A 7 PER CENT INCREASE IN GROWTH OF CROATIA'S PRODUCTION IN 1995

OPATIJA, Dec 8 (Hina) - Croatian Economists' Society Symposium began today in Opatija (tourist resort on the Adriatic Coast) to discuss "Croatia's Economic Policy for the 1995". The Symposium was attended deputy Croatian Prime Minister Borislav Skegro, Chamber of Commerce Head Mladen Vedris and near 500 scientists and economic experts. President of the Croatian Economists' Society Vlado Veselica said if the political situation in Croatia stabilized, economic progress might be expected next year. "We have to initiate a new investment process so that we can solve the unemployment and prevent emigration of working forces, especially young and qualified workers," Veselica said. The main task is to develop the infrastructure in order to develop all the regions equally, he added. Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that the most important thing for the next year would be to increase production. He predicted the production growth for 7 per cent with 2 to 3 per cent of inflation and an increase in export as well. Talking about the 1995 Budget Skegro said it would not be a pro forma account. We should continue integrating in various international institutions on the all levels, Skegro said. The Chamber of Commerce head Mladen Vedris discussed Croatia's export as the prerequisite for increasing gross national product. "We need continue relieving taxes, stop admiring too much national currency, make international agreements about free trade, establish institutions that encourage export and help finding new markets", said Vedris. The alternative is stagnation, higher unemployment, and decreased production and hyper inflation. Croatia's Economists' Society Symposium continues tomorrow. (hina) mar rv mms 081936 MET dec 94