GOVERNMENT TABLES BILL ON SAVINGS AND LOAN COOPERATIVES

( Editorial: --> 7367 ) ZAGREB, March 5 (Hina) - The bill on savings and loan cooperatives will promote order and stability in the financial system which is one of the mainstays of this Government's policy, the Croatian Government said at its session on Thursday. In accordance with the bill, which was tabled for parliamenary procedure today, savings and loan cooperatives may be founded by at least 30 credit-worthy sole traders. The dealings of cooperatives will be subject to supervision by the Finance Ministry. The Government today also passed a bill establishing the Croatian Chamber of Architects and Engineers. "Foreign investors feel that the safety of their investments is protected by the regulations enforced by the Chamber and kindred institutions," said Urban Planning and Construction Minister Marko Sirac introducing the bill. He said that Croatian engineers who are members of the Chamber will be able to bid at international competitions. The Government also increased customs duties on imported wines, cut duties on imported mercantile potatoes and introduced duties on strong alcoholic drinks, such as vodka. The Government also adopted a bill on the official use of languages and scripts of ethnic minorities and tabled it for parliamentary procedure. (Hina) mm as/mb 051557 MET mar 98