FOREIGN ENTREPRENEURS INTERESTED IN INVESTING IN BRIJUNI

BRIJUNI, May 6 (Hina) - Croatian European Integration Minister Ivan Jakovcic and head of the Brijuni National Park Ratomir Ivicic on Sunday on the northern Adriatic archipelago of Brijuni received a group of entrepreneurs -- representatives of the European fashion and automobile industry, and great financial houses Swiss "Itten & Brechbuhl", Austrian "Warimpex", Luxembourg's "T. Comalux S.A." and Italy's "Daimler-Creisler" and "Mercedes-Benz". The delegation was headed by the executive director of the Italian fashion company "Brioni", Umberto Angelani. I believe Brijuni can become the symbol of a modern and recognised Croatia, Angelani said and invited his business partners to invest in Brijuni in times when this archipelago was becoming the tourist destination of world's elite. Jakovcic told reporters it was very important for Brijuni that the Croatian government and parliament adopt Brijuni's regional plan. According to him, an international bid will be announced. This job could be completed by the end of this or the beginning of next year, Jakovcic said. This project includes the reconstruction of old hotels and the building of a new one with 400 rooms. All hotels should be five- star hotels. According to the minister, about a dozen foreign investors are interesting in investing in Brijuni, including "Benetton", "Ecclestone", American companies and Arabian entrepreneurs. Jakovcic said the meeting of potential investors in Brijuni will be held this autumn. (hina) it sb