ECONOMY MINISTER PORGES MEETS US & EU OFFICIALS IN DAVOS

( Editorial: --> 8634 ) DAVOS, 1 Feb (Hina) - Croatian Economy Minister Nenad Porges, who is attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Saturday had several informal meetings. Porges met with Stuart Eizenstat, under-secretary for commerce with the US State Department. The two officials discussed the Croatian-American economic cooperation and projects on the Croatian market US companies are competing for. Discussed was also Croatia's admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Eizenstat stressed America's readiness to continue negotiations. Porges and Eizenstat also discussed the conclusion of an agreement on avoiding double taxation between the two countries. Eizenstat, who is in charge of a US report on Nazi gold, commended Croatia's constructive role at the London conference held at the end of last year. Porges also met with Sir Leon Brittan, Vice President of the European Commission. The two officials discussed the dynamics of regulating relations between Croatia and the European Union. It was said at the meeting that the European Commission was ready to provide expert assistance to the Croatian government within the final stage of negotiations on Croatia's admission to the WTO. (hina) rm 011105 MET feb 98