News report of 17.06.2008

* Albania *

Russia’s Lukoil Plans To Enter Albania, Expand Further in SEE Until 2017 Jun 17, 2008, 16:50 CET | Story | SeeNews BURGAS (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Russia’s Lukoil plans to enter Albania as part of its further expansion in Southeast Europe (SEE), a senior executive of Lukoil Bulgaria said on Tuesday. link

* Bosnia *

Bosnia Federation April Tourist Numbers Rise 3.4% Y/Y - Table Jun 17, 2008, 17:14 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), June 17 (SeeNews) - The number of tourists staying in Bosnia’s Muslim-Croat Federation in April rose by 3.4% on the year to 30,515, official statistics showed on Tuesday. link

Bosnia Federation May Producer Prices Rise 1.4% M/M, Up 6.7% Y/Y - Table Jun 17, 2008, 16:51 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), June 17 (SeeNews) - Producer prices in Bosnia’s Muslim-Croat Federation rose in May by 1.4% month-on-month and were 6.7% higher than in May 2007, official statistics indicated on Tuesday. link

Bosnia Federation April Jobless Numbers Fall 2.4% M/M, Down 6.0% Y/Y - Table Jun 17, 2008, 16:48 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), June 17 (SeeNews) - The officially unemployed in Bosnia’s Muslim-Croat Federation in April numbered 348,615, down 2.4% month-on-month and 6.0% less on the year, official statistics showed on Tuesday. link

Bosnia Federation April Avg Net Salary Up 1.6% M/M - Table Jun 17, 2008, 16:17 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), June 17 (SeeNews) - The average net monthly salary in Bosnia’s Muslim-Croat Federation rose 1.6% month-on-month to 735.11 marka ($584/376 euro) in April after going up by 1.5% in March, official statistics showed on Tuesday. link

Bosnia’s Federation May Industrial Output Rises 5.1% Y/Y, Up 4.0% M/M - Table Jun 17, 2008, 15:55 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), June 17 (SeeNews) - The industrial output of Bosnia’s Muslim-Croat Federation rose in May by 5.1% year-on-year and was up 4.0% compared to the previous month, official statistics indicated on Tuesday. link

Bosnia Federation May CPI Rises 0.91% M/M, Up 8.25% Y/Y - Table Jun 17, 2008, 15:26 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), June 17 (SeeNews) - Consumer prices in Bosnia’s Muslim-Croat Federation in May rose by 0.91% month-on-month and were 8.25% higher on the year, official data showed on Tuesday. link

ANALYSIS – Impact from Surging Fuel Prices in SEE Varies Widely Jun 17, 2008, 13:50 CET | Analysis | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Unlike mature Western European economies, where the impact of the current surge in fuel prices is more or less the same, the impact on emerging economies in Southeast Europe varies widely, analysts say. link

Bosnian Construction Group Integral Inzenjering 2007 Net Profit More than Doubles - Table Jun 17, 2008, 11:31 CET | Story | SeeNews BANJA LUKA (Bosnia and Herzegovina), June 17 (SeeNews) – The net profit of Bosnian construction group Integral Inzenjering more than doubled last year to 33.3 million marka ($26.4 million/17 million euro), as revenue rose faster than costs, figures showed on Tuesday. link

Bosnia Schedule of Events – June 17 - Oct 29 Jun 17, 2008, 10:09 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), June 17 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Bosnia and Herzegovina through October 29. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

* Bulgaria *

Sofia Court Delays Sitting on Insolvency Case Against Bulgarian Steel Mill Kremikovtzi Until July 29 Jun 17, 2008, 18:13 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – The Sofia City Court on Tuesday postponed sitting on an insolvency claim against debt-ridden Bulgarian steel mill Kremikovtzi until July 29, demanding additional information, a Kremikovtzi official said. link

Bulgarian Transport Ministry Moves to Combat Fuel Tax Dodgers Jun 17, 2008, 17:39 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Bulgaria’s Transport Ministry on Tuesday said it will propose restrictions on the amount of fuel vehicles entering the country can bring in. link

Russia’s Lukoil Plans To Enter Albania, Expand Further in SEE Until 2017 Jun 17, 2008, 16:50 CET | Story | SeeNews BURGAS (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Russia’s Lukoil plans to enter Albania as part of its further expansion in Southeast Europe (SEE), a senior executive of Lukoil Bulgaria said on Tuesday. link

UPDATE 1 - Bulgaria’s Railroad Infrastructure Company To Launch 14.3 Mln Euro IPO on June 25 – Lead Manager Jun 17, 2008, 16:05 CET | Story | SeeNews (adds forecasts for financial results, timeframe for start of trading) link

Bulgarian Stocks End Mixed in Dull Trading Jun 17, 2008, 15:41 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Bulgarian stocks ended mixed on Tuesday in dull trading, brokers said. link

Bulgaria’s Holding Roads Co Proposes To Start Building Key Motorway with Own Funds - Media Jun 17, 2008, 15:25 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Bulgarian company Holding Roads is ready to start building 117 kilometres of a key motorway in the country with its own funds and seek reimbursement from the government later to avoid a further rise in construction costs over delayed works, state-run news agency BTA reported on Tuesday. link

Bulgaria’s Euroins Insurance Group Raises 5-mo Gross Premium Income by 32% Jun 17, 2008, 14:54 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria’s Euroins Insurance Group raised its gross written premium for the first five months of the year by 32% to 64.7 million levs ($51.4 million/33.1 million euro), the company said on Tuesday. link

Bulgaria’s May Jobless Rate Falls to 6.19% from 7.83% Yr-Ago Jun 17, 2008, 14:53 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Bulgaria’s May unemployment rate fell to 6.19% from 7.83% a year earlier and 6.51% in April, official statistics indicated on Tuesday. link

BULGARIA’S MAY JOBLESS RATE FALLS TO 6.19% FROM 7.83% YR-AGO – GOVT EMPLOYMENT AGENCY Jun 17, 2008, 14:40 CET | Alert | SeeNews link

ANALYSIS – Impact from Surging Fuel Prices in SEE Varies Widely Jun 17, 2008, 13:50 CET | Analysis | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Unlike mature Western European economies, where the impact of the current surge in fuel prices is more or less the same, the impact on emerging economies in Southeast Europe varies widely, analysts say. link

FFBH - Bulgaria Morning Update - June 17, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 13:27 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews MARKET WRAP-UP link

Austrian Insurer UNIQA Aims to Climb to Top Position in Bulgarian Life Insurance at end-2008 Jun 17, 2008, 12:58 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) - Austrian insurance group UNIQA aims to climb to the top position on the Bulgarian life insurance market by the end of 2008 from the number two position at the end of March, the CEO of the company’s local unit said on Tuesday. link

Icelandic Stationery Distributor AN Holding Plans to Enter Bulgaria via 100% Acquisition of Local Firm Jun 17, 2008, 12:26 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (Bulgaria) – Icelandic stationery distributor AN Holding plans to enter Bulgaria through acquiring 100% of local company Mercurius, the Bulgarian anti-trust regulator said on Tuesday. link

UPDATE 1 - Bulgaria’s Jan-April C/A Gap Unchanged at 7.4% of GDP - Table Jun 17, 2008, 12:19 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria’s current account deficit through April was equivalent to a preliminary 7.4% of the gross domestic product (GDP) projected for 2008, unchanged from a year earlier, central bank data showed on Tuesday. link

Bulgaria’s Jan-April C/A Gap Unchanged at 7.4% of GDP Jun 17, 2008, 11:02 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria’s current account deficit through April was equivalent to a preliminary 7.4% of the gross domestic product (GDP) projected for 2008, unchanged from a year earlier, central bank data showed on Tuesday. link

BULGARIA’S 4-MO C/A GAP FLAT AT 7.4%/GDP – C-BANK Jun 17, 2008, 10:50 CET | Alert | SeeNews link

Bulbrokers - USA Stock Markets Daily Review - June 17, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 10:13 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Negative start ofthe week at the U.S. stock marketOn Monday, the major indices opened on a low note. The selling interest was fueled by a brokerage downgrade of General Electric, record crude prices, and a worse than expected regional manufacturing survey.The New York Fed’s general economic index dropped to minus 8.7 from minus 3.2 a month earlier, the bank said today. Readings less than zero signal contraction. The crude oil futures with delivery in June reached $139.70 per barrel, which was a new all-time high.On the other hand General Electric Co., AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. retreated as analysts said a weakening economy may hurt profits.Dow Jones Industrial Average and Standard & Poor’s 500 closed on the negative side. The blue chip index lost 0.3% and closed at 12 270 points. The wide S&P 500 also dropped 0.3% finishing at 1 356. The technology-laden Nasdaq Composite Index gained 0.4% and closed the session at 2 463. On corporate level Citigroup Inc. led the blue chip gains, adding 2.8% to $21.05. American International Group Inc, another Dow stock, fell with 0.6% to $33.97. On Sunday, the world’s largest insurer said that Martin Sullivan was leaving as chief executive, with Chairman Robert Willumstad replacing him. Lehman Brothers gained 6% to $27.35, after the company reported second-quarter loss of $2.8 billion, confirming preliminary results announced last week when the company fired two top executives and raised $6 billion in new capital. General Electric Cо. finished with 0.35% drop at $29.45 per share. Apple gained 2.4% to %176.50, after it was loosing more than 1% in the beginning of the session. The maker of Blackberry devices Research In Motion also supported the tech sector, and gained 5.7% to %140.55 per share. link

Bulbrokers - Daily FX Analysis - June 17, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 10:06 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Record Eurozone Inflation Supports The Single CurrencyThe dollar fell against the euro on Monday, halting a three-session winning streak, as record euro-zone inflation supported expectations of a European Central Bank interest rate hike next month. Eurozone inflation rose to a record high of 3.7 percent year-on-year in May. The scenario for interest hikes from ECB in July becomes more probable especially after hawkish comments from Governing Council members of the bank who said stabilizing inflation in the medium term was a priority. An ECB interest rate increase would further enhance the appeal of the single currency at the expense of the greenback. That gave reflection in the Monday trading as the euro rose to the levels of $1.5517, rebounding from the one month bottom at $1.5300 reached on Friday.An additional pressure on the greenback was caused by the $2.8 billion quarterly loss from investment bank Lehman Brothers Inc and an unexpectedly steep contraction in New York st ate manufacturing. Lehman results were not a surprise but served as a reminder to investors that the credit crisis was still far from over. The New York Fed’s "Empire State" general business conditions index fell to minus 8.68 from minus 3.23 in May, worse than market expectations for a reading of minus 2.00. link

Austria’s Cuubuus To Invest 100 Mln Euro in Real Estate Projects in Bulgarian City of Ruse Jun 17, 2008, 09:55 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Austrian construction and engineering company Cuubuus plans to invest 100 million euro ($155 million) in two real estate projects in Bulgaria’s Danube port of Ruse, a representative of the company said on Tuesday. link

Elana - Bulgaria Daily Report - June 16, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:53 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Market Highlights link

Bulgaria’s Railroad Infrastructure Company To Launch 14.3 Mln Euro IPO on June 25 – Lead Manager Jun 17, 2008, 09:32 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria’s Railroad Infrastructure Holding Company will launch on June 25 an initial public offering in which it will seek 27.9 million levs ($21.9 million/14.3 million euro), an official from the issue’s lead manager said on Tuesday. link

Bulgarian Stock Exchange - Daily Bulletin, Selected Announcements - June 16, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:19 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews HD Dunav AD-Vratsa /4D8/ has submitted to X3 News the following information:With reference to the announcement dated 12.05.2008, please be informed that the transaction for sale of Patstroyinzhenering AD-Vratsa, a subsidiary of HD Dunav AD, to Patinzhenering-M EAD-Montana has been finalised.The entire notification is available on link

link

Bulgaria Schedule of Events - June 17 - Nov 25 Jun 17, 2008, 09:14 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Bulgaria through November 25. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

Bulgarian Stock Exchange - Daily Report - June 16, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:11 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Bulgarian Stock Exchange has published its report on turnover and prices for June 16, 2008. link

* Croatia *

Croatian Equity Indices Rise in Lacklustre Trading Amid Prolonged Market Lethargy Jun 17, 2008, 18:02 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Croatian equity indices rose further on Tuesday in low liquidity and lacklustre trading amid prolonged market lethargy, analysts said. link

Russia’s Lukoil Plans To Enter Albania, Expand Further in SEE Until 2017 Jun 17, 2008, 16:50 CET | Story | SeeNews BURGAS (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Russia’s Lukoil plans to enter Albania as part of its further expansion in Southeast Europe (SEE), a senior executive of Lukoil Bulgaria said on Tuesday. link

Croatia Opens Two More Negotiating Chapters in EU Accession Talks Jun 17, 2008, 16:14 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Croatia opened on Tuesday two more negotiating chapters in its accession talks with the European Union (EU), bringing to 20 the number of chapters opened so far, the EU said. link

ANALYSIS – Impact from Surging Fuel Prices in SEE Varies Widely Jun 17, 2008, 13:50 CET | Analysis | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Unlike mature Western European economies, where the impact of the current surge in fuel prices is more or less the same, the impact on emerging economies in Southeast Europe varies widely, analysts say. link

Croatian Software Developer Gisdata Raises 2007 Revenue 30.54% to 102.3 Mln Kuna (14.1 Mln Euro) Jun 17, 2008, 12:40 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Croatian geographic information software developer Gisdata group said on Tuesday its 2007 revenue increased by 30.54% to some 102.3 million kuna ($21.896 million/14.117 million euro) last year due to organic growth. link

S&P Affirms Croatia’s Zagrebacka Banka L/T Rating at ’BBB’, Outlook Stable Jun 17, 2008, 11:15 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has confirmed its ’BBB’ long-term credit rating with a stable outlook on Croatia’s largest bank by assets, commercial Zagrebacka Banka (ZABA), the bank said. link

Erste Securities - Croatian Equity Daily - June 17, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:55 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Highlights: link

FIMA Stock Monitor - Daily - June 16, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:50 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Daily comment:Low volumes continue to rule domestic capital market as stock turnover amounted to only 50% of last year’s average turnover, or HRK 43,8 million. Engineering company Ingra (INGR-R-A) will held its GA on July, 21st. Management of the Company proposed dividend payout in amount of HRK 200 per share, what gives some 0,6% yield on current market price. Record date is July, 14th and dividend shall be paid on September, 19th. Among proposed decisions is stock split in 1: 150 ratio, where shareholders will get 150 new shares on existing one. Ingra’s share recorded 2,8% increase today on HRK 1,4 million turnover. Integrated telecom HT (HT-R-A) was the top volume issue collecting HRK 7,2 million in turnover followed by 0,9% price increase. This share is often linked to the War Veteran Fund which holds some 7% of the company. Another share where above mention fund also holds a 7% stake of shareholder equity, oil and gas company Ina (INA-R-A) gained 0,7% today shredding the fears of price decline once the fund starts paying – out to stakeholders. Announced Q1 results brought increase in Co’s top and bottom line results. Sales rose 25% yoy up to HRK 6.607 million. Domestic sales proved as biggest growth generator, as it raised 35% yoy to HRK 4.312 million. EBIT amounted to HRK 395 million (+29% yoy), with corresponsive margin improved by 20 basis points to 6,0%. Tourism company HUP Zagreb (HUPZ-R-A) was in investors focus and its price increased 3,1%. Last few years Co is improving it’s business operations with constant sales, EBIT end net income growth. In 2004-2008 period sales CAGR amounted 8%. As we expected last year was record year for the company. Sales grew 9%, EBIT 28% and net income 36%. All corresponsive margins grew significantly. Once more, Co proved that it deserves being one of our top picks. link

Croatia Schedule of Events – June 17 - Sept 16 Jun 17, 2008, 09:19 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Croatia through September 16. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

Shares of Croatian Road Construction, Maintenance Firm Ceste Karlovac To List on Zagreb Bourse Jun 16, 2008, 18:50 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 16 (SeeNews) – Ordinary shares of Croatian road construction and maintenance company Ceste Karlovac will list on the Zagreb bourse and start trading there on June 23, the bourse said on Monday. link

* Macedonia *

Yields Flat on Macedonian 91-day T-bills, One-Year T-bills Yield Higher Jun 17, 2008, 16:57 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Yields on Macedonian three-month Treasury bills were unchanged while those on one-year T-bills rose at an auction on Tuesday, as both issues were undersubscribed, central bank data showed. link

Macedonian Statistical Office – Retail Price Index and Consumer Price Index, April 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 13:52 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The Retail Price Index in May 2008 compared to April 2008, increased by 0.4% while the Consumer Price Index increased by 0.2% link

ANALYSIS – Impact from Surging Fuel Prices in SEE Varies Widely Jun 17, 2008, 13:50 CET | Analysis | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Unlike mature Western European economies, where the impact of the current surge in fuel prices is more or less the same, the impact on emerging economies in Southeast Europe varies widely, analysts say. link

Macedonian Statistical Office – Tourism, April 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 13:48 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The number of tourists in April 2008 compared to April 2008 has decreased for 0.2%, and the number of nights spent has decreased for 5.6% link

Macedonia C-Bank Says March FDI Rises Five Times Y/Y to $47.4 Mln - Table Jun 17, 2008, 13:23 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Foreign direct investments (FDI) in Macedonia totalled $47.4 million (30.59 million euro) in March, bringing the combined FDI for the first three months of 2008 to $166.1 million, central bank statistics showed on Tuesday. link

Macedonian Statistical Office – Purchase and Sales of Agricultural Products - April 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 11:45 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The value of total purchase and sale of agricultural products in April 2008 in comparison with April 2007 is increased by 19.2%According to Data of StateStatistical Office the value of total purchase of agricultural products in April 2008 is 634 140 thousand denars.The value of purchase of agricultural products from individual producers and the value of sold agricultural products from own production is increased.The value of total purchase is increased in almost of all agricultural groups, although the value of Industrial crops, Fodder, Orchards and Vineyards, Alcohol beverages and Dairy products, is decreased. link

Macedonian Statistical Office – Prices and Quantities of Agricultural Products and Livestock - May 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 11:43 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Prices of agricultural products on retail, wholesale and livestock marketsAccording to the data of the State Statistical Office, the most frequent prices of agricultural products on retail markets in May 2008, compared to May 2007, mainly are increased. The highest increase for the most frequent prices is recorded for cabbage, apples and lemons. Decreasing of prices is recorded for onion, garlic, cucumbers and melons.The most frequent prices on wholesale markets in May 2008, compared to May 2007, record a decrease for cucumbers and peanuts. Prices of all other products increased. The highest increase is recorded for cabbage, carrot, apples and lemons. link

Macedonian Statistical Office – Consumer Price Index by COICOP - May 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 11:42 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Consumer Price Index, by COICOP classification, in May 2008 in comparison with April 2008, increased by 0.2%. link

Macedonian Statistical Office – External Trade Scope - April 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 11:40 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews International trade scope of the Republic of Macedonia in the period January-April 2008 is increased for 41.0% in comparison with the international trade scope in the same period in 2007According to the State Statistical Office previous data, the export value of goods in the Republic of Macedonia in the period January-April 2008 is 1 278 794 thousand US dollars, and the import value is 2 181 575 thousands US dollars. Import coverage with export is 58.6%. Trade deficit in the period January-April 2008 is 902 781 thousand US dollars.Trade exchange according to products shows that in the exports the most significant products are ferro-nickel, preparations from oil, iron and steel products (flat-rolled products) and clothes. In the imports the most significant products are the crude petroleum oils, electricity and motor vehicles for the transport of persons.In the period January-April 2008 the most important trade partners are the EU countries 27(62.2%) and the West Balkan countr ies (33.2%), and in the import the most important trade partners are the EU countries 27(46.2%) and the Developing countries (31.9%). According to the total commodity international trade scope, Republic of Macedonia’s most important trade partners are Serbia, Germany, Russia, Greece, and Bulgaria (52.3% from the total commodity international trade exchange). With some of these trade partners Republic of Macedonia has a surplus in the trade exchange. link

Macedonian Statistical Office – Price Indices in Agriculture - May 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 11:36 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The price index in agriculture in May 2008, in group Input is increased by 25.9% and in group Output is increased by 18.6% in comparison with May previous year link

Macedonian Statistical Office – Gross Wage - Mar 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 11:34 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Average monthly gross-wage paid per employee in March 2008 increased for 8.4 % in relation with March 2007 link

Macedonian Statistical Office – Price Index of Catering Trade and Services, May 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 11:33 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The catering price index in May 2008, in comparison with April 2008, is increased for 0.1% link

Macedonian Statistical Office – Illegally Built Constructions in 2007 Jun 17, 2008, 11:31 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The number of illegaly built constructions in 2007 on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia is 2 507 link

Macedonian Statistical Office – Net Wages - Mar 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 11:30 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Average monthly net-wage paid per employee in March 2008 increased for 10.4% in relation with March 2007 link

Macedonian Stock Exchange Revises Blue-chip, Broad Stock Indices Jun 17, 2008, 11:28 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), June 17 (SeeNews) - The Macedonian Stock Exchange (MSE) said it has revised its MBI 10 blue-chip index, replacing wool mill Teteks with farming company ZK Pelagonija Bitola, and replaced 10 companies in the broader MBID share index. link

Macedonian Statistical Office – Issued Building Permit - April 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 11:27 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The number of issued building permits on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia in April 2008 is 321 link

Macedonia Schedule of Events June 17 - Nov 28 Jun 17, 2008, 09:17 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Macedonia through November 28. New or amended entries are marked (*) link

Macedonian Stock Exchange - Daily Report - June 16, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:12 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Macedonian Stock Exchange has published its report on turnover and prices for June 16, 2008. link

* Moldova *

Moldova Sells 40.5 Mln Lei (2.6 Mln Euro) in T-Bills, Yields Rise Jun 17, 2008, 16:12 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), June 17 (SeeNews) - The Moldovan central bank, BNM, on Tuesday sold 40.5 million lei ($4.04 million/2.6 million euro) in three Treasury bill issues, below its target offer of 45 million lei, as yields on all issues rose. link

Moldova’s Free Economic Zones’ Q1 Net Sales Rise 31.6% Y/Y Jun 17, 2008, 11:36 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), June 17 (SeeNews) - The first-quarter net sales of Moldova’s free economic zones grew by 31.6% on the year to 321.5 million lei ($32 million/21 million euro), the Economy and Trade Ministry said on Tuesday. link

Moldova Schedule of Events - June 17 – Oct 8 Jun 17, 2008, 09:51 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), June 17 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Moldova through October 8. New or amended entries are marked (*) link

* Montenegro *

Four International Companies Show Interest in Developing Montenegrin Tourism Firm Velika Plaza Jun 17, 2008, 17:06 CET | Story | SeeNews PODGORICA (Montenegro), June 17 (SeeNews) – Montenegro said on Tuesday four international companies have shown interest in the development of its tourism company Velika Plaza where investments in the project can exceed one billion euro ($1.6 billion). link

Montenegro Says Second Tender for Sale of Bijela Shipyard Fails Jun 17, 2008, 15:21 CET | Story | SeeNews PODGORICA (Montenegro), June 17 (SeeNews) – Montenegro said on Tuesday a second attempt to sell its majority stake in the country’s biggest ship repairer Jadransko Brodogradiliste Bijela has failed as the two bidders ranked first in the tender withdrew from the sale talks. link

Montenegro Schedule of Events - June 17 - July 4 Jun 17, 2008, 09:54 CET | Story | SeeNews PODGORICA (Montenegro), June 17 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Montenegro through July 4. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

New Securities Exchange of Montenegro - Daily Report - June 16, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:13 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews ew Securities Exchange of Montenegro (NEX) has published its daily report on trading volumes and prices for June 16, 2008. link

* Romania *

Romania’s SIF 5 Oltenia Exits Ventilator Maker IAICA Jun 17, 2008, 18:17 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 17 (SeeNews) - SIF 5 Oltenia, one of Romania’s five regional investment funds, on Tuesday sold its 32.92% stake in ventilator and cooling equipment maker IAICA for 1.2 million lei ($509,000/328,000 euro). link

Romanian Stock Indices Rise in Higher Turnover, SIF 3 Transilvania Lifts Other Investment Funds Jun 17, 2008, 17:44 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 17 (SeeNews) - Romanian bourse indices gained ground on Tuesday in increased turnover, boosted by high interest in investment fund SIF 3 Transilvania, which lifted its peers, brokers said. link

Romania’s Leu Ends Stronger vs Euro in Line with SEE Currencies Jun 17, 2008, 16:57 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 17 (SeeNews) - The Romanian leu on Tuesday gained ground to close at 3.6580/6600 per euro, compared to 3.6690/6730 per euro the previous day, dealers said. link

Romanian Pension Fund Manager BT Aegon To Raise Capital by 4.0 Mln Euro, Plans Acquisition Jun 17, 2008, 16:12 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 17 (SeeNews) - Romanian pension fund manager BT Aegon Fond de Pensii said on Tuesday that it will raise its capital by 4.0 million euro ($6.2 million) to 17.5 million euro to consolidate its market position, and that it also plans to buy a local pension fund. link

ANALYSIS – Impact from Surging Fuel Prices in SEE Varies Widely Jun 17, 2008, 13:50 CET | Analysis | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Unlike mature Western European economies, where the impact of the current surge in fuel prices is more or less the same, the impact on emerging economies in Southeast Europe varies widely, analysts say. link

Cyprus-based RC2, Romanian Investment Fund May Delist Romania’s Policolor after Raising Stake Jun 17, 2008, 12:05 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 17 (SeeNews) – Cyprus-based investment funds RC2 and Romanian Investment Fund (RIF) may delist Romanian paint and varnish producer Policolor if they raise their joint stake in the company to 92.5%, the funds said on Tuesday. link

Ieba Trust - Romanian Market Daily - June 16, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:57 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews The financial-banking sector generated 78.93% of the Regular market daily turnover link

Raiffeisen Capital & Investment - Investment Daily Romania - June 17, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:56 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews In the news link

Ieba Trust - Romanian Market Weekly - June 9 - 13, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:51 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews 1A. Bucharest Stock Exchange Indicators link

Romania Schedule of Events - June 17 – Sept 26 Jun 17, 2008, 09:15 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 17 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Romania through September 26. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

Bucharest Stock Exchange - Daily Report - Regulated Market - June 16, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:10 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Bucharest Stock Exchange has published its report on trading volumes and prices on the regulated market for June 16, 2008. link

Bucharest Stock Exchange - Daily Report - RASDAQ Market - June 16, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:09 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Bucharest Stock Exchange has published its RASDAQ daily market report for June 16, 2008. link

* Serbia *

Belgrade Shares End Mostly Lower, Univerzal Banka Lifts Daily Turnover Again Jun 17, 2008, 17:53 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), June 17 (SeeNews) - The indices of the Belgrade Stock Exchange (BELEX) closed mostly down on Tuesday as blue-chip bank Univerzal Banka lifted daily turnover for the second session in a row, brokers said. link

Serbian C-bank Licenses Pension Fund Manager HYPO Jun 17, 2008, 15:50 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), June 17 (SeeNews) – Serbia’s central bank granted on Tuesday a licence to pension fund manager HYPO, part of the Serbian unit of Austria’s Hypo Alpe-Adria-Bank. link

ANALYSIS – Impact from Surging Fuel Prices in SEE Varies Widely Jun 17, 2008, 13:50 CET | Analysis | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 17 (SeeNews) – Unlike mature Western European economies, where the impact of the current surge in fuel prices is more or less the same, the impact on emerging economies in Southeast Europe varies widely, analysts say. link

National Bank of Serbia - Foreign Direct Investments by Country, Q1 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 13:44 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The National Bank of Serbia (NBS) has released its preliminary report on foreign direct investments by country for the first quarter of 2008. link

National Bank of Serbia - Foreign Direct Investments by Branch of Activity, Q1 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 13:43 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The National Bank of Serbia (NBS) has released a preliminary report on foreign direct investments by branch of activity for the first quarter of 2008.FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN 1st QUARTER 2008 BY BRANCH OF ACTIVITY - preliminary data (table)***** link

Vojvodjanska Banka - Daily Vobnews - June 17, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 13:08 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Vojvodjanska banka released its Daily Vobnews Report for June 17, 2008 containing the following charts and tables: link

Sinteza Investment Group - Weekly Market Wrap Up, June 9 - 13, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 10:27 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Government Savings in TurmoilJAT Privatization Expected Within the MonthThe Stock market gained ground this week as both indexes closed in the green. The BELEX15 index closed 1.63% up from last week’s result and the compound index BELEXline increased by 1.97%. Trade turnover increased by 13,69% which was mainly held up by the trade of Aik Bank (BSE: AIKB) shares. The number of transactions also increased by 12,25% despite the afore mentioned.There were 254 stocks traded this week, of which 51 experienced price gains, 166 had losses and 37 remained unchanged compared to last week’s results.The most traded stock was undoubtebly Aik Bank (BSE: AIKB) with over RSD 1,16 billion of turnover while a distand second came Univerzal Bank (BSE: UNBN) with RSD 187 million and Jubmes Bank (BSE: JMBN) with RSD 170 million. The largest price gains this week were experienced by a trade company dealing with the import of pharmaceuticals and other drugs; Vetrprom Hemikalije (BSE: VTHE) which in creased by 141,67% since last week and also a notable gain was made by Cacanska banka (BSE: CCNB) the local bank which increased by 26% this week alone.The trade of bonds has decreased by over 58% this week. The only bond to maintain trade above EUR 1 million was A2016 which lost 0,57% of its price this week. Bond A2015 also lost in value while the remaining 6 bonds all had price increases. During the week the State issued a public offering for the purchase of T-bills and more issues are expected soon. This intrigued many investors as a viable investment alternative and was one of the causes for lower trade on the bonds market. link

Sinteza Investment Group - Daily Market Wrap Up - June 16, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 10:18 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Sinteza Investment Group has released its daily trading report for June 16, 2008, containing an overview of the Serbian Financial Market. link

Serbia Schedule of Events - June 17 - July 31 Jun 17, 2008, 09:53 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Following is a schedule of corporate, economic and political events taking place in or related to Serbia through July 31. New or amended entries are marked (*). link

Belgrade Stock Exchange - Daily Report - June 16, 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 09:08 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Belgrade Stock Exchange has published its daily report on trading volumes and prices for June 16, 2008 link

* Slovenia *

Slovenian Stock Indices Lose Ground, Pozavarovalnica Sava Falls Further Jun 17, 2008, 17:46 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Slovenian stock indices fell on Tuesday with most blue chips losing value, brokers said. link

Slovenian IT Company Datalab To List Shares on Ljubljana Bourse Jun 17, 2008, 17:14 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Slovenian IT company Datalab has received the green light from the country’s market regulator to list its shares on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange (LJSE), it said on Tuesday. link

Slovenia’s Top Insurer Zavarovalnica Triglav Launches Listing its Shares on Ljubljana Bourse Jun 17, 2008, 17:12 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Slovenia’s largest insurer Zavarovalnica Triglav has started a procedure for listing its shares on the Ljubljana Stock Exchange (LJSE), it said on Tuesday. link

Slovenia’s Top Bank NLB Completes 300 Mln Euro Capital Hike Jun 17, 2008, 16:48 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Slovenia’s largest bank by assets, Nova Ljubljanska Banka (NLB), has completed a capital increase of 300 million ($465 million) designed to finance its future growth, it said on Tuesday. link

Slovenian Statistical Office - Labour Force Survey - Provisional Data - April 2008 Jun 17, 2008, 13:40 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews In April 2008 the labour force numbered 939,080 persons. This is 0.1% more than a month before and is a consequence of a higher number of persons in employment, which increased by 0.3% reaching 876,640.The growth of the number of persons in employment continues also in April 2008 Compared to March, in April the number of persons in employment grew again mostly because of men, who increased their share in the total number of persons in employment by 0.1% reaching 56.5%.As regards the employment status, the share of persons employed was 87.2% for men and 93.3% for women, and the share of self-employed persons was 12.8% for men and 6.7% for women. The number of persons in employment grew the most in constructionCompared to the previous month the number of persons in employment grew by almost 2,500 persons; the number grew the most, by slightly more than 1,500 persons, in construction, and also by slightly less than 500 persons in real estate, renting and business activities.The number of registered unemployed persons decreased againIn April 2008, 62,440 unemployed persons - 28,962 men and 33,478 women - were registered at the Employment Service of Slovenia. Compared to a month before, the number of registered unemployed persons went down by 2.9%. Compared to April 2007, the number of registered unemployed persons was lower by 14.0%.The registered unemployment rate in April 2008 went down by 0.3 of a percentage point. It was 6.6%; 5.5% for men and 8.1% for women. Among all unemployed persons 17.4% were first job seekers and 52.4% were unemployed for 12 months or more.If we look at the period from April last year to April this year, every month the number of newly registered unemployed persons was greater than the number of those unemployed that found an employment. The decreasing number of registered unemployed persons from month to month was therefore mostly the consequence of the removal of unemployed persons from the register for reasons differen t than employment. The number of such persons was varying between 00 and 3,000 per month. A smaller number, on average more than 200 persons per month, were moved to other records. link

INTERVIEW - Slovenian Steel Mill Metal Ravne To Almost Double 2008 Net Profit Jun 17, 2008, 12:37 CET | Interview | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Slovenian steel mill Metal Ravne plans a net profit of over 20 million euro ($30.8 million) for 2008, up from 12.86 million euro last year, thanks to higher production capacity and favourable market conditions, the company’s director general said. link

Slovenia’s April Jobless Rate Falls to 6.6%- Table Jun 17, 2008, 10:36 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 17 (SeeNews) - Slovenia’s April jobless rate was 6.6%, down from 6.9% in the previous month, the Slovenian Statistics Office said on Tuesday. link

SLOVENIA’S APRIL JOBLESS RATE FALLS TO 6.6% FROM 6.9% IN MARCH - STATS OFFICE Jun 17, 2008, 10:28 CET | Alert | SeeNews link

Useful advice:

Seenews