ECONOMY MINISTER PORGES ATTENDS CRANS MONTANA ECONOMY FORUM

( Editorial: --> 3977 ) ZAGREB, June 26 (Hina) - The Croatian Economy Minister Nenad Porges on Friday left for Switzerland, where he will attend the ninth economic Forum Crans Montana, to be held from June 25-28. Upon his arrival in Crans Montana, Porges attended a special panel discussion on Croatia where he delivered a speech on Croatia between globalisation and regional orientation, the Economy Ministry said in a statement. Porges presented Croatian views as regards his country's admission to European and international economic associations. Also mentioned in his speech were the relations between Croatia and the European Union and possibilities for the continuation of talks on economic cooperation; Croatia's negotiations about its admission to the World Trade Organisation; talks about free trade with CEFTA member-countries and Croatia's more active role in joining certain development programmes within the Central European Initiative (CEI). Porges also spoke about the macroeconomic situation and foreign investments into Croatia. Although the main event at this year's Crans Montana Forum is the presentation of economic systems in several African countries, another important topic will be the upcoming expansion of the European Union. This year's forum will be attended by numerous state and government representatives who are to present their countries' economic strategies. (hina) jn rml 262336 MET jun 98