ECONOMY MINISTER ADDRESSES WORKING GROUP FOR CRO ACCESS TO WTO

ZAGREB, May 4 (Hina) - Croatia's Economy Minister on Tuesday addressed a Geneva meeting of a working group in charge of Croatia's admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). According to a statement from the Croatian Economy Ministry, the meeting discussed a report on the course and status of Croatia's bilateral negotiations with certain countries, as well as the draft of a final working group report on Croatia's admission to the WTO. Minister Porges spoke about the formal two-year admission procedure. He mentioned all bills the Croatian government has forwarded to parliament to step up the process' final stage. Croatia has formally completed negotiations with six countries, including Mexico and Switzerland during the present sitting, the minister said. Talks on industry products have been almost completed, while still ahead are negotiations with seven countries on agricultural products, and with three on services. According to the Economy Ministry statement, both the WTO and Porges agreed the working group should convene for the last formal session in mid-July. The WTO Main Council should then pass a decision on Croatia's admission, which will enable Croatia full right membership once the decision has been ratified by parliament. The Geneva meeting was held in an "exceptionally cooperative and constructive climate", the statement pointed out, adding special attention was given to the prices and control mechanisms policy, market competition, tariffs, the export and import system, public purchases, and the agriculture policy. (hina) ha