'BOROVO' TO REALISE PRODUCTION WORTH 76 MILLION KUNA IN 1998

( Editorial: --> 4617 ) ZAGREB, 18 Jan (Hina) - The Vukovar-based footwear industry 'Borovo' is expected to realise 76-million-kuna worth production and employ additional 700 workers in 1998. The company's leadership believes that the overall income of 291 million kuna would be realised in the company's 13 factories. In the 'Borovo' leather footwear plant, 130 workers are producing 800 pairs of shoes daily. In November and December last year, 'Borovo' rubber footwear plants produced ordered quantities for the company's own chain of stores. Regular production is expected to start in March this year with initial 150 workers. The production of belts is also expected to start in March, with 110 workers. Josip Kovac, member of the 'Borovo' managing board, says that 'Borovo' starts with production for its own chain of stores, before the revival of its traditional production. The company plans new programs after the reconstruction of infrastructure and facilities, and hopes for foreign capital since the establishment of a free zone has been announced. Before the war, 'Borovo' had more than 600 stores as well as factories on eight locations, Kovac said. This year, with a total of 1,620 employees, the company will reach 7% of its pre-war number of employees. The degree of destruction and misappropriation of 'Borovo' property during the aggression is extremely high, and those problems will have to be solved through succession. Reconstruction demands considerable financial means and a lot of time, Kovac says, adding that lost markets will have to be won again with prices and quality. (hina) rm 181138 MET jan 98