
Swiss counterpart Pascal Couchepin. The Swiss minister inquired
about the overall economic situation in Croatia following
January's parliamentary elections, and the government's plans in
connection with finding solutions for unemployment, boosting
economy, especially tourism and the industry, and the government's
intentions with regard to privatisation.
Couchepin voiced dissatisfaction with the current level and
structure of Swiss investments in Croatia's economy, and expressed
hope the new stability in the region would improve the situation.
Minister Fizulic thanked Switzerland for supporting Croatia during
negotiations for accessing the World Trade Organisation, and for
financially assisting reconstruction programmes in Croatia. The
Croatian minister acquainted his Swiss colleague with the
government's plans to privatise state-owned companies.
Both ministers welcomed the signing announced for June 19 of a
declaration on Croatia's cooperation with countries comprising the
European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as the first step in
commencing negotiations on the signing of a free trade agreement
with the EFTA.
A mixed Croatian-Swiss committee on economic cooperation will
convene in Bern tomorrow for the first time.
(hina) ha