CROATIA AND INDIA AIM TO STRENGTHEN ECONOMIC TIES

ZAGREB, Sept 17 (Hina) - Croatia and India have considered concrete projects for future economic cooperation, Croatian Economy Minister Nenad Porges said in Zagreb on Wednesday after the signing of a protocol on trade and economic cooperation. The document, signed by Croatian Assistant Economy Minister Neven Mimica and Indian Assistant Trade Minister Nripendra Misra, "outlines the realistic objectives of future cooperation" and feasible projects, Porges said. Indian business people, headed by Trade Minister Bolla Buli Ramaiah, showed interest in cooperation with the Croatian shipbuilding, ferrous, machine manufacturing and textile industries as well as in the purchase of fertilisers. The current volume of trade between Croatia and India was far below their potential, Porges said, adding that trade with India accounted for a mere 0.8 per cent of Croatia's overall trade. Porges stressed that the interest in boosting business cooperation was mutual. The two countries should improve their traffic and banking links as a precondition for strengthening economic relations, Croatian and Indian business people assessed. Ramaiah described two-day talks with Croatian business people and Economy Ministry officials as very good, stressing the importance of implementing the projects that had been agreed upon. On Wednesday, Ramaiah met Croatian Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa and informed him about his talks with Croatian business people. He invited Matesa to visit India. Ramaiah and Matesa also discussed presentation of the Croatian economy at an annual trade fair in Delhi. (hina) vm 171735 MET sep 97