SCIENCE MINISTER PRESENTS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

( Editorial: --> 9824 ) ZAGREB, April 27 (Hina) - Science Minister Ivica Kostovic presented the Government's strategy for the development of Croatia in the next millenium at a weekly meeting with reporters on Monday. The strategy envisions Croatia as a Mediterranean and seafaring country. It is based on the protection of domestic industry, stimulation of exports, increasing production by introducing modern and "clean" technologies, increasing the level of education and joining international economic processes, particularly Central-European and Atlantic integration processes. One of the basic tenets of the strategy is improving the balance between free entrepreneurship and the welfare state. The strategy was elaborated by the Economic Institute, the Economic Faculty, the Institute for International Relations and the Ivo Pilar Institute for Social Sciences, Kostovic said. A viable growth rate, an increase in living standards, full employment and social security are the crucial prerequisites for Croatia's development, according to the strategy. These will be attained by means of a change in the economic structure and the introduction of modern, environmentally sound technologies. The goals of the strategy include the maintenance of current stability and an investment and innovation-oriented business sector. The full use of natural and human resources, an increase in domestic savings, the increase of investment and a change in their structure constitute the nation's priorities according to the strategy. Regional development and decentralisation of decision-making are also considered as crucial elements of the strategy. (hina) jn as/mb 271609 MET apr 98