CROATIAN PRIME MINISTER OPENS ZAGREB FAIRS

ZAGREB, April 26 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa on Monday opened six fairs at the Zagreb Fair, gathering 2,245 exhibitors, 1,114 of which are from 41 countries. Stressing that the NATO action in the midst was effecting economic circumstances in Croatia, Matesa announced measures of economising in all segments and a decrease in this year's budget amount. Croatia is not involved in the events, it is a regular financial payer and wishes to keep its strategic goals -- low inflation, stable currency and to stimulate investments, Matesa said. He also announced the sale of property which is not in the function of these goals, and the consistent implementation of a system of measures for the reform of the pension and health systems. The number of exhibitors and area of 61,000 squared metres is 15 per cent lesser in comparison to last year, due to the difficult situation in the economy and the course of NATO actions against Yugoslavia, Zagreb Fair chief director Jurica Pavelic said at the opening. All six fairs are accompanied by a total of thirty symposiums with more than 3,300 participants. There will also be talks between government representatives and craftsmen and entrepreneurs, quality prize awards and an international conference. (hina) lml