CRO PRIME MINISTER OPENS FIRST ECONOMIC FORUM OF CEI-COUNTRIES

ZAGREB, Nov 19 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa, officially opened the first economic forum of 16 member countries of the Central European Initiative (CEI), on Thursday in Zagreb. The forum, which will continue until November 21, is being held as part of the CEI summit of prime ministers and foreign ministers of CEI member-countries (November 20 and 21). The summit was preceded by a round table held Wednesday in Zagreb, on direct foreign investments in CEI member-countries. "Our mutual interest is to preserve peace, stability and security, closer mutual relations, as well as approaching the European Union", said Matesa greeting those in attendance on behalf of Croatia as the host country which is currently chairing the CEI. CEI countries have a market population of 200 million, which is virtually equal to that of the United States. However, two member countries, Austria and Italy provide three quarters of the Gross Domestic Product, while the remaining 14 countries provide only one fourth, Matesa added. CEI countries have further unused possibilities for intensive trade investments and further investments in industry, tourism and banking. Matesa expressed hope for this economic forum to become a regular support feature of future CEI summits. One of the organisers of the forum, Vincenzo Calogero, talked of the reasons for organising the first economic forum and stressed that the forum was an opportunity for business people to hold talks and to present their projects to financiers. This is an exceptional opportunity for businessmen to meet government officials of 16 CEI member-countries, said Calogero. Presentation of member countries' economy, headed by Croatia, followed the opening ceremony. (hina) it jn/sp