TUDJMAN OPENS INTERNATIONAL ZAGREB FAIR

ZAGREB, Sept 15 (Hina) - Croatian President Franjo Tudjman on Monday opened the 73rd Autumn International Zagreb Fair, the biggest and oldest economic manifestation in this part of Europe. Opening the Fair, President Tudjman expressed belief the manifestation would contribute significantly to the strengthening and expansion of Croatia's economic cooperation with the world. Recalling the immense war sufferings and other difficulties Croatia faced in the past seven years, President Tudjman pointed out big results had nevertheless been achieved in the privatisation, stabilisation and development of Croatian economy. "A significant economic growth was registered in 1995 and 1996", Tudjman said, adding "this year, a 6-7 percent gross domestic product growth rate is expected, with good prospects that it remain such in the next medium term." "The realisation of such rate would stand as one of the biggest growth rates in transition countries", he said. This year's Autumn Fair, to last until 21 September, will feature 2,985 exhibitors from 45 countries, of which 1,274 are Croatian and the rest are from abroad. This year's partner-country is Poland. The number of exhibitors appearing this year is higher than those featured last year and those appearing in pre-war year 1990, said the general director of the Zagreb Fair, Jurica Pavelic. It is estimated the present manifestation, taking place on premises over 145,000 square metres, will be visited by over 250,000 people, he added. Pavelic added that 28 expert meetings, including the economic forum when Croatian Premier Matesa and ministers meet businessmen, and the Polish-Croatian economic forum, would be part of this year's greatest event at the ZV. At the opening ceremony Pavelic presented Spanish Ambassador in Zagreb, Luis Felipe Fernandez de la Pena, with a charter and a golden badge of the ZV, as Spain was last year's partner-country. On behalf of this year's partner-country, Poland, its ambassador in Zagreb, Wieslaw Walkiewicz, addressed the guests at the ceremony. The ambassador said that his country had been returning to its niche among modern European countries during these seven years of change. Walkiewicz said that there were numerous opportunities for the strengthening of the Polish-Croatian economic ties. He added that Poland, as a CEFTA member-country, supported Croatia in its bid to be admitted to the CEFTA. Present at today's opening were also high Croatian officials, ambassadors accredited in Croatia, numerous businessmen, representatives of education, science and culture institutions, as well as numerous foreign delegations. After the opening ceremony, President Tudjman and his aides accompanied by Pavelic, Premier Zlatko Matesa and Mayor of Zagreb, Marina Matulovic-Dropulic, visited fair's pavilions. In front of the Polish pavilion, Ambassador Walkiewicz and a Polish Deputy Economy Minister Jan Chaladay welcomed Croatia President and his entourage and notified them of Polish exhibits. During the talks Deputy Minister Chaladay pointed out very good economic cooperation of his country with Croatia. Tudjman was presented with a sword and other gifts by Polish officials on that occasion. (hina) jn ha mš 152212 MET sep 97