Bid to boost Croatia link

[Mary]

MEMBERS of the Capital's business community were today set to hold talks with the Croatian president in a bid to improve trade links.

President Stjepan Mesic is visiting Edinburgh along with a delegation of his ministers and trade organisations to announce that he is establishing an honorary consulate in Edinburgh.

The business day has been set up by Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh & Lothians (SEE&L) to help companies appreciate the potential of working closely with Croatia. The UK exported products worth £147 million to Croatia in 2006.

Dave Anderson, senior director of operations for SEE&L, said: "

Organising events such as these help Scottish firms to target new international markets and with Croatia's impressive recent economic growth and its potential to grow further over the next few years as it joins the EU, we are confident that the participating companies will be able to develop robust links that will help them to develop and grow their business."

The Croatian economy boasts some similarities with Scotland's.

[Mary]

First Minister Alex Salmond says he hopes a visit by the Croatian President will strengthen the bond between the two countries.

Stjepan Mesic is the first foreign head of state to visit Scotland since the SNP won power in May's Holyrood elections.

Mr Salmond will host a private dinner at his official residence, Bute House in Edinburgh, for the visiting leader.