"CROATA" STORE OPENS IN DOWNTOWN BUDAPEST

BUDAPEST, Dec 6 (Hina) - Hungary is another country where ties bearing the Croatian trademark "Croata" are gaining on popularity. After the Hungarian town of Sopron, Budapest is the second town to see the opening of a specialised store which sells ties, handkerchiefs, shirts and leather goods bearing the trademark "Croata". Marijan Busic, co-owner and development director at the Zagreb- based company "Potomac", which manufactures "Croata" products, said the Hungarian market was interesting for his company not only because the two countries shared a hundred-years-long history but also because of the market's vicinity and the interest it showed in "Croata" products. Another reason for a more energetic approach to the Hungarian market is Hungary's imminent accession to the European Union. Croatia's Ambassador to Hungary Zdenko Skrabalo said some high- ranking Hungarian officials had shown interest in "Croata" ties. The "Croata" store is the first of its kind to be opened in downtown Budapest. The sale of "Croata" ties in Hungary is organised by a Hungarian Croat Franjo Pajric, who said that other Hungarian towns were also interested in "Croata" products. The Croat minority could here prove to be an important link in development of economic cooperation. (hina) rml