PRESIDENT TUDJMAN'S REPRESENTATIVE FOR B-H FEDERATION VISITS TUZLA

TUZLA, 17 July (Hina) - A Croatian delegation led by Franjo Greguric, Ambassador and the Croatian President's special representative for relations with the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina, is paying a visit to Tuzla and Posavina Cantons on Thursday. The delegation also includes Croatia's Ambassador to Sarajevo, Darinko Bago and Croatia's consul-general in Tuzla, Kresimir Aleric. #L# "President Tudjman has authorised me to come and see what can be done in the field of economy", Greguric said when asked about the purpose of the visit. The delegation met with Croat representatives of the cantons' political and cultural life and the Croat community in Soli. The two sides discussed the status of the Croat community in the area. The Croatian delegation also held talks with the representatives of Tuzla cantonal and municipal authorities, as well as with local businesspeople. The talks focused on the improvement of cooperation between Croatia and Tuzla Canton. The Croatian representatives also visited the two largest economic systems in the area of Tuzla - the coal-fired thermal power plant (Termoelektrana) and the chemical industry 'Polihem'. The two sides expressed mutual interest in renewing cooperation and the pre-war range of business operations between compatible companies from Croatia and Tuzla. The two sides also discussed the problem of road and railway connections and the transfer of electric power, without which there can be no increase in production, import and export. It was necessary to intensify the cooperation between the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia in the energy products trade. "We will try to import not only raw materials but products as well. However, it is necessary for Bosnia-Herzegovina to quickly adopt a law on privatisation, which will attract more investors from Croatia and third countries," Greguric said. (hina) rm mm 171644 MET jul 97