CRO, SWITZERLAND SIGN AGREEMENT ON STIMULATION OF INVESTMENTS

ZAGREB, Oct 30 (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa on Wednesday returned to Croatia from Bern where he signed a bilateral agreement with the president of the Swiss Confederation Jean-Pascal Delamuraz on stimulating and mutual protection of investments as a basis to the promotion of economic cooperation and creation of better conditions for Swiss investors. #L# "We tackled the issue of abolishing of visa requirements for Croatian citizens, which is to be discussed in Parliament in mid- November," Matesa said. The talks had also focused on the possibility of expanding export credits for Croatian companies and about the political situation in the region, Matesa said. "We received Delamuraz's support for Croatia's policy. We explained Croatia's view of so-called regional initiatives, and we obtained his understanding," Matesa added. Matesa also held talks with the state secretary at the Swiss Foreign Trade Ministry, Franz Blankart, about the possibilities of further promotion of economic relations. Matesa expressed satisfaction with the unexpectedly big interest of Swiss banks and companies. "Our relations with financial institutions in Switzerland are very good and this is something to be very satisfied with," Matesa said. (hina) lm 302327 MET oct 96