GOVT PROVIDES EXTRA FUNDS TO STIMULATE OSIJEK-BARANJA ECONOMY

( Editorial: --> 9250 ) ZAGREB, 22 July (Hina) - Croatian Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa on Wednesday received Osijek-Baranja Prefect Srecko Lovrincevic to discuss the economic situation in the eastern Croatian county. Eastern and northern parts of the county had been under Serbian occupation from 1991, and were under UN protection until January 15 this year. Matesa and Lovrincevic considered the county's economic problems and potentials and stated that all the indicators provide a basis for moderate optimism regarding the recovery of economy, the Government Public Relations Office announced. The Government gave support to the county administration's and prefect's efforts to encourage the development of small and medium- scale enterprises and entrepreneurial activities, as well as the restructuring and rehabilitation of existing local enterprises. The Croatian Government will provide additional funds for this purpose. (Hina) is jn/mbr 221832 MET jul 98