ZAGREB, Dec 24 (Hina) - The situation in the national economy has not substantially been changed this year, although there have been some positive trends and some recovery of economic activities, said Ema Vadlja, the Croatian Chamber
of Commerce head's advisor, at a recent assembly of the Chamber (HGK). Ms. Vadlja cautioned that certain crucial problems remained unsolved such as a high rate of unemployment, structural problems and the domestic economy's lack of competitiveness. According to her, this year's positive indicators were the result more of a positive atmosphere following the change of authorities and less of the planned measures taken in the last 11 months. Consequences of those measures will be noticeable next year when the positive impact of Croatia's admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and of the implementation of the European Union's regime
ZAGREB, Dec 24 (Hina) - The situation in the national economy has
not substantially been changed this year, although there have been
some positive trends and some recovery of economic activities, said
Ema Vadlja, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce head's advisor, at a
recent assembly of the Chamber (HGK).
Ms. Vadlja cautioned that certain crucial problems remained
unsolved such as a high rate of unemployment, structural problems
and the domestic economy's lack of competitiveness.
According to her, this year's positive indicators were the result
more of a positive atmosphere following the change of authorities
and less of the planned measures taken in the last 11 months.
Consequences of those measures will be noticeable next year when
the positive impact of Croatia's admission to the World Trade
Organisation (WTO) and of the implementation of the European
Union's regime of the asymmetric liberalisation should be felt as
well, she envisaged.
Commenting on the state budget for 2001 and the projection of
budgets for next three years, she assessed the intention of the
reduction of the state budget as positive but perhaps
insufficiently courageous. Besides, it remains to be seen how those
budgets will be executed.
Commenting on the package of new tax laws, Vadlja told the assembly
that only a part of the Chamber's proposals had been incorporated in
the new acts. She claimed that they would not disburden the economy
to a sufficient extent, but they were better and considerably
amended as against previous draft acts on this matter.
During its session on 21 December, the assembly adopted a decision
on the financing of the HGK in 2001 and a programme for its work.
HGK head Nadan Vidosevic pointed out the development of the net of
the Chamber's branch offices particularly in countries in the
region.
The assembly verified a decision on the establishment of the HGK
offices in Pristina and Brussels.
It made a decision on launching procedure for the set-up of offices
in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro), namely
in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Podgorica.
Commenting on Croatian business people's recent visit to Belgrade,
Vidosevic said that although the tour caused heated debates in the
public, it showed that both parties had great interest.
We are, of course, aware that that market is problematic and that
the economic situation in that country is very bad, but one should
also be aware that a great amount of foreign financial assistance
will soon flow in the FRY. Therefore, regardless of the political
opinion and emotional stands, this situation should be used timely,
the HGK head said.
(hina) ms