FRENCH BUSINESSMEN, CRO. GOVT. REPS. ON INVESTING IN CROATIA

ZAGREB, June 28 (Hina) - A delegation of France's employers' association MEDEF on Wednesday held talks with Croatian government representatives in Zagreb, discussing prospects for investing in Croatia's economy. According to Croatia's First Deputy Prime Minister Goran Granic, the Croatian government briefed the French businessmen with past and future changes in the economy sector, especially changes which should give impetus to investments in and the development of Croatia's economy. The Croatian delegation participating in today's talks comprised Deputy Prime Minister Slavko Linic, Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic, Finance Minister Mato Crkvenac, Reconstruction, Construction and Public Works Minister Radimir Cacic, Environmental Protection and Zoning Minister Bozidar Kovacevic, and Transportation Minister Alojz Tusek. "The members of the numerous delegation came with specific projects and all were very impressed by the resolute policy the Croatian government is implementing to create a favourable framework for foreign investments," MEDEF president Francois Perigot told reporters. "French companies would like international bids for tenders for the projects to be conducted transparently and professionally," said Croatia's Granic. "Such a strong delegation from France is an indicator of the interest that country's economy has in the Croatian market," he added. The delegation included representatives of some 20 French construction, telecommunications, publishing and other companies and banks of which some, like Bouygues, are already present in Croatia's economy. (hina) ha mm