GRANIC, HAAK EXCHANGE NOTES ON OPENING DIHT OFFICE IN ZAGREB

ZAGREB, Oct 6 (Hina) - The opening of the German Council of Trade and Industry Chambers (Deutsche Industrie- und Handelstag, DIHT) office in Zagreb is a step forward in the good economic cooperation between Croatia and Germany, Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic and German Ambassador Volker Haak told reporters in Zagreb on Wednesday after exchanging notes on the opening of the DIHT office. Germany is Croatia's most important economic partner, and after the purchase of Croatian Telecom shares by Deutsche Telekom, Germany has become the most important investor in Croatia, said Granic. Germany is interested in the Croatian market and it is aware that Croatians are good workers, Haak said, adding it was important for foreign capital to enter the Croatian market. The DIHT office will also work on tourism-related programmes, the German Ambassador said. Germany hopes that a joint chamber of commerce will be opened in the future, he added. Talks on opening the DIHT office in Zagreb lasted more than a year but were not connected with the arrival of Deutsche Telekom at the Croatian market. The DIHT is a state but non-government organisation. DIHT membership is obligatory for all registered companies in Germany. The DIHT is the only German organisation authorised for opening official offices in other countries and its offices are established and financed jointly by the German government and the DIHT. After the exchange of notes, the DIHT will appoint its representative, who will visit Zagreb and open the office. (hina) rml