CRO EMPLOYERS: NATIONAL ECONOMY MUST BECOME COMPETITIVE ABROAD

ZAGREB, April 17 (Hina) - Croatia must find a model of the economic growth with rates higher than five percent, and the objective of an economic strategy must be the creation of the national economy which will be competitive abroad. Only such orientation can ensure the sustainable growth, said Zeljko Covic, the new chairman of the Croatian Employers' Associations (HUP) presidency. On Tuesday, Covic held the first news conference after he came at the helm of HUP. Covic assessed that at present there was a lack of confidence in private entrepreneurs in Croatia. In this context, he called on the government to define a comprehensive economic strategy. The recovery of the economy is impossible without setting in motion all the national resources, he said adding that currently the use of material sources in the country was at a very low level. Employers support Croatia's bids to enter the European Union, and describe it as the country's strategic aim. However, they hold that it is necessary for Zagreb to articulate more clearly its goals during the negotiations given that the examples of other countries, which aspire towards the admission into the EU, show that different status and treatment may be achieved during the talks. Small and medium sized businesses can play a great role in the creation of more jobs and orientation towards export. Therefore we insist on the elaboration of a comprehensive programme for stimulation of such businesses, Covic said. He also urged the change in the treatment of science and education of young people so that the economy can get highly qualified professional people and workers who would meet conditions imposed by the globalisation process. Covic refuted any possibility that the HUP would be politically engaged at the coming local election, adding that the association would like to retain its independence and professionalism. (hina) ms