EBRD DELEGATION VISITS CROATIAN NATIONAL BANK

ZAGREB, Dec 9 (Hina) - A delegation of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on Monday talked with officials of the Croatian National Bank (NBH) about economic and financial trends in Croatia, rehabilitation of banks and privatization. At the Zagreb talks EBRD senior officials presented to the HNB representatives the 'Transition Report 1996', prepared by the EBRD on transition processes in 26 former socialist countries. Croatian National Bank Governor's deputy, Zdravko Rogic, and an aide to the Croatian Finance Minister, Josip Kulisic, informed an EBRD senior official, Ricard Lago, and an EBRD official in charge of Croatia, Christian Mumssen, about efforts made by the Croatian Government to preserve macroeconomic stability, rehabilitate banking system and boost sound economic rise. The EBRD delegation praised Croatia's determination in carrying out stabilization. Commenting on the 'Transition Report 1996', Lago said that according to indexes which the EBRD used to compare economic development in transition countries, Croatia was at a very high place. He stressed good results in curbing inflation and in structuring reforms as well as in privatization. Speaking of good cooperation between the EBRD and Croatia he cited the example of the Croatian drugs company 'Pliva' that was the first eastern European firm to sell shares on the London stock market. Lago said that the EBRD was interested in all economic activities of Croatia, particularly in infrastructure projects, support to development of the private sector, power industry and tourism. (hina) jn mš 091801 MET dec 96