CROATIAN ECONOMY MINISTER MEETS FRENCH BUSINESS PEOPLE IN PARIS

PARIS, May 14 (Hina) - Croatian Economy Minister Goranko Fizulic who is visiting France with Prime Minister Ivica Racan, today held talks with a group of French business people, including representatives of Airbus, the Hachette publishing company, BNP Bank, PSA - Peugeot/Citroen Group, Bouygues and the Accor tourism management company. "I briefed them about the latest trends in Croatia's economy, capital market, our prognoses for this and next year, and our government's expectations, including towards the French market and economy," Fizulic said after the talks. Croatia Airlines is interested in purchasing six new aeroplanes, worth about US$300 million, Fizulic said, adding he spoke with Airbus representatives about the issue. As a condition for purchasing Airbus aircraft, Croatia is requesting that its industry also be included in the production of some plane parts, the minister said. He recalled Croatia is already producing parts for Peugeot, Citroen and BMW. "We want a real cooperation and partnership, through which we will open new production lines, job opportunities, and a transfer of new technology into Croatia," Fizulic asserted. The Hachette publishing company is still interested in buying Croatia's publishing company Tisak, but the issue is more in the competence of Tisak's creditors than the government. Zagreb wants to level and increase the degree of economic cooperation which has in the past two years been to France's advantage. Last year Croatia exported US$126 million worth of goods to France, while the import of French goods amounted to US$436 million. (hina) lml