SMALL-, MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES EXPECT INCENTIVES, LOANS

ZAGREB, Nov 16 (Hina) - Small- and medium-sized entrepreneurs expect their business activities to be supported through incentives, favourable loans and the creation of conditions which would enable regular business activities and the collection of payment for the performed work. Entrepreneurs today think more about how to survive and secure money for salaries and contributions than they can think about major technological investments and marketing, it was said at a one-day conference "Development of Small and Medium-Sized Entrepreneurship", which was organised by the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) in Zagreb on Tuesday. The president of the Croatian Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, Stjepan Vucagic, said the Government was investing a lot of money into social peace, whereas it invested the least into development. The president of the Croatian Crafts Chamber (HOK), Stjepan Safran, said to re-invest into new production from income should be exempt from taxes. Safran also warned about the high interest rates, which range from 12-18 per cent. Small and medium-sized businesses account for more than 96 per cent of the overall Croatian economy, and the 436,000 employees in small- and medium-sized businesses account for 42 per cent of all employees in Croatia. The event was also attended by a member of the presidency of the European confederation of small- and medium-sized businesses, Stefan Zickgraf. Following the debate, bank representatives presented financing and loan possibilities. (hina) jn rml