BRITISH INVESTORS PROBE CROATIAN MARKET

ZAGREB, Jun 19 (Hina) - British investors are planning to increase their involvement in Croatia now that London has introduced export credit insurance for the Croatian market, Croatian Economy Minister Davor Stern and British Ambassador Gavin Hewitt said in a joint statement on Wednesday. "Prospects for cooperation seem very rosy right now," Minister Stern said after meeting a group of British businessmen, representatives of about forty banks and companies who are on a five-day visit to Croatia to investigate investment opportunities. "The privatisation of tourist facilities could be a great opportunity for investment," Minister Stern said. However, there were still some "doubts and uncertainties" about Croatia's plans in certain areas, Ambassador Hewitt said. According to British businessmen, there are three major obstacles standing in the way of foreign investment: the overpriced kuna, the high costs of living and excessive taxation. (hina) mm as 192029 MET jun 96