"I don't want this to be misinterpreted. We absolutely support every investment in Croatia, either domestic or foreign, so everyone who is willing to work for the benefit of the Croatian economy, better standards for our people and for employment, is welcome" Sanader said in Berlin where he attended a summit of the European People's Party.
He objected, however, to the fact that the government had not been informed beforehand about the sale of Luka Rajic's 91.94% in Dukat to Lactalis, one of the world's biggest dairy corporations, but learned about it from the media.
Sanader said the government would certainly see to protecting primary production and milk manufacturers. "The state has an interest here, regardless of the fact that both sides are private owners."
Agriculture Minister Petar Cobankovic said in the eastern Croatian town of Vukovar that his ministry would know how to protect the interests of domestic milk manufacturers.
He added that "one should see if everything in (Dukat's sale to Lactalis) was done in accordance with the law" although the two companies were privately owned.