S U P P O R T E D B Y T H E C R O A T I A N C H A M B E R O F E C O N O M Y

pvpvinternationalinternationalCroatian Business & Finance WeeklyEstablished in 1953Monday / 3rd May / 2010Year III / No 0107www.privredni.hr

INSTITUTE OF ECONOMICS, ZAGREB

A SLIGHT RECOVERY ON THE HORIZONThe economy is facing a very difficulty year with a 0.7%decrease in GDP.In 2011, overall economic activity is expected to gradually recover with growth of 2.2%

Croatian National Bank Downward trend in new lending. February the fifth consecutive month of reductionsLENDING

PAGE 6

Zoran Popovac, Chairman, HŽ boardInvestment into railways is an investment into economic developmentINTERVIEW

PAGE 3

Marko Škreb, PBZ Zagreb chief economist, considers the new governmental programmeProgramme does notoffer quick solutionsSTIMULUS PROGRAME

PAGE 4

Vesna Antonić

The last quarter of 2009 showed a 4.5% decrease in GDP in comparison

with the same period last year. Seasonally adjusted data show that GDP decreased at a slower pace when compared with the previous quarter, which indicates that negative trends, whilst be-ing very slight, will continue. The last quarter of the previous year showed a not unexpected significant decrease in personal consumption and investment, al-though imports and exports noted a moderate recovery. The most recent available information on the current state of economy in-dicate mild, positive trends in industrial production, stagnation in retail trade and an increase in negative trends in the construc-tion industry.Considering such mixed signals, the predictions of The Institute of Economics from Zagreb, published in the latest issue of the Croatian Economic Outlook Quarterly, indicate a slight recov-ery in economic activities in the second half of the year. However, 2010 will be a more than difficult year for the economy, with a de-crease in GDP of 0.7%. In 2011, total economic activity is antici-

pated to gradually recover, show-ing growth of some 2.2%. On the other hand, any recovery will remain unstable, showing every possibility of successive increas-es and decreases in activity, vary-ing from one quarter to another. Increasing unemployment and a reduction in average income will postpone any enhancements in personal consumption until 2011 when negative trends on the la-bour market are expected to be brought to a halt. After facing a considerable decrease in 2009, investment may be expected to further reduce in the current year. Any degree of optimism is not expected before 2011, when

investment should increase by some 5%. Despite favourable international conditions, imports and exports will still be largely influenced by local economic ac-tivity. Thus, the current year re-sults will remain below the 2009 average. Further growth in for-eign trade is not expected before 2011. Such trends will ensure a continued deficit in the balance of payments of around 5% of GDP and decelerate growth in foreign debt. Although monetary policy measures are directed to-wards strengthening lending ac-tivities, a considerable increase in new loans for the private sec-tor is still not expected.

Experts from The Institute of Economics estimate that the 2010 deficit might surpass esti-mated forecasts and amount to 3.5% of GDP. The Institute projec-tions, in comparison with budget projections, presume a weaker economic state, which involves slower budget income flows as well as increased welfare spen-ding. Despite the growth in the price of power, the inflation rate will remain low. The following year might introduce a slight in-crease, primarily due to increa-sed domestic demand.Economic trends will face con-siderable risks and uncertain-ties. When asked how the go-vernment anti-recessionary programme could contribute to optimism and change negative trends, Institute experts point out that the international mar-ket has improved, albeit with continuing signs of instability. Further problems relate to clo-sing the remaining chapters for EU membership.

A larger budget deficit

2

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Privredni vjesnikYear III No 0107

BORIS SOLOMUN, CHAIRMAN, CROATIAN ENTREPRENEURS INITIATIVE

VIEWPOINTVIEWPOINT

Small and medium-sized entrepreneurship must be consultedSolomun is convinced he has found the solution to the financial crisis and a cure for economic depression

Three years ago near Varaždin, Boris Solomun founded Novi život, a

non-profit organisation which provides help for the elderly and the helpless. As the or-ganisation started its activities a year ago, it was stricken by the global financial crisis with full force. The management turned to capable institutions for help, but, unfortunately, there was no response. As problems rapidly accumulated, Solomun almost closed the organisation. He also spent some time contacting other entrepreneurs and considering public statements made by many well-known analysts, politicians and businessmen. However, all they did was talk without provid-ing concrete solutions. He then realised that not only he and his family but also the whole country were facing deepening, frustrat-ing problems, but he could not accept such bleak future. The Ini-tiative has been actively solving entrepreneurial problems as well as developing and establishing its position in the public domain. Croatian national economic poli-cy does not provide for small and medium-sized entrepreneurship, unlike some European countries. Hence, the Initiative actively connects its members, provides development for both experi-enced and new entrepreneurs, enables normal and professional communication 365 days a year, lobbies government authorities, creates new jobs, searches for

new markets and, most impor-tantly, also for new export oppor-tunities.The members have already in-troduced initiatives for solving various problems. Currently, they are consulting with the Ministry of Family, Veterans’ Affairs and Intergenerational Solidarity on the re-education of veterans as well as children of dead or miss-ing soldiers, with the goal of fit-ting them for self-employment and entering the world of entre-preneurship. The Initiative mem-bers are to form a cluster in the area of energy and renewable en-ergy resources as well as clusters relating to health food production and continental tourism.There are currently 2,200 Fa-cebook members and 80 active members in the Initiative, who have accepted the Articles of Association and Code of Ethics. The Initiative gathers young and educated people who are eager to implement new concepts. Solo-mun is convinced he has the right answer for solving the financial crisis and curing economic de-pression.

Eleonora Dukavac

Notwithstanding the cur-rent financial crisis with trade in car components

showing a decrease both nation-ally and at a European level, two new auto clusters have emerged in the Croatian market. Both the cluster of Automobile Compo-nent Manufacturers (KPA), sup-ported by the Croatian Chamber of Economy, as well as Autoclus-ter Croatia, a former member of Croatian Employers Association, have been founded as independ-

ent companies. “Both clusters are not in direct competition. AC Croatia encompasses some com-panies which do not deal with the manufacture of automotive com-ponents. The entire Croatian auto components industry includes some 20 companies, managing in the region of 3,000 employees. The eight companies within the framework of KPA, with a 70% industry share, is the only serious industry representative”, claims Josip Boban, KPA general man-

ager. The promotion of the mo-tor component industry assets as well as reaching increased levels of competitiveness and innova-tion are their main goals.

Industry trends“The leading automotive com-ponent manufacturers have been successful in overcoming the fi-nancial crisis, with some mem-bers expanding into the interna-tional market. Our efforts will be directed towards adapting to new market requirements and seiz-ing new business opportunities. We welcome any new members, especially manufacturers”, says Boban, general manager of AD plastik from Solin. The develop-ment of new technologies which aim to build the Croatian car industry is one of the major AC Croatia goals. “Annual income of our members amounts to some €0.27 billion, with 90% of ex-ports to western European mar-kets. “This cluster has generated enormous potential for success-ful access to local and European funds. We are currently imple-menting new materials and tech-nologies and also taking environ-mental protection into considera-tion. The cluster has successfully committed to several European projects, such as Autoclusters SEE and Pro-inno Europe”, points out Branko Mihalić, man-ager of AC Cluster.

New auto clusters

New incentives for Croatian car industry

According to Autocluster executives, members’ year-on-year income increased to

€0.27 billion, with exports totalling 90%

We are currently developing new materials

and technologies as well as considering

environmental protection

www.privredni.hrBusiness & Finance Weekly 3

ZORAN POPOVAC, CHAIRMAN, HŽ BOARD

INVESTMENT INTO RAILWAYS IS AN INVESTMENT INTO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTBids for the privatisation of HŽ daughter companies to begin at the end of the yearCroatia can manufacture all necessary infrastructure for railway development

in HŽ Group18,241employees(

Jasminka Filipas

Recently, HŽ (Hrvatske željeznice) celebrated the 150th anniversary of the

opening of the first Croatian rail-way. Zoran Popovac, Chairman of the HŽ board, gives his views.Božidar Kalmeta, the Minister of the Sea, Transport and In-frastructure, claims that HŽ could have applied for more EU funds but unfortunately did not prepare project docu-mentation on time.

The Vinkovci-Tovarnik railway reconstruction, as well as count-less other developments is largely funded through the ISPA and IPA programmes. Total investment is some €65 million, of which €28.8 million comes via the ISPA pro-gramme. According to plans, the project should be finished by the end of 2010 and if current con-struction work is taken into con-sideration, no major delays are anticipated. IPA has € 47.1 mil-lion of funding assured for the implementation of projects for which HŽ, as the implementing organisation, received approval in 2008.

Which projects are to be fund-ed through IPA?IPA funds are to be used for three different projects, one being the reconstruction of the signalisa-tion and security systems of the Zagreb main rail station. Cur-rently, formal bidding is being implemented and the first con-tracts should be drawn up in the first half of 2010 but construc-tion work is not expected to start

before 2011. The second project includes the reconstruction of Novska-Okučani section. Cur-rently, we are developing project documentation and applying for the required permits. Formal bid-ding is to be completed at the end of this year while construction work will begin in spring 2011. The final project involves the re-construction of the single-track line Dugo Selo – Novska. HŽ is preparing bid documentation, as required for inviting foreign ten-ders.

According to the National Pro-gramme, how much is planned to be invested by the end of 2015?The sum amounts to €2.05 bil-lion. We believe this level of investment is justifiable as the improved infrastructure and the

acquisition of new trains will contribute to economic devel-opment. A very valuable aspect is that Croatia can manufacture internally all the necessary in-frastructure for railway devel-opment. Hence, cohesion funds

provide the necessary funding for the implementation of those programmes which also provide a great opportunity for Croatia to improve the transportation of goods.

Will HŽ Holding be reorgan-ised?All companies which are part of HŽ Holding are to be restruc-

tured. Our corporate manage-ment model should comply with standards and principles of con-temporary corporate manage-ment. The whole process should be brought to an end in 2010.

Does it include a significant number of dismissals?Regrettably, it does. We en-courage our employees to use redundancy pay whenever pos-sible. I would like to stress that the last decade has shown a decrease in the number of em-ployees, from 22,908 in 1998 to 12,843 in 2009. 620 were foreseen under the Programme and 7,101 employees opted for redundancy pay. At the begin-ning of the year, HŽ Group managed 18,241 employees, of which 12,843 work for the par-ent organisation and 5,498 for subsidiaries.

Previous rounds of bidding for the privatisation of HŽ off-shoot companies proved un-successful. Will they be offered again and how many individu-als will be affected?New rounds of bidding will be complete by the end of this year. Željezničko ugostiteljstvo (Railway Catering Company), PRO REG (Production and Re-generation Company), Pružne građevine (Railway Construc-tion), Remont i održavanje pruga (Railway Maintenance Company), POSIT, RŽV (man-ufacturer of train sets) from Čakovec and Bjelovar will all be part of the privatisation proc-ess. Together, these companies manage 1,600 employees.

INTERVIEW

More than €0.41 billion required for the purchase

of new train sets

4 Privredni vjesnikYear III No 0107

MARKO ŠKREB, PBZ ZAGREB CHIEF ECONOMIST, CONSIDERS THE NEW GOVERNMENTAL PROGRAMME

PROGRAMME DOES NOTOFFER QUICK SOLUTIONSAccording to Škreb, reaching broader consensus means a waste of time which currently cannot be afforded

Vesna Antonić

The new governmental anti-recessionary programme certainly represents a

significant economic event for Croatia. Its prompt and rapid implementation will not only influence short-term growth in the year to come but will also af-fect medium-term trends. More importantly, it does not include a very narrow set of anti-reces-sionary measures, but serious structural measures, changing the behaviour of all those who are economically active which is precisely what Croatia cur-rently needs, according to Marko Škreb, PBZ chief economist in his review of the new govern-mental programme.A well-known fact is that the former growth model was largely based on excessive internal de-mand, including personal, capital and governmental expenditure, which finally led to an unsus-tainable medium-term external imbalance. As expenditure ex-ceeded production, payment of bills showed an increased deficit whilst all economic sectors also increased their external debt, leading to the main restrictions for future development, accord-ing to the central bank. Škreb believes Croatia needs those measures which will generate additional exports and improve its competitiveness on the global market.

Support for the ProgrammeThe programme should be sup-ported, no matter what its de-ficiencies may be. According to Škreb, most of the measures may be described as “healthy economic policy”. The medium-term benefits of their implemen-tation will positively affect every Croatian individual, unlike short-term benefits, which do not posi-tively affect all interested groups.

The programme does not offer quick solutions, such as devalu-ation, which solves all economic problems, simply because cur-rent problems cannot be solved

in such a manner, emphasises Škreb.In his opinion, the programme provides a range of measures which solve major economic problems and whose permanent implementation is a must. “No matter what political or eco-nomic views the current or future governments may hold, these measures are required both for accelerated economic growth and the survival of our economic independence”, believes the PBZ chief economist.He also adds that certain meas-ures should be prepared in ac-cordance with EU and EMU regulations, as membership of both institutions is a Croatian strategic goal. A wider selection of those measures should not be

discussed, since their implemen-tation will ensure the accom-plishment of this goal.Foreign investors and lenders will most assuredly welcome these measures, especially if rapid and appropriate changes are to occur. Specifically, the enormous exter-nal debt and its management on a short-term basis make Croatia dependant on external lenders and investors. This means that the price of external debt man-agement could decrease.

Paralysis by analysisAccording to Škreb, negative remarks can be found for any programme. However, it is cur-rently more important to define the general direction for reform as well as to ensure the effective-ness of individual measures and their urgent implementation. In his opinion, constant and detailed analysis of individual measures is currently not productive and would not result in anticipated changes in individual behaviour. “First of all, the term “paralysis by analysis” is well known in economic policy, meaning that further analysis can always be provided, but usually results in postponed implementation of in-dividual reforms.Secondly, it is almost impos-sible to reach a broader consen-sus among all experts, let alone among all parties interested in reform. Hence, looking for wider consensus among experts means a waste of time, which is cur-rently unaffordable”, says Škreb. “Eventually, there will always be unhappy parties, as every eco-nomic measure results in either positive or negative effects. The same will happen to the current reforms. However, the key is that the government controls reform as a whole, its trends as well as their influences on sustainable long-term growth” concludes the PBZ chief economist.

HT the most valuable Croatian corporate brandOn the current list of the 100 most valuable Croatian brands, published by the business weekly Lider, Hrvatski telekom replaced the Croatian oil company Ina as the leading corporate brand in Croatia. Last year, the HT brand increased profitability by US$12 million, which now stands at US$603 million, thus exceed-ing its 2009 profit figure. Brand Finance calculated that the total value of the top one hundred lo-cal brands totals US$9.2 billion. Although the current financial cri-sis has not significantly decreased their overall value, 44 brands from the 100 list do note a visible decrease in the total value. The top ten companies do not show any other significant changes. Po-dravka, probably due to its many problematic affairs, has lost its position among the top ten with Jaminca taking its place.

adriatica.net sells SixtRecently, adriatica.net group fi-nalised the sale contract for the rent-a-car company, Sixt, which conducted business activities as a part of the Atlas group. As part of the adriatica.net restructuring process, Sixt has been sold to the company which is its franchisor for Slovenia; by doing so adri-atica.net has effected one of more important factors in its business strategy after implementing an equity increase. The sale contract states that Sixt employees will be working for the new company, to which all company rights have al-ready been transferred.

IN2 create a new company in MacedoniaThe leading regional software group IN2, after being present on the Macedonian market for several years, founded IN2 dooel Skopje in November 2009, which was of-ficially opened last week and counts as one of the ten IN2 group members. As an independent com-pany, this improves IN2 business activities on the Macedonian mar-ket, as they were previously con-ducted by the Zagreb parent com-pany. IN2 would primarily like to improve the sales of their software solutions and IT services and pro-vide the Macedonian market with expert knowledge and experience, based on an 18 year-long experi-ence in the regional IT market.

A change in behaviour is the key to success as well

as a major risk

::: news

www.privredni.hrBusiness & Finance Weekly 5CROATIAN MANAGERS THE MOST PESSIMISTIC REGIONALLY

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS WILLCONTINUE TO BE A DRAGSignificant optimism in Croatia limited to the areas of capital goods consumption, such as equipment,IT technology and new commercial buildings

January external debt at €42.5 billion

A SLIGHT DECREASE IN GROSS EXTERNAL DEBT

Public debt

PUBLIC DEBT AT 50% OF GDP

Croatian managers are still providing the most pes-simistic forecasts in the

region. The majority believe that general economic conditions will be a further aggravation in the next six months, with 20% endorsing a pessimistic view of the future, as stated in the survey entitled Opinion Indicators in the Business Sector, conducted by Deloitte, an audit and consulting company, covering six central European countries. Significant optimism in Croatia can be found only in the area of capital goods consumption, such as equipment, IT technology and new commer-cial buildings.Almost 50% of respondents re-plied that capital investment will increase in the following six months, with only 10% believing

they will decrease.Regional as well as Croatian em-ployment rates remain negative. 44% of managers anticipate a decrease in the number of em-ployees while only 7% plan an increase in that area.Despite regional managers ex-pecting sales income to increase in the following six months, 75%

of Croatian managers believe this aspect will remain at the same level or even decrease. Moreo-ver, the number of companies planning to launch new products

on the market over the following year, decreased by 10%, from 67% to 57%.In addition, the risk assessment on either unpaid or uncollectible bills worsened significantly in the last three quarters. More than 75% of managers believe that companies have to wait too long for payment. On the other hand, they are as optimistic as their regional colleagues when con-sidering the availability of bank lending with only one in three respondents showing any degree of pessimism.The possibilities for acquiring another company remain deeply negative within the central Eu-ropean average. Only 13% of Croatian companies would con-sider such a course of action in the year to come. (V.A.)

Croatian gross external debt, excluding ‘round-trip’ direct

investment, amounted to €42.5 billion at the end of January, a de-crease of € 0.6 billion when com-pared with the end of 2009. This trend is primarily reflected in bank debt reduction, with a mi-nor share covering company debt reduction, although the public sector showed a slight increase in foreign liabilities, according to the Croatian National Bank Bul-letin.After noting an increase in short-term liabilities last December, commercial banks decreased their foreign liabilities by €0.5 billion at the end of January

2010, mostly through non-resi-dent cash flow and deposits. The January reduction of bank for-eign liabilities resulted in their reduced share of total Croatian external debt by less than 25%.Since the end of 2009, other public sector organisations, including mainly companies, non-bank financial institutions and the Croatian Bank for Re-construction and Development, still showed a slight decrease in external debt but by a mere €0.2 billion. Non-bank financial institutions, especially leasing companies, show a considerable decrease as well as the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and De-velopment, albeit on a smaller scale. Both public and mixed compa-nies saw a slight debt decrease, whilst companies with a public controlling interest recorded the same debt level as for December 2009. (V.A.)

In November 2009, total pub-lic debt, including both central

and local government debts as well as those of non-budgetary funds, totalled €15.96 billion, some 35% of GDP. When com-pared with the end of 2008, this figure had increased by 16.3%. If government guarantees as well as Croatian Bank for Reconstruc-tion and Development debt is included, public debt amounted to €23 billion or 50% of GDP, measuring a growth rate of 15.7% when compared with the end of 2008.At the end of November, central government debt, equating to 65% of total public debt, stood at €14.93 billion an increase of 16.7% when compared with the end of 2008. Data from the Croatian National Bank at the end of January 2010 show that central government debt has increased throughout December and Janu-ary by €0.23 billion, now stand-

ing at €15.16 billion. Govern-ment guarantees totalled €5.11 billion or 10.2% higher in com-parison with the end of 2008 and the debt of the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development reached €1.89 billion, an increase of 27.6%. RBA analysts expect public debt will continue to grow in 2010 as a decrease in budget income, caused by negative eco-nomic trends, will increase gov-ernment needs to refinance its budgetary obligations, taking nominal expenditure growth into consideration. (V.A.)

44% of managers anticipate a reduction in

the number of employees

6 Privredni vjesnikYear III No 0107

CROATIAN FOREIGN CURRENCY MARKET

Source: HNB WEEK MAY 3, 2010

Currency Kuna exchange mid-rate

AUD 5,066825

CAD 5,409255

JPY 5,762556

CHF 5,051631

GBP 8,356637

USD 5,440539

EUR 7,243533

::: news FEBRUARY DATA FROM THE CROATIAN NATIONAL BANK

Downward trend in new lending

February was the fifth consecutive month to show a decrease in the number of personal loans

According to the Croatian National Bank, for the first time

since April 2000, a year-on-year decrease in the number of personal loans was recorded in February 2010. The total amount of loans, issued by commercial banks, totalled €34.77 billion at the end of February, a year-on-year de-crease of 0.8%, which was caused by both a depressed number of new personal loans as well as lending to financial institutions. The total amount of loans remains almost un-changed on a monthly basis.February was the fifth con-secutive month to record a decrease in the number of per-sonal loans year-on-year. At

the end of the month personal lending amounted to €16.75 billion, a decrease of 3.5% when compared with the same period last year. After show-ing a mild increase in January, February also showed a 0.6% decrease on a monthly basis. On the other hand, housing credits, with 43.4% share in the total number of personal loans, still show a plus on an annual basis, but growth is ex-tremely low at 0.2%.

Increase in state financing The annual growth rate for corporate lending decreased by 1.1% and stood at €13.71 billion at the end of February. State financing showed an ex-

tremely high growth rate in the first half of 2009, with April and May each showing a 100% increase. However, as the Gov-

ernment re-entered the foreign capital markets at the end of the year, it no longer required fur-ther financing from local banks. Hence, year-on-year growth in this area has gradually de-creased; at the end of February lending to the state was €4.14 billion, an increase of 3.8% on an annual basis. (V.A. / RBA)

Analysts do not expect a significant

increase in new loan applications

Increase in Atlantic Group ProfitIn the first quarter of 2010, Atlan-tic Group posted profits of €69.07 million with nett profit standing at €7.77 million, a 2.6% increase when compared with the same period last year, due to the non-recurring sales profit of Neva, the Atlantic Group old manufactur-ing location. When this item is disregarded, nett profit amounted to €2.30 million and profit from business operations of €4.25 mil-lion shows a 2.8% increase. Op-erating profit excluding deprecia-tion notes a 7.1% increase over the previous year and totals €5.89 million.

T-HT nett profit decreasedT-HT revenue showed a 6% de-crease in the first quarter of 2010, amounting to €0.27 billion. Nett profit decreased by 34.2%, stand-ing at €52.60 million. Cash flow from normal business operations increased to €72.25 million, an-nounced T-HT management. The new structure with two operat-ing units – one for private and a second for B2B users – has been introduced.

Podravka: nett profit up 23% Podravka operating activities ac-counted for a €4.45 million nett profit in the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 269% when com-pared with the same period of 2009, as stated in their business performance summary. Extraor-dinary items, totalling €3.41 mil-lion, had a negative influence on Podravka business results in the first quarter; these mainly refer to adjustments in bond values, amounting to €3.33 million. The reported nett profit figure of €1.04 million shows an increase of 23% over the same period last year, as stated in the report.

26.4. 27.4. 28.4. 29.4. 30.4.

7.28

7.27

7.26

7.25

7.24

7.23

EUR 5.52

5.50

5.48

5.46

5.44

4.42

USD 5.08

5.07

5.06

5.05

5.04

5.03

CHF

26.4. 27.4. 28.4. 29.4. 30.4. 26.4. 27.4. 28.4. 29.4. 30.4.

www.privredni.hrBusiness & Finance Weekly 7

ITS CONSULTING, ZAGREB PALMA, KORČULA

WE PRESENT

Siberia also needs cooling systemsITS Consulting has been manufacturing air conditioning units for more than 30 years, accumulating experience in countries such as Russia, Belorussia and Turkmenistan

Liqueurs production based on recipes dating from the Dubrovnik RepublicThe recipe for a liqueur produced from red wine was discovered in church archives and successfully revived

ITS Consulting has been de-signing, assembling and maintaining air condition-

ing units for more than 30 years. From its first beginnings, this Za-greb based company has special-ised in the manufacture of cool-ing systems for server rooms in IT centres. Goran Stanišić, Gen-eral Manager of ITS Consult-ing, says the company has a long tradition which started in 1980’s when ITS (Engineering and tech-nological maintenance centre), specialised in cooling systems, was founded. ITS Consulting was developed a few years later, in 1990. Their most valuable ex-perience was accumulated while developing cooling systems for telecommunication centres in Russia, Belorussia and Turk-menistan. “When considering extreme climate conditions in Si-beria and sparse population of the area, the experience we gained is unique and irreplaceable”, stress-es Stanišić. ITS Consulting, pro-viding services to customers 24 hours a day, has been distribut-ing RC Group products for more than 25 years, units such as serv-er cooling racks and cabinets of all sizes, special air-conditioning units for the telecommunications industry, cooling units as well as absorbing cooling units. In ad-dition to running a representa-tive office, ITS Consulting also

distributes Prihod, Ventilclim, Mitsubishi Electric and Toshiba products.

You get what you pay forAccording to Stanišić, the global financial crisis caused problems for this branch of industry, as well. “Production of air-condi-tioning systems is closely relat-ed to the construction industry, which was the first to experience the consequences of the crisis”, he adds. A decrease in business activity caused yet another prob-lem. “Although healthy quality competition is always welcome, there are companies which com-pete with low prices, without providing the necessary knowl-edge and quality service required for a specific job, which is highly dangerous for investors. They should beware that they get what they pay for” stresses Stanišić. He is very happy with the market position that ITS Consulting cur-rently holds, with the main goal of maintaining current business operations during the financial crisis. Although he appreciates steady yearly company growth, he is aware that such a trend is not constant. “Too accelerated a growth in results often shows in a quality decrease and a quick collapse which is very difficult to control”, concludes Stanišić. (B.O.)

According to Baldo Pav-lina, the owner of Palma from Korčula, the idea

for the production of local li-queurs from brandy and wine as well as of olive oil enriched with essential herbs first came into view when both he and his son lost their jobs.They use many other locally pro-duced eco-products, such as figs, honey and almonds. Pavlina is particularly proud of his liqueur from red wine, whose recipe originates from the time of the Dubrovnik Republic. The recipe was discovered in the church ar-chives and was very difficult to interpret. However, this liqueur as well as many others have become very popular and are in high de-mand not only by the American and German markets but also in other countries. However, he has not exported his products yet as he is currently negotiating with international partners.

Souvenirs with a touch of historyGlass souvenirs carry medallions representing famous Croats, such as the explorer Marco Polo, poet-ess and muse, Cijeta Zuzorić and composer Dora Pejačević. “Such quality products send a message about important individuals in Croatian history. We would be extremely pleased if somebody

shows interest in the opus of Dora Pejačević” stresses Pavlina. In addition to the renowned red wine liqueur, they also manufac-ture liqueurs from oranges, sour cherries, walnuts, carobs and many others. The Plavac varietal from Pelješac peninsula as well as Badel brandy is used in their production, with the Badel brand specifically intended for the pro-duction of herbal, anise, carob and fig flavoured brandies. “The complete production process is based solely on sun, without any artificial additives”, says Pavlina, also adding that their high quality olive oil is flavoured according to traditional recipes and can be used in the preparation of various Mediterranean dishes.Traditional recipes include a mix of oil and vinegar, freshly packed dried flowers of lavender, dried figs, fried salted almonds as well as many other spices growing in the area, such as oregano, basil, mint, marjoram, sage, anis, lav-ender and rosemary. Their prod-ucts are mainly sold wholesale and can be found in many hotels, catering facilities, souvenir shops and Diona markets. “It is a well-known fact that Korčula is one of the sunniest of Croatian islands which provides countless pro-duction possibilities and meets current market needs”, ends Bal-do Pavlina. (J.F.)

8 Privredni vjesnikYear II No 0107

::: news

Ugo Grupa

Meeting the wishes Meeting the wishes of visitors and of visitors and business partners is a prioritybusiness partners is a priority

Sanja Plješa

Ugo Grupa from Zagreb was founded in 1988 with the prime goal of

providing suitable equipment for various hotel and catering estab-lishments, offices and premises. Since 1995, their business activi-ties have extended to the design, construction and reconstruction of these facilities by providing a full service to their customers. With the opening of the Milenij hotel in Opatija in 2000, Ugo Grupa entered the hospitality industry and founded Ugo ho-tel, today more usually known as Milenij hoteli. When various organisations failed to sell Sola-ris, a multiple-hotel resort near Šibenik, Ugo Grupa bought a controlling interest in the com-pany. Today, Ugo Grupa has some 1,200 employees spanning various companies, including seasonal workers. Its business activities include managing the Milenij hoteli in Opatija, with six four- and five-star hotels, as well as the Solaris hotels resort in Šibenik, with five four-star hotels, a marina and a family-oriented resort.

Healthy competition always welcomeAs the majority of their visitors come from abroad, the company directs its business activities to-wards foreign markets. “The constant upgrading of service quality in our hotels cannot, and is not, allowed to wait as it cur-

rently contributes to positive economic effects. Everything we do complies with the wishes and expectations of our visitors and business partners.A new acquisition, the Royal ho-tel, in Opatija, is currently being prepared” says Branimir Jurišić, General Manager of Ugo Grupa. Without offering further details, he added this project is of a very high quality and will, with its co-pious facilities and attractions, significantly change the ‘Lun-gomare’, a well-known walkway by the sea in Opatija, as well as improving the whole area.When considering competition, Jurišić points out than several international hotel chains, hav-ing different ownership formats,

have been present in Croatia for some time. As they provide healthy competition, their pres-ence is more than welcome. “If local and foreign hotel chains are to be mutually compared, I categorically state that Milenij hoteli with top quality service and facilities stands shoulder-to-shoulder with many famous hotel brands. However, further person-nel development as well as nec-essary changes are still needed” says Jurišić.Each year, Ugo Grupa employees visit distinguished international hotels, learn from their col-

leagues in foreign hotel chains and pass on their knowledge to their Croatian co-workers. Inter-national experts and hotel own-ers also visit Ugo Grupa hotels, in order to help with necessary changes and improve the serv-ice quality. Employees who are responsible for construction and providing equipment for vari-ous hotel and catering establish-ments, are also provided with similar forms of training.

Young professionals wantedUgo Grupa is specifically famous for offering leading positions to young, highly educated profes-sionals. This business philosophy has proved itself successful more than once. The company provides scholarships for its employees, covering both secondary voca-tional and tertiary education. In such a manner, the company ac-quires a certain number of young professionals. “Young people, willing to learn, work and make progress, are always welcome in our hotels” emphasises Jurišić. Recently, Ugo Grupa has been granted services under the EBRD advisory programme, but it is too early to comment on first impres-sions, as the company has just made its first contacts.EBRD professionals will help Ugo Grupa explore all possi-bilities in implementing useful programmes and improving the quality of destination, wherever the group provides accommoda-tion.

Real estate market prices show slight decreaseAccording to the CentarNekret-nina index, April real estate prices in Zagreb have not shown a significant change in compari-son with their March average, decreasing by only 0.3%. When considering year-on-year prices, they decreased by 3.4%. The average Zagreb price per m2 in April was €1,865, which almost equals the March level of €1,869. According to CentarNekretnina, prices decreased by 3.8% in com-parison with the same period last year. In April, real estate prices along the Adriatic coast de-creased insignificantly by 0.4%, although the year-on-year figure shows a 5.8% decrease.

Croatian Employers Association (HUP) supports new investment cycleAt its most recent meeting, the HUP Executive Commit-tee discussed the importance of foreign investment for Croatia. Damir Kuštrak, HUP president, emphasised that the Associa-tion supports a new cycle of in-vestment, such as the Ina/MOL/ government partnership, as both local and foreign investment is of major importance for Croatia. Kuštrak also referred to recent discussions related to energy prices.

H1 Telekom notes more subscribers

H1, a local telecommunications operator, continues to increase the number of subscribers. A spe-cial spring offer, which started in April, increased the number of customers by 6,000. H1 pro-vides a fixed price for services, with a continuous increase in the number of new customers. This is the result of H1 Telecom long-term strategic plan to become the leading telecommunication and broadband Internet provider for private individuals and smaller companies in Croatia.

With the opening of the Milenij hotel in Opatija, Ugo Grupa, with some 1,200employees, has entered the hospitality industry

Scholarships provided for employees