MINISTER PORGES: CROATIA'S PRIORITIES ARE WTO, CEFTA & TALKS WITH EU

( Editorial: --> 4997 ) PRAGUE, 16 Jan (Hina) - The second day of the 5th conference for ministers of economy, industry and trade of G-7 countries and 16 countries in transition started with a ministers' meeting. Croatia's delegation is headed by Economy Minister Nenad Porges. Behind closed doors, the ministers examined ways in which developed countries could assist countries in transition. Most G-7 representatives said they would like to assist the development of Central and Eastern European countries with investment, science and technology. At the same time countries in transition should adopt market economies and accept their transparent nature, they said. At the meeting, Minister Porges talked about features of the Croatian economy and Croatia's priorities, which include entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and CEFTA as well as start of talks for Croatia's entry into associate membership of the European Union. (hina) mm mrb 161754 MET jan 98