CROATIAN ASSOCIATION BANKS ISSUES BROCHURE

ZAGREB, Dec 28 (Hina) - After a full year in operation, the Croatian Association of Banks (HUB) on Thursday issued a brochure with its basic documents and data on its 12 members. HUB was established by 13 banks on 15 Oct. 1999. In the meantime, Croatia's largest bank, Zagrebacka, took over Pomorska banka Split. Next year, HUB could become a 13-member association again, with the joining of Erste & Steiermaerkische Bank, director Zoran Bohacek said. Moreover, Partner banka has recently shown interest in becoming HUB's first associate-member, which should meet the same conditions as a regular member except that of a one percent minimum share in assets on the Croatian banking sector. In its first year, HUB has managed to get the banks' voice heard in the government, the Finance Ministry, and HNB, the central bank, said Bohacek, adding HUB's relationship with HNB and the Finance Ministry were especially good in legislation. He recalled the banks' remarks on a tax laws package had been taken into consideration. In the next year, the changes planned in a series of laws, for instance on foreign currency transactions, money transfers, and banks, will be of outstanding importance for banks, Bohacek said, adding HUB representatives were on task forces drafting them. (hina) ha