AUSTRIAN POLITICIANS AND BUSINESS PEOPLE VISIT FINANCE MINISTRY

ZAGREB, Sept 8 (Hina) - A group of Austrian politicians and business people representing the Forshtenstein circle, spoke on Friday with representatives of the Croatian Finance Ministry about the conditions and possibilities of investing of Austrian companies into Croatia. It is our wish to intensify economic cooperation with Croatia, and we presented concrete projects by Austrian business people who wish to participate in the process of privatisation and invest into Croatia, president of the Forshtenstein circle and chairman of the Austrian association for understanding among peoples, Josef Hochtl, said after the meeting. The Forshtenstein circle represents a group of officials of the Austrian People's Party in areas of politics and economy, and whose goal it is to develop cooperation, especially with neighbouring countries. Regarding concrete projects he mentioned the interest of Austrian companies for tourism and taking part in the privatisation of Croatia's oil company INA. The interest of the Austrian oil company OMV which is already present on the Croatian market, was confirmed by deputy finance minister Damir Kustrak. The Government will discuss the concept of INA's privatisation in October, Kustrak said, asserting there were more companies interested in INA's privatisation. Members of the Austrian delegation were also interested in current and future moves by the Croatian Government and Finance Ministry, particularly concerning foreign investments, legal security and the tax system. (hina) lml jn