GERMAN PROVINCE COMPANIES WANT COOPERATION WITH CROATIA

ZAGREB, Oct 21 (Hina) - Croatia and Baden-Wuertemberg are getting close to an agreement by which companies from the German federal province will partake in building highways between Zagreb and the ports of Rijeka and Split, Croatian Premier Zlatko Matesa said on Wednesday. Matesa spoke to reporters after talks with Baden-Wuertemberg Premier Erwin Teufel. The talks also tackled cooperation possibilities in restoring the technological basis of Croatian economy, investments in the infrastructure, tourism, and technology transfer, said Matesa. Teufel said also discussed was economic relations on a partnership basis which, he said, would ensure cooperation longevity. Teufel is visiting Croatia for two days at the head of a 70-member business delegation who are expected to meet potential Croatian partners. The establishment of a mixed commission for exchange in science, research, and development between Croatia and Baden-Wuertemberg is also being considered, Teufel said. Today Teufel also met Croatian Reconstruction and Development Minister Jure Radic, at whose invitation he arrived in Croatia, and with Croatian Foreign Minister Mate Granic. (hina) ha jn