TRAVEL REPORT The Hon. Michael Atkinson MP Attorney-General ...

eal opportunity to achieve a synergy matching the economic interest of aninvestor with the social and economic interest of Croatia . One example wouldbe to establish an industry and create jobs on a particular island which mightotherwise lose its population . The Greenfield Company based in Croatia isone being considered, or the provision of equity capital for existingcompanies . A comment was made that it would be important for the sector toestablish contacts first and look at the details later .The delegation was told that it would be highly desirable to have the shipsbuilt in Croatia as it is extremely important to provide for and empower thelocal industry which was necessary not just for the construction, but also formaintenance and re-construction . This would also be a means by whichCroatia could assist in ensuring the islands maintained their populations andremained inhabited . This was not to suggest that this program must be basedon social welfare, rather that proposals must be economically viable andjustifiable . Some joint projects with Norway, a country which has a greathistory in this field, have already started .Croatia was looking forward to finding a format which would be acceptable toboth Croatia and Australia and attract people like Mr Glamocak . There is noillusion that with their current capacities, they are unable to build using theirown resources, so they are looking for co-operation . The details of the Line ofCredit would be available through the Croatian Bank of Reconciliation andDevelopment, depending, of course, on the credit rating of potential investors .A priority was considered the strengthening of Croatia's own skills and abilitiesand the introduction of new technologies and practices . The aim of theDepartment of Agriculture was to support programs which are economicallyviable and justified .Livestock is a priority area development of the Republic of Croatia so a newoperational plan with livestock has been adopted . Also improving vineyardsand olive groves as these are critical areas for the EU . and grants and creditlines would be provided to help develop these areas .The meeting concluded with the agreement that Mr Mikic from the AustralianEmbassy would discuss and liaise with Mr Glamocak and Ministry officialsabout the ship-building contract . They did admit that they were aware ofcriticism about their bureaucracy which had also been raised by Mr . Glamocakand it was an area which they intended to address .Travel Report, Hon. Michael Atkinson, MP. and Ms. Vini Ciccarello MP., August, 2004 65