ZAGREB, Sept 1 (Hina) - The president of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), Nadan Vidosevic, was re-elected to his office on Wednesday. Vidosevic announced that in the next four years of his mandate the HGK would concentrate on
promoting and stimulating export, without which there can be no progress in economy. A market with a population of 4.5 million is insignificant in international relations and in such an environment Croatia can function only as a country with open borders, integrated in regional and European integration courses, Vidosevic said. Commenting on yesterday's meeting of presidents of south-east European chambers of commerce in Ljubljana, which focused on a more active role of those chambers of commerce in the Stability Pact for the reconstruction of east Europe, Vidosevic said Croatia needed to establish a close cooperation with south-east European
ZAGREB, Sept 1 (Hina) - The president of the Croatian Chamber of
Commerce (HGK), Nadan Vidosevic, was re-elected to his office on
Wednesday.
Vidosevic announced that in the next four years of his mandate the
HGK would concentrate on promoting and stimulating export, without
which there can be no progress in economy.
A market with a population of 4.5 million is insignificant in
international relations and in such an environment Croatia can
function only as a country with open borders, integrated in
regional and European integration courses, Vidosevic said.
Commenting on yesterday's meeting of presidents of south-east
European chambers of commerce in Ljubljana, which focused on a more
active role of those chambers of commerce in the Stability Pact for
the reconstruction of east Europe, Vidosevic said Croatia needed to
establish a close cooperation with south-east European countries,
not ignoring its aspirations toward western Europe.
There are many basic issues in the Croatian economy which need to be
resolved, Vidosevic said adding it was time for modesty, saving and
the creation of a cheap state. The fight for social rights cannot be
put above the economic potential of the state any more, he said.
"It is shameful to talk about salary increases, which currently
account for 30 per cent of the state budget, if there are one million
pensioners and if 20 per cent of those working have not been
receiving salaries", Vidosevic said.
Commenting on the possible reduction of the VAT rate (22%),
Vidosevic said the HGK supported its reduction, especially in the
tourism sector, however, he added the current VAT rate was not the
cause but a consequence of increased expenses in the budget caused
by a too high increase of salaries.
Asked about his possible candidacy in the next parliamentary
elections, Vidosevic said it would be decided about by the Croatian
Democratic Union (HDZ), whose member he was. He added though that he
did not plan to run in the elections.
(hina) jn rml