AUSTRIAN BUSINESSPEOPLE IN SPLIT

( Editorial: --> 5099 ) SPLIT, May 19 (Hina) - A working meeting of Austrian businesspeople from Styria and businesspeople of the Split-Dalmatian County was held on Tuesday in Split, southern Croatia. Economic relations between the two countries have developed well following Croatian independence, said Wielfried Leitgh, director of the South-East Europe section of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce. Last year Austria exported ATS11 billion worth of goods to Croatia, 60 per cent more than in 1996 and imported ATS3 billion worth of goods. According to Leitgh, Austrian businesspeople wish to invest in Croatian production plants because Croatia is one of Austria's best partners. President of the County's Chamber of Commerce Jadranka Radovancic said that Croatian businesspeople are dissatisfied with the low export to Austria in comparison with its import. Thanking Austria, especially Styria for the abundant assistance during the Homeland War, she added that Croatia now needs economic cooperation and investments. Radovancic said that she expects Austria to help Croatia as the next presider over the European Union. Leitgh said that Austrian companies, of which 700 are cooperating with Croatia, are prepared to invest in Croatia, and that Austria is always stating that Croatia is an important partner to the European Union. It was counterproductive not including Croatia in the PHARE programme, he said. (hina) jn mrb/ha 192002 MET may 98