POLISH ECONOMY MINISTER VISITS CROATIA TO BOOST BILATERAL TIES

( Editorial: --> 1435 ) ZAGREB, Sept 18 (Hina) - Advancing economic ties and the exchange of goods between Poland and Croatia was the main theme of talks held on Friday in Zagreb between Polish Economy Minister Janusz Steinhoff and his host, Croatian Economy Minster Nenad Porges. Croatia's Economy Minister concluded that despite the fall in trade between the two countries in the past period, there was hope in the fact that both economies were complimentary to each other and not in direct competition. Evaluating the favourable results by Croatian manufacturers and their presence on the Polish market, Minister Porges singled out Pliva and Podravka. Polish Minister Steinhoff agreed with the need to strengthen ties between economic subjects in both countries as well as expanding economic cooperation. Steinhoff pointed out Poland's interest in the construction and reconstruction of river ports, delivery of river boats and Canadair planes as well as reconstruction of the energy system in Croatia. Porges invited Steinhoff to attend the Economic Forum of Countries of the Central European Initiative (CEI), which is to be held in Zagreb during a regular meeting of prime ministers and foreign ministers of the CEI countries between November 19 and 22. The two ministers spoke about the continuation of negotiations regarding bilateral agreements and free trade agreements between Croatia and Poland. A free trade agreement was one of the main topics of discussion the Polish minister held with Croatian Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa. (Hina) sp jn /mbr 181813 MET sep 98