Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Branko Grcic on Thursday said that in 2013 focus would be put on exports and investments as well as setting conditions for better personal consumption.
Grcic was asked by reporters to comment on criticism expressed by the Croatian Association of Employers (HUP) on Wednesday that nothing had been done in 2012 as far as the economic situation was concerned.
"That simply is not true", he said, adding, "we are faced with conflicting objectives. On the one hand to ensure fiscal consolidation and on the other to ensure economic growth. We will focus our efforts next year on personal consumption, exports and investments", said Grcic.
On Wednesday HUP employers assessed that next year would be even more difficult than this or at least just as poor.
Economy Minister Ivan Vrdoljak said that he would consult with HUP to enquire about their suggestions.
Asked by journalists whether it was true that the sales contract for the Brodosplit shipyard had been initialled, Minister Vrdoljak said yes, adding that the president of the DIV Management Board, Tomislav Debeljak, had initialled the contract.
As some press reported, the initialled final draft contract needs to be approved by the European Commission and the government after which it can finally be signed and concluded.
