ZAGREB TO HOST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AUTUMN TRADE FAIR SEPT. 11-17

ZAGREB, Sept 3 (Hina) - The Croatian capital of Zagreb will hold this year's annual international autumn trade fair between September 11 and 17, featuring 1,811 exhibitors. Organisers point out this is about 20 percent less than last year due to the fact that over the past two years, the increasingly serious economic in Croatia has resulted in a smaller number of exhibitors. This, however, is a trend experienced by other countries in transition as well, they add. This year's 76th autumn trade fair is expected to be opened by Croatian President Stipe Mesic. The main features of this year's event are "Intertekstil", the 55th international fair of the textile and ancillary industries, and "Cromoney", the second finance and business opportunities fair. This year, as in the past, Croatia's businessmen will participate in the Croatian Economic Forum with the prime minister and members of the government under the organisation of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce. A regional table focusing on the significance of a sustainable development strategy in the economy will be the highlight of discussions addressing issues in the food-processing industry and agriculture. Despite the smaller number of exhibitors, the fair's accompanying programme will be more comprehensive, with the arrival of numerous economic delegations from Croatia and abroad. Since 1987, the autumn trade fair has been paying special attention to the economic achievements of Croatia's partner country at the event, different each year. This year, the honour goes to Hungary and 64 of its companies. For the duration of the fair, Croatian Railways and Croatia Airlines will grant 40 percent discounts for people coming to Zagreb by train or plane, or a 25 percent discount on return tickets. (hina) ha