ZAGREB FAIR ZAGREB, Sept 14 (Hina) - Economic growth that is long-term and sustainable is possible only through a macroeconomic policy which focuses on a stronger open economy, Croatian Economy Minister Nenad Porges told the Croatian
Economic Forum at the 75th International Zagreb Autumn Fair on Tuesday. That macroeconomic policy must be based on the liberalisation of the foreign trade system and the liberalisation of prices, as well as on integration with the European infrastructure, the minister added. The Croatian Economic Forum was today also addressed by Croatia's ministers of tourism, agriculture, and maritime affairs, Ivan Herak, Ivan Djurkic, and Ivan Pavlovic.
ZAGREB, Sept 14 (Hina) - Economic growth that is long-term and
sustainable is possible only through a macroeconomic policy which
focuses on a stronger open economy, Croatian Economy Minister Nenad
Porges told the Croatian Economic Forum at the 75th International
Zagreb Autumn Fair on Tuesday.
That macroeconomic policy must be based on the liberalisation of
the foreign trade system and the liberalisation of prices, as well
as on integration with the European infrastructure, the minister
added.
The Croatian Economic Forum was today also addressed by Croatia's
ministers of tourism, agriculture, and maritime affairs, Ivan
Herak, Ivan Djurkic, and Ivan Pavlovic.#L#
Minister Porges and Croatian Chamber of Commerce president Nadan
Vidosevic agreed nothing can be done without political and social
consensus.
"Our situation is serious, we do have serious problems, but
consensus is necessary, and it should be achieved on some
elementary things which don't necessarily have party
characteristics," said Porges.
The economy minister announced the Croatian government would do
everything on the Social-Economic Council level to help its
representatives and those of unions and employers achieve
consensus regarding the current situation. It is a condition
necessary to find solutions, Porges asserted.
The minister believes no structural changes can be effected nor new
technologies introduced without opening to direct foreign
investments. Part of the responsibility for the insufficient
number of such investments lies with local government and self-
government units which, he said, "in concrete cases do the opposite
to prevent the inflow of serious investments."
Tourism Minister Herak said his ministry's programmes for next year
envisage a 20-25 percent increase in tourism, increased
exploitation of capacities, and an extended season. He also
announced export incentives which should raise the competitiveness
of Croatia's tourism.
Agriculture Minister Djurkic announced amended legislative
regulations which will include an umbrella law on agriculture, the
possibility of establishing new institutions, such as a chamber of
agriculture.
Maritime affairs are in a very difficult situation, the Croatian
fleet has been reduced by half, said Minister Pavlovic, adding he
believes the solution lies in building ships for Croatian
shipowners in domestic shipyards, and in returning Croatian
shipowners' ships under the Croatian flag.
(hina) ha jn