CROATIA SIGNS DECLARATION ON COOPERATION WITH EFTA

ZAGREB, June 20 (Hina) - The European Free Trade Association and Croatia signed a declaration on cooperation in Zurich on Monday, the Croatian Economy Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. Negotiations on a free trade agreement with EFTA, which comprises Switzerland, Norway, Island, and Liechtenstein, will commence in September. The agreement is expected to come into force next year. The declaration on cooperation was signed by Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic on behalf of Croatia, and on EFTA's behalf by Switzerland's Minister for Economic Affairs Pascal Couchepin, Island's Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Halldov Asgrimsson, Liechtenstein's Foreign Affairs Minister Andrea Will, and Norway's Trade and Industry Minister Olaf Soleng. The Croatian Economy Ministry says in the statement a cooperation agreement with EFTA would be asymmetrical to Croatia's benefit because it would provide free access to the EFTA, and indirectly the European Union market, which is Croatia's chief goal in terms of foreign affairs. This would also contribute to Croatia's openness to foreign investments, the statement adds. Croatia is very interested in exporting to EFTA countries, especially textile goods, furniture, and machinery. (hina) ha jn