ECONOMISTS FROM MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES MEET IN BRELA

( Editorial: --> 4655 ) BRELA, Oct 1 (Hina) - An international conference of Mediterranean economists, the first gathering of economists from Mediterranean countries, began in the central Adriatic town of Brela on Thursday. The gathering is being organised by the University of Split. Split University Chancellor Ivan Babic and Economics Faculty Dean Ivan Pavic welcomed some one hundred scientists specialised in the economies of Mediterranean countries. The two expressed their desire that gatherings such as this would become traditional and that the University of Split can organise future gatherings outside Croatia, adding that similar desires had already been expressed. The gathering is being attended by economists from Croatia, Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Malta, Cyprus and other Mediterranean countries. Following a plenary session of all participants, special working groups were organised. The working groups were addressed by Mario Nikolinakos from Greece and Ante Cicin Sain of Croatia who spoke about cooperation between Mediterranean countries. Ivo Babic spoke about the geographical and cultural limitations on the Dalmatian economy. All participants agreed that based on traditional values of Mediterranean countries, it was necessary to develop an economic future as there were still a number of Mediterranean countries which had a low level of economic development. (Hina) sp/rml 011541 MET oct 98