OPIC TO OPEN REGIONAL OFFICE FOR SOUTHEAST EUROPE IN ZAGREB

WASHINGTON, Nov 2 (Hina) - Zagreb will be the seat of the regional office of Overseas Private Investments Corporation (OPIC), the United States specialised agency said in a statement on Monday. OPIC plays a significant role in supporting U.S. businessmen willing to invest in Southeast Europe, president George Munoz said. He added the Zagreb office would help establish ties between businessmen from the U.S. and countries in Southeast Europe, with the special task of creating conditions for joint investments. OPIC is a specialised agency of the U.S. government assisting U.S. investors in more than 140 countries around the world. According to the latest data, the agency has US$3 billion at its disposal for the protection of private investments from various risks. It also grants incentive loans and collaterals, and represents U.S. business interests abroad. To date, OPIC has helped in investments exceeding US$112 billion and granted export collaterals worth US$56 billion. OPIC's regional office in Zagreb will at first share premises with the economics department of the U.S. Embassy. Acting director will be Joan Edwards, the director of OPIC's Investment Services in Washington, Munoz said. A regional director and a permanent office location will be chosen subsequently, he added. (hina) ha jn