ZAGREB, Sept 27 (Hina) - Meetings between business people are the most important part of state visits because they make political agreements concrete, Hungary's President Arpad Goencz said in Zagreb on Monday. Speaking at a meeting of
Croat and Hungarian business people at the Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), the Hungarian president said trade between two countries can increase by up to 50 per cent during presidential visits. "This, however, applies to those countries with which trade relations have only begun to develop, but not to Croatia with which economic cooperation is an every day matter", Goencz said. Comparing the development of the Croatian and Hungarian economies since 1991, Goencz said those two economies could not have developed in the same way as there was no war in Hungary and their starting positions were not the same either. During the Communism, Hungary was almost comple
ZAGREB, Sept 27 (Hina) - Meetings between business people are the
most important part of state visits because they make political
agreements concrete, Hungary's President Arpad Goencz said in
Zagreb on Monday.
Speaking at a meeting of Croat and Hungarian business people at the
Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK), the Hungarian president said
trade between two countries can increase by up to 50 per cent during
presidential visits.
"This, however, applies to those countries with which trade
relations have only begun to develop, but not to Croatia with which
economic cooperation is an every day matter", Goencz said.
Comparing the development of the Croatian and Hungarian economies
since 1991, Goencz said those two economies could not have
developed in the same way as there was no war in Hungary and their
starting positions were not the same either.
During the Communism, Hungary was almost completely dependent on
the Soviet Union and with its disintegration Hungary's economy
encountered major problems and the need for a speedy
reorganisation, Goencz said.
Of all countries which in the 90s faced a similar situation, Hungary
has made most progress, Goencz said, offering Croatia assistance in
relaying experience of Hungarian business people.
Hungary aspires toward joining Euro-Atlantic associations. This
year it was admitted to NATO and talks regarding its admission to
the European Union are underway. By the year 2002, Hungary could be
ready for the full membership in the EU, sad Goencz.
Hungary is intensively trying to establish good relations with all
of its neighbours who have the same goals, including Croatia, which
has the advantage of having shared 800 years if its history with
Hungary.
"This visit will not bring any dramatic changes, but I am convinced
that after it we will have a feeling that something has been done
which will contribute to your and our future", Goencz told Croatian
and Hungarian business people, who after his departure from the HGK
building opened business talks.
The visit of the Hungarian president to the HGK was organised within
Goencz's two-day state visit to Croatia. Today's event was hosted
by HGK president Nadan Vidosevic and was also attended by Premier
Zlatko Matesa.
(hina) rml