CROATIAN ECONOMY MINISTER MEETS OPIC PRESIDENT IN WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON, April 12 (Hina) - Croatian Economy Minister Davor Stern met Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) president Ruth Harkins in Washington on Thursday for talks on organizing a one-day seminar to present Croatia to American private investors. "Croatia must win its place among the countries of Central and Eastern Europe which are becoming open to foreign investments," Stern told reporters after the meeting. "A presentation that would be held in Washington in May 13 will contribute to that," he added. Possibilities for investment in Croatia's infrastructure, energy and tourism will be presented by Stern and Prime Minister Zlatko Matesa. OPIC was expected to arrange for about 50 US companies that may be interested in investing in Croatia to attend the presentation. Stern and Harkins also discussed the issue of insurance against non-commercial risks for American private capital that would enter Croatia in the form of investments or credit arrangements. (hina) vm 121038 MET apr 96