SEENEWS – news report of 23.06.2008

News report of 23.06.2008

* Albania *

Albania Sells 2.6 Bln Leks (21.3 Mln Euro) in 2-Year T-notes, Yields Steady Jun 23, 2008, 14:38 CET | Story | SeeNews TIRANA (Albania), June 23 (SeeNews) - Albania offered and sold 2.6 billion leks ($30.09 million/21.32 million euro) in two-year Treasury notes, as yields remained unchanged for a third auction in a row, the country’s Finance Ministry said on Monday. link

Albanian Meat Processing Company Tona Opens 2.0 Mln Euro Plant Jun 23, 2008, 11:10 CET | Story | SeeNews TIRANA (Albania), June 23 (SeeNews) - Albanian meat processing company Tona said on Monday it has opened a 2.0 million euro ($3.11 million) plant in Korca, in eastern Albania. link

New Chief of U.N. Mission in Kosovo Takes Over Jun 23, 2008, 10:16 CET | Story | SeeNews PRISTINA, June 23 (SeeNews) - Italian diplomat Lamberto Zannier took over on Friday as the new chief of the U.N. Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) following his appointment by U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, the U.N. said. link

* Bosnia *

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Net Wage, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 16:48 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Monthly gross and net wages by employee and their nominal growth expressed by indexes are shown in this Release. The average net wages are expressed in KM, and they present the quotient between total paid net wages and number of employees on which the wages are considered. Data were obtained on the basis of Monthly statistical report on employee and their wages (RAD–1).Wages of employees cover salaries for work in full time, part time and overtime work: payment from enterprise resources (organizations - communities) for annual leave, national holidays, paid leave till 6 days, paid leave for vocational training, sick-leave up to 120 days, etc,; payments for previous months executed during the reporting month, payments by periodical and annual account, irrespective to which period they are related. There are not covered payments to employees from payments in debt of material costs. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Tourism, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 16:47 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Data in this release were obtained by the Monthly report about tourists and nights (TU–11), provided by hotel and restaurant enterprises and other organizations that provide services of guests’ accommodation.The guest’s books, conducted by the hotel and restaurant enterprises and other organizations providing accommodation to tourists, are the main source for writing report.This report covers a number of tourist arrivals and nights, but not a number of tourists.A tourist is any person traveling to a place other than that of his/her usual place of residence and spending at least one night in a hotel, restaurant or some other accommodation establishment, and whose main purpose of visit may be one of the following: holiday, business (congresses, fairs and expositions, missions of international organizations etc.), health, participation in sports etc.The guest’s country is determined by nationality from passport or some other travel document.In April 2008, the Republika Srpska disposed with capacity of 3 939 rooms and 8 363 beds.It was realized 17 940 arrivals, what is for 1.5% lower, compared to the arrivals realized in March 2008 and 39 702 nights, what is for 5.3% higher, compared to March 2008. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Transport, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 16:46 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The road transport data are collected by the Monthly report on road transport (SA/M–11), submitted by transport companies from both public and private sector, performing transport of passengers and goods in domestic and international transport.Transport of passengers and goods for own purposes of the enterprises, is not included in transport activities.The work of freight road vehicles in the period January - April 2008, compared to the same period last year, measured by driven kilometers is higher for 36.7%, amount of transported goods is higher for 0.2% and tone-kilometers are higher for 24.3%.Within the road passenger transport activities in the period January - April 2008, in comparison with the same period last year, performed kilometers are lower for 2.1%, the number of transported passengers are higher for 27.1%, and performed passenger kilometers are higher for 1.9%.In the municipal transport, in the period January - April 2008, compared to the same period last year driven bus-kilometers are higher for 3.4%, and the number of transported passengers are higher for 3.4%.Data on transported passengers and goods in the railway transport, are compiled on the basis of the Monthly report SŽ/M–11 submitted by the enterprise "Željeznice Republike Srpske ", A.D.In the railway transport, amount of transported goods in the period January - April 2008, compared to the same period last year is higher for 8.0%, while performed ton-kilometers are lower for 2.9%.In the period January – April 2008, compared to the same period last year transported passengers in the rail transport are higher for 4.7%, and the driven passenger’s kilometers for 19.3%.Data on post and telecommunication services are produced on the basis of the Monthly reports PTT/M–11 and PTT/M–11a submitted by the enterprises "Telekomunikacije Republike Srpske", A.D. and "Preduzece za poštanski saobracaj Republike Srpske", A.D.In the period of January - April 2008 a volume of post and telecommunication services, compared to the same period l year, are higher 19.9% for letters, and lower 6,1% for parcels. The number of telegrams is higher for 36.6%. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Quarterly Statistical Review, Q1 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:59 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic has published its quarterly statistical review for the first quarter of 2008. link

Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina - Monthly Balance Sheet - April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:58 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued its monthly report on the country’s balance sheet as of April 30, 2008. link

Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina - Quarterly Bulletin - Q4 2007 Jun 23, 2008, 15:57 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina has published its quarterly bulletin for September - December 2007.*****To view the original document, please click on the link below:link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Monthly Statistical Review, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:56 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic has published its monthly statistical review for April 2008.*****To view the original document, please click on the link below:link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Labour, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:55 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Monthly gross and net wages by employee and their nominal growth expressed by indexes are shown in this Release. The average net wages are expressed in KM, and they present the quotient between total paid net wages and number of employees on which the wages are considered. Data were obtained on the basis of Monthly statistical report on employee and their wages (RAD–1).Wages of employees cover salaries for work in full time, part time and overtime work: payment from enterprise resources (organizations - communities) for annual leave, national holidays, paid leave till 6 days, paid leave for vocational training, sick-leave up to 120 days, etc,; payments for previous months executed during the reporting month, payments by periodical and annual account, irrespective to which period they are related. There are not covered payments to employees from payments in debt of material costs. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic - Agriculture and Fishery, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:50 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Value of sale of agricultural products on markets in April 2008 is 1 850 977 KM, compared to the same month previous year is higher for 21 225 KM or 1.16%. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Hotels and Restaurants, Q1 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:46 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Data in this report were obtained through the Quarterly report of hotels and restaurants (UG-11), provided by hotels and restaurants and other enterprises, performing hotel and restaurant activity.The turnover in hotels and restaurants represents calculated value of accounting of performed hotel and restaurant services (accommodation, food, drinks) and other services, usually performed in hotels and restaurants. VAT is included in the value of the performed services.The turnover of 1st quarter 2008, compared to 4th quarter 2007, is higher for 11.4%.The turnover of 1st quarter 2008, compared to 1st quarter 2007, is higher for 35.4%.These data do not include a private hotel and restaurant shops. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Indexes of Industrial Production, May 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:42 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Data presented by this Release were provided by the Monthly report of industry (IND-1). The report IND-1 is presented by enterprises which is principal activity according to the Classification of activities classified in the following sections: Mining and quarrying, Manufacturing and Electricity, gas, and water supply. Industrial production activities which are in the composition of nonindustrial enterprise are also covered by these data.Indexes of industrial production are formed on the basis of the homogenous production. Products are grouped into suitable divisions by the product code, irrespective of the principal activity of the enterprise.Monthly indexes present the real achieved production in a certain month where seasonal and monthly variations, caused by different number of working days, were not eliminated.Industrial production realized in May 2008 compared to the same month 2007 is higher for 6.2%, compared to the average monthly production in 2007 is higher for 4.6 % and compared to the previous month 2008 for 2.7%.Industrial production realized in the period of January – May 2008 compared to the same period last year is higher for 7.5%.Considering the economic purpose of industrial products in the period January – May 2008, compared to the same period of the previous year, production of energy is higher for 19.6%, durableconsumer goods for 13.1%, non - durable consumer goods for 5.9%, intermediate goods for 3.6%, while production of capital goods was lower for 15.2%. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Forestry, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:38 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Data on production, sale and stocks of forest assortments are based on the Monthly report on production of the forest assortments (ŠUM–22). This report is submitted by all enterprises from the forestry sector producing forest assortments in state forests permanently, regardless if the production of forest assortments is a main activity. The production of forest assortments from the beginning of 2002 has being collected according to the Nomenclature of forestry products and services, which is in accordance with the List of characteristic activities of the forestry industry, prepared by Eurostat – Statistical Office of the European Communities, published as an integral part of the Manual on Economic Accounts Agriculture and Forestry, at the end of 1997. Production of forest assortments in April 2008 compared to the April 2007 is lower for 14.7%.Sale of forest assortments in April 2008 compared to the April 2007 is lower for 8.7%.Production of forest assortments in period J anuary - April 2008 compared to the same period of the previous year is higher for 8.5%.Sale of forest assortments in period January - April 2008 compared to the same period of the previous year is higher for 8.2%. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic - Agriculture and Fishery, Q1 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:29 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Data presented in this release are obtained on the basis of the Report on slaughter of livestock and poultry in abattoirs in the 1st quarter of 2008 (PO-52). Data on slaughter of livestock and poultry are submitted quarterly, separately for legal entities and their units and for entrepreneurs. Legal entities are submitting data based on bookkeeping and other records, whereas entrepreneur abattoirs data are given from the approved municipal (veterinarian – inspection) department at the basis of available evidence. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic - Domestic Trade, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:27 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The data published in this release are obtained on the basis of the Monthly report of retail trade (TRG-1).The survey has been carried out since January 2006, and observation units are enterprises whose main activity is retail trade, as well as enterprises whose main activity is not retail trade, but registred retail trade units are part of them.The entrepreneuers are not covered in this survey.The Monthly survey of retail trade has been carried out by sample method. The sampling framework for choosing enterprise was done on the basis of financial reports of enterprises and data from regular statistical retail survey.All large and medium-sized enterprises are covered by the sample, and small enterprises are chosen by the random sample. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – External Trade, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:25 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Source of data for foreign trade statistics is Single Administrative Document about export and import of goods. The Institute of Statistics takes over data sorted according to unique identification number of Republic of Srpska enterprises from Indirect Taxation Agency of B&H and does the further statistical control and processing.During the period from January through April 2008 volume of external trade with foreign countries is 1 849 617 thousand KM, out of which export is 596 118 thousand KM, and import is 1 253 499 thousand KM. External trade deficit during the period from January through April 2008 is 657 381 thousand KM.Coverage of export with import is 47,6 %. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Construction, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:24 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Data on construction activity are collected by the Monthly report on construction (GRAD–21), from all construction enterprises and work units, which are in composition of non-construction enterprises.Indexes of performed works values are based on current prices and presents accounted value of performed works, not the value of works for which payment were collected.Index of performed effective hours is based on performed hours in regular and overtime work (no administrative and engineer – technical hours), regardless of whether they are paid by hour, norm or chord.Index of number of workers on construction works is formed on the base of the state on the last day of the reporting month, regardless whether workers are on sick leave, waiting list, yearly vacation, etc. It does not include workers engaged on administrative and engineer - technical works.The value of performed works done in April 2008, compared to March 2008 is higher for 15.3%, compared to April 2007, is highe r for 14.9% and compared to average value of performed works in 2007 is lower for 18.3%.The value of performed works done in the period January - April 2008, compared to the same period of the last year is higher for 21.6%.Number of workers on construction works in April 2008, compared to April 2007, is higher for 18.3%, compared to average number of workers in 2007 is higher for 12.5%, and compared to March 2008 is higher for 4.7%.The performed effective hours done at the construction works in April 2008, compared to April 2007, were higher for 17.1%, compared to the average of performed effective work hours in 2007 are higher for 9.2%, and compared to March 2008 are higher for 6.1%. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Export and Import, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:22 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Source of data for foreign trade statistics is Single Administrative Document about export and import of goods. The Institute of Statistics takes over data sorted according to unique identification number of Republic of Srpska enterprises from Indirect Taxation Agency of B&H and does the further statistical control and processing.During the period from January through April 2008 volume of external trade with foreign countries is 1 849 617 thousand KM, out of which export is 596 118 thousand KM, and import is 1 253 499 thousand KM. External trade deficit during the period from January through April 2008 is 657 381 thousand KM.Coverage of export with import is 47,6 %. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Domestic Trade Statistical Bulletin, 4th Edition Jun 23, 2008, 15:17 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews SUMMARY (table) link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Domestic Trade, Q1 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 14:58 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews The Institute of statistics publishes in this report data on goods turnover in retail and wholesale trade in Republika Srpska. Data were obtained by the Statistical quarterly reports of goods turnover.Turnover in retail trade in the 1st quarter of 2008 compared to the previous quarter was lower for 4,6%.Turnover in wholesale in the 1st quarter of 2008 compared to the previous quarter was lower for 3.1%.Private butcheries, bakeries and trade shops are not covered by these data. link

Institute of Statistics of the Bosnian Serb Republic – Price Statistics, May 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 14:21 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Consumer Price Index link

Erste Bank Sees CEE Highest Banking Sector Growth in Bulgaria, Romania in Next Years Jun 23, 2008, 11:48 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – Bulgaria and Romania, which joined the European Union together in 2007, are expected to see highest banking sector growth among the countries in central and east Europe (CEE) in the next years, Ausrtia’s Erste Bank said. link

Bosnia Schedule of Events – June 23 - Oct 29 Jun 23, 2008, 09:34 CET | Story | SeeNews SARAJEVO (Bosnia and Herzegovina), June 23 (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 *

Czech CEZ Raises Planned Capacity of New Unit at Its Bulgarian Power Plant to 920 MW Jun 23, 2008, 17:37 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) - Czech power utility company CEZ has raised to 920 megawatts (MW) the design capacity of a gas-fired generation unit it plans to build at its coal-fired Varna power plant in Bulgaria, it said on Monday. link

Bulgaria C-Bank FX Reserves Rise 1.5% in Week Ended June 20 - Table Jun 23, 2008, 17:11 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) - The foreign exchange assets of the Bulgarian central bank’s (BNB) Issue Department totalled 26.135 billion levs ($20.71 billion/13.29 billion euro) on June 20, up 1.5% from a week earlier, BNB said on Monday. link

German RWE, Belgian Electrabel Place Binding Bids for 49% of Future Bulgarian N-Plant Jun 23, 2008, 16:43 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) - German utility company RWE and Belgium’s Electrabel, owned by France’s Suez, on Monday placed binding bids for acquiring a 49% stake in Bulgaria’s future second nuclear power plant, Bulgarian power grid operator NEK, which will control the remainder, said. link

BULGARIA SAYS GERMANY’S RWE, BELGIUM’S ELECTRABEL PLACE BINDING BIDS FOR 49% OF BELENE N-PLANT Jun 23, 2008, 16:36 CET | Alert | SeeNews

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South Stream Gas Pipeline May Start Delievries in 2014 - Gazprom Official Jun 23, 2008, 16:13 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – South Stream gas pipeline, to be jointly built by Russia’s Gazprom and Italy’s ENI for a preliminary 10 billion euro ($15.58 billion), may see first deliveries in 2014, a Gazprom official said on Monday, raising the possibility of delay. link

Bulgarian Financial Regulator Licenses Expat Beta SPV for Real Estate Securitisation Jun 23, 2008, 16:13 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria’s financial watchdog said on Monday it has licensed Expat Beta, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for securitisation of real estates, for operations in the country. link

Spain’s Keros Ceramica Plans To Complete 24 Mln Euro Plant in Bulgaria by End-2008 Jun 23, 2008, 15:31 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – Spanish wall and floor tiles producer Keros Ceramica plans to complete the construction of a 24 million euro ($37 million) production unit in Bulgaria by the end of this year, an official from the company’s partner bank in Bulgaria said on Monday. link

Bulgarian Stocks End Down in Inactive Trading Jun 23, 2008, 15:18 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – Bulgarian stock indices ended lower on Monday in inactive trading as market players remain hesitant following the launch of the XETRA trading system, brokers said. link

Bulgaria Applies for Cyrillic Internet Domain Jun 23, 2008, 14:31 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – Bulgaria has applied for a Cyrillic Internet domain with the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), the State Agency for Information Technology and Communications said on Monday. link

Elana - BSE - Sofia Weekly Overview - June 23, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 14:19 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Market Trend link

FFBH - Bulgaria Weekly Update - June 16 - 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 13:44 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews MARKET WRAP-UP link

Bulgarian Construction Company Venus Expects Bourse Listing by end-July Jun 23, 2008, 13:35 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – Bulgarian construction company Venus expects its shares to start trading on the Sofia stock exchange by the end of July, a company official said on Monday. link

Ukrainian Metinvest Close to Takeover of Bulgaria’s Promet Steel - Paper Jun 23, 2008, 13:35 CET | Story | SeeNews OFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – Ukrainian metallurgical group Metinvest is close to taking over Bulgarian steel plant Promet Steel, Sofia-based Dnevnik daily reported on Monday. link

Bulgaria’s Sever Holding To Seek 4.4 Mln Euro in Capital Increase Jun 23, 2008, 13:03 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – Bulgarian company Sever Holding on Monday said it will seek 8.74 million levs ($6.9 million/4.4 million euro) in a planned five-fold capital hike. link

S&P Raises Outlook on Bulgaria’s Municipal Bank to Stable on Expected Support Jun 23, 2008, 12:47 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – Global rating agency Standard & Poor’s on Monday said it raised its outlook on Bulgaria’s Municipal Bank to stable from negative on expected support from its majority shareholder, the City of Sofia. link

Fitch Affirms Allianz Bulgarian Unit at IDR ’A-’, Outlook Negative Jun 23, 2008, 12:37 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) - Global rating agency Fitch on Monday affirmed at ’A-’ the long-term issuer default (IDR) rating of Allianz Bank Bulgaria, majority-owned by Germany’s Allianz AG, with negative outlook. link

Erste Bank Sees CEE Highest Banking Sector Growth in Bulgaria, Romania in Next Years Jun 23, 2008, 11:48 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – Bulgaria and Romania, which joined the European Union together in 2007, are expected to see highest banking sector growth among the countries in central and east Europe (CEE) in the next years, Ausrtia’s Erste Bank said. link

Serbia Sells Ceramic Tubes, Sanitaryware Maker Keramika to Serb-Bulgarian Consortium for 1.13 Mln Euro Jun 23, 2008, 11:47 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Serbia has sold 62.83% of ceramic tubes and sanitaryware manufacturer Keramika to a Serb-Bulgarian consortium for 1.13 million euro ($1.46 million), the government’s Privatisation Agency in Belgrade said. link

Bulgaria’s TIC Saedinenie To Spend 7.6 Mln Euro on Investments in Medium Term Jun 23, 2008, 11:36 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) - Bulgarian machine manufacturer Technologies and Innovations Corporation Saedinenie (TIC Saedinenie) plans to spend some 15 million levs ($11.9 million/7.6 million euro) on investments in the medium term to secure growth, the company said. link

Bulgaria’s Karnobat Municipality Plans 150 Mln Euro Investment in Wind, Solar Parks - Media Jun 23, 2008, 10:57 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – The Bulgarian town of Karnobat is seeking investors to build a wind and a solar park estimated at up to 150 million euro ($233.8 million) in total, a local daily reported on Monday. link

Bulgarian National Bank – Monthly Exchange Rates, May 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 10:49 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has published its monthly report on the exchange rates in the country for May 2008.*****To view the full document, please click on the link below:link

Bulgarian National Bank – Real Effective Exchange Rate Index, April 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 10:47 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) has published its monthly report on the real effective exchange rate index for April 2008.*****To view the full document, please click on the link below:link

FFBH - Bulgaria Morning Update - June 23, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 10:11 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews MARKET WRAP-UP link

Bulbrokers - Daily FX Analysis - June 23, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 10:02 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews The weak US financial sector pressured the dollar link

Bulgaria Schedule of Events - June 23- Nov 25 Jun 23, 2008, 09:05 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (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 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 09:04 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Bulgarian Stock Exchange has published its report on turnover and prices for June 20, 2008. link

Karoll - Bulgarian Stock Market Overview - June 16 - 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 09:03 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Commentary link

Bulgaria’s End-May Public Debt Falls 15.6% Y/Y Jun 23, 2008, 09:00 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) - Bulgaria’s public debt totalled 4.75 billion euro ($7.4 billion) at the end of May, down 15.6% on the year, data of the Finance Ministry showed. link

Bulgarian Stock Exchange - Daily Bulletin, Selected Announcements - June 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 08:52 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews With reference to a decision of the Board of Directors of Forucom REIT-Haskovo /6F4/ dated 31.03.2008 for an increase in capital of the company, and to the respective publication in the State Gazette, issue 56/20.06.2008, please be informed of the following:- Number of shares before the capital increase: 715,000- Number of the rights issued: 715,000- Number of shares, offered for subscription: 1,430,000- Ratio between rights issued and the new shares (right/shares): 1/2- Everyone may subscribe to at least one new share of BGN 1.10 issuing value and to utmost such number of shares equal to the number of the owned and/or acquired rights multiplied by 2.- Nominal value: BGN 1.00- Issuing value: BGN 1.10- Initial date for trading in rights on the Exchange: To be additionally announced after the requirements of Art. 22 of Part III - Listing Rules are met- Final date for trading in rights on the Exchange: 11.07.2008 - Initial date for transferring the rights: 30.06.2008 - Final dat e for transferring the rights: 15.07.2008 - Date of the Auction as per Art. 112b (7) of the POSA: 22.07.2008 - Initial date for subscription to shares: 30.06.2008 - Final date for subscription to shares: 06.08.2008 - The BSE code of the issue of rights will be additionally announced.- Investment intermediary authorised to administer the capital increase: Zagora Finacorp AD- Bank, with which the accumulation account to be opened: CB United Bulgarian Bank AD - Haskovo branch- The right to participate in the capital increase will be entitled to all shareholders, who acquired shares of the company no later than 7 days after the promulgation of the announcement in the State Gazette, i. e. as of record date 27.06.2008 /Friday/.- The final date for transacting shares of this company on the BSE-Sofia floor, as a result of which the holder will be entitled to participate in the capital increase, will be 25.06.2008 /Wednesday/ i.e. ex date 26.06.2008. link

* Croatia *

Croatian Market Keeps Sliding in Low Liquidity Jun 23, 2008, 18:30 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Croatian stock indices, just like in the previous few days, kept falling in low liquidity on Monday and almost all blue-chips declined due to lack of buyers, analysts said. link

Croatia’s Kvarner Vienna Insurance Group Jan-May Premium Income Up 10.5% Jun 23, 2008, 17:47 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Croatian insurer Kvarner Vienna Insurance Group, a unit of Austrian Vienna Insurance Group, reported on Monday a 10.5% annual rise in gross premium income from January to May, to 219.9 million kuna ($47.1 million/30.3 million euro). link

Croatian Govt To Double Capital of Rijeka Port Operator Jun 23, 2008, 16:56 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 23 (SeeNews) – The Croatian government will nearly double the equity capital of port operator Luka Rijeka, to 598 million kuna ($128 million/83 million euro) from 301 million kuna, by contributing real estate worth some 296.9 million kuna into the company’s assets, Luka Rijeka said on Monday. link

U.S. Private Equity Fund Warburg Pincus Buys 75% Stake in Croatia’s Adriatic Media Jun 23, 2008, 16:00 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 23 (SeeNews) - U.S. private equity fund Warburg Pincus, via its Czech-based media company Centrum Holdings, bought a 75% stake in Croatian company Adriatic Media, owner of information web portal Net.hr, for an undisclosed price, Adriatic Media said on Monday. link

FIMA - Weekly Report - June 16 - 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 14:07 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews OVERVIEW link

Croatia’s Solvis To Open 5.0 Mln Euro Photovoltaic Modules Plant Jun 23, 2008, 13:36 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 23 (SeeNews) – Croatia’s company SOLVIS will put into operation a 5.0 million euro ($7.8 million) photovoltaic modules factory in Varazdin, northern Croatia, it said on Monday. link

INTERVIEW – Croatia’s Magma Sees 2008 Group Net Profit Seven Times Higher, To Invest up to 8.0 Mln Euro in New Division Jun 23, 2008, 12:37 CET | Interview | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 23 (SeeNews) – Croatia-based blue-chip retail chain Magma expects consolidated net profit to rocket seven times higher on the year, to some 50 million kuna ($10.7 million/6.9 million euro) in 2008, as it plans to invest up to eight million euro in its new household commodities division Magma home, CEO Goranko Fizulic said. link

Croatia Airlines Launches Flights to Montenegrin Capital Podgorica Jun 23, 2008, 12:25 CET | Story | SeeNews PODGRORICA (Montenegro), June 23 (SeeNews) - Flag carrier Croatia Airlines has launched regular flights to Montenegrin capital Podgorica, the Montenegrin airport operator, Aerodromi Crne Gore, said. link

China’s JES International To Build Four Bulk Carriers for $180 Mln Total for Croatia’s Atlantska Plovidba Jun 23, 2008, 11:59 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Chinese shipbuilding company JES International said on Monday it will build four Panamax bulk carriers, 45 million U.S. dollars (28.9 million euro) each, for Croatian shipping company Atlantska Plovidba. link

Erste Securities - Croatian Equity Daily - June 23, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 09:53 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Highlights: link

Croatia Schedule of Events – June 23 - Sept 16 Jun 23, 2008, 09:06 CET | Story | SeeNews ZAGREB (Croatia), June 23 (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

* Macedonia *

Macedonia’s Energy Regulator Licenses Four Electricity Traders Jun 23, 2008, 17:50 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Macedonia’s energy regulator said on Monday it has awarded electricity trading licences to four domestic companies and has granted a licence for producing electricity and heating energy to a fifth company. link

Macedonian Trade Firm Tehnometal Vardar Buys 10.41% Stake in Local Holding Makosped Jun 23, 2008, 16:46 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Macedonian trade company Tehnometal Vardar bought a 10.41% stake in local transport, insurance and retail holding company Makosped, the latter said on Monday. link

Macedonian President Asks VMRO-DPMNE Leader Nikola Gruevski To Form Government Jun 23, 2008, 14:23 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski on Monday asked the leader of conservative VMRO-DPMNE party and outgoing Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski to form the country’s next government following the party’s victory in this month’s snap general election. link

Macedonia’s April Budget Surplus Falls 56.9% Y/Y to 637 Mln Denars (10.37 Mln Euro) Jun 23, 2008, 12:25 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Macedonia’s consolidated budget showed a surplus of 637 million denars ($16.12 million/10.37 million euro) in April, down by 56.9% from a year earlier, the Finance Ministry said on Monday. link

MACEDONIA’S APRIL BUDGET SURPLUS FALLS 56.9% Y/Y TO 637 MLN DENARS (10.37 MLN EURO) - FIN MIN Jun 23, 2008, 12:17 CET | Alert | SeeNews link

Slovenian Top Reinsurer Sets up Fund Management Company in Macedonia Jun 23, 2008, 11:24 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Slovenia’s largest reinsurer Pozavarovalnica Sava has set up a fund manager in Macedonia as part fo its strategy for expansion in the area of investment fund management in the region, it said on Monday. link

Macedonia’s End-May M1 Money Supply Rises 4% M/M - Table Jun 23, 2008, 11:00 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Macedonia’s M1 money supply, which includes cash in circulation and demand deposits, totalled 46.644 billion denars ($1.18 billion/760.94 million euro) at the end of May, up by 4% from April, the central bank said on Monday. link

Macedonia Schedule of Events June 23-Nov 28 Jun 23, 2008, 10:03 CET | Story | SeeNews SKOPJE (Macedonia), June 23 (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 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 08:53 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Macedonian Stock Exchange has published its report on turnover and prices for June 20, 2008. link

* Moldova *

Moldova’s Jan-May Freight Traffic Volume Rises 18% Y/Y - Table Jun 23, 2008, 13:38 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), June 23 (SeeNews) - The volume of Moldova’s railway, road and air freight traffic in the five months through May rose by 18% on the year to 7.4 million tonnes, the country’s statistics bureau said on Monday. link

Moldovan Banks’ End-May Credit Portfolio Rises 47% Y/Y - Table Jun 23, 2008, 11:37 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), June 23 (SeeNews) - The loan portfolio of Moldovan commercial banks totalled 23.7 billion lei ($2.4 billion/1.5 billion euro) at the end of May, up 47% from a year earlier, the country’s central bank, BNM, said on Monday. link

Moldovan Banks’ Deposit Portfolio Rises 44% Y/Y at End-May - Table Jun 23, 2008, 10:55 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), June 23 (SeeNews) - The deposit portfolio of Moldovan commercial banks totalled 23.2 billion lei ($2.3 billion/1.5 billion euro) at the end of May, up 44% from a year earlier, the country’s central bank said on Monday. link

Moldova’s M1 Money Supply Rises 27% Y/Y at End-May Jun 23, 2008, 10:28 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), June 23 (SeeNews) - Moldova’s M1 money supply at the end of May was 27% higher year-on-year at 10.75 billion lei ($1.1 billion/694 million euro), the country’s central bank, BNM, said on Monday. link

Moldova Schedule of Events - June 23 – Oct 8 Jun 23, 2008, 10:04 CET | Story | SeeNews CHISINAU (Moldova), June 23 (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 *

Croatia Airlines Launches Flights to Montenegrin Capital Podgorica Jun 23, 2008, 12:25 CET | Story | SeeNews PODGRORICA (Montenegro), June 23 (SeeNews) - Flag carrier Croatia Airlines has launched regular flights to Montenegrin capital Podgorica, the Montenegrin airport operator, Aerodromi Crne Gore, said. link

Montenegro’s May Net Salary Rises 2.2% M/M - Table Jun 23, 2008, 11:25 CET | Story | SeeNews PODGORICA (Montenegro), June 23 (SeeNews) - Montenegro’s May average net monthly salary rose by a real 2.2% month-on-month to 411 euro ($641), data from the statistics office showed on Monday. link

Montenegro’s May Retail Price Index Rises 9.6% Y/Y - Table Jun 23, 2008, 11:01 CET | Story | SeeNews PODGORICA (Montenegro), June 23 (SeeNews) - Montenegro’s May retail price index rose by 9.6% on the year and was 0.9% higher than a month earlier, data of the country’s statistics office indicated on Monday. link

Montenegro Schedule of Events - June 23 - July 4 Jun 23, 2008, 10:26 CET | Story | SeeNews PODGORICA (Montenegro), June 23 (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 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 08:55 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews New Securities Exchange of Montenegro (NEX) has published its daily report on trading volumes and prices for June 20, 2008. link

* Romania *

Romanian Stock Indices Slide Further on Lack of Large Investors Jun 23, 2008, 16:57 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 23 (SeeNews) - Romanian bourse indices lost ground for a fourth day in a row on Monday in the absence of large investors, brokers said. link

Romania’s Leu Ends Little Weaker vs Euro in Small Volumes Jun 23, 2008, 16:41 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 23 (SeeNews) - The Romanian leu on Monday closed at 3.6730/6750 per euro, slightly weaker than Friday’s close of 3.6700/6730, in small trading volumes, dealers said. link

Romania’s Alumil Rom Industry Resumes Trading After Release of Parent Co CEO Jun 23, 2008, 15:43 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 23 (SeeNews) - The shares of Romanian aluminium processor and distributor Alumil Rom Industry have resumed trading on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) on Monday after the CEO of its parent company was released by kidnappers. link

Romanian Banks’ End-April Loan Portfolio Rises 64.4% Y/Y - Table Jun 23, 2008, 15:18 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 23 (SeeNews) - The loan portfolio of Romania’s commercial banks rose by 64.4% on the year to 168.73 billion lei ($71.5 billion/45.9 billion euro) at the end of April, central bank data showed on Monday. link

Bucharest Bourse Suspends on Thursday Allotment Rights of Teraplast, To Start Trading Company Shares Jun 23, 2008, 14:31 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 23 (SeeNews) - The Bucharest bourse said on Monday it will suspend from trading the allotment rights attached to the shares in the initial public offering (IPO) of Romanian construction materials manufacturer Teraplast on Thursday and will start trade in the company’s shares. link

Fresenius NephroCare Romanian Unit Plans 20 Mln Euro Investments by 2010 Jun 23, 2008, 13:50 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 23 (SeeNews) - Romanian healthcare services provider Fresenius NephroCare said it plans to invest approximately 20 million euro ($31 million) in opening five new dialysis clinics in the country by 2010. link

Romanian Building Materials Maker Teraplast To Buy out 50% of Polyethylene Pipes Maker Politub Jun 23, 2008, 12:16 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 23 (SeeNews) – Romanian polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP) building materials maker Teraplast said on Monday its shareholders had approved its proposal to buy out the 50% stake in local polyethylene pipes maker Politub it does not own yet. link

Erste Bank Sees CEE Highest Banking Sector Growth in Bulgaria, Romania in Next Years Jun 23, 2008, 11:48 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – Bulgaria and Romania, which joined the European Union together in 2007, are expected to see highest banking sector growth among the countries in central and east Europe (CEE) in the next years, Ausrtia’s Erste Bank said. link

Romania’s Fastius Curier Raises 2008 Turnover Forecast to 1.0 Mln Euro Jun 23, 2008, 11:41 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 23 (SeeNews) - Romanian courier services provider Fastius Curier said on Monday it expects its turnover to rise faster than originally projected this year and reach one million euro ($1.55 million) after sales doubled from a year earlier to 400,000 euro through May. link

Romanian National Institute of Statistics - International Trade Statistical Bulletin - Mar 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 11:32 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews Romanian National Institute of Statistics (INS) has released its monthly International Trade Statistical Bulletin for March 2008. link

Erste Bank 722,918 New Shares Start Trading on Bucharest, Prague, Vienna Bourses Jun 23, 2008, 10:26 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 23 (SeeNews) - Austria’s Erste Bank on Monday started trading a further 722,918 new shares on the bourses in Bucharest, Prague and Vienna, the bank said. link

Ieba Trust - Romanian Market Daily - June 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 09:47 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews BSE indices posted declines for the third consecutive day link

Raiffeisen Capital & Investment - Investment Daily Romania - June 23, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 09:20 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews In the news link

Romania Schedule of Events - June 23 - Sept 26 Jun 23, 2008, 09:18 CET | Story | SeeNews BUCHAREST (Romania), June 23 (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 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 08:51 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Bucharest Stock Exchange has published its report on trading volumes and prices on the regulated market for June 20, 2008. link

Bucharest Stock Exchange - Daily Report - RASDAQ Market - June 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 08:50 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Bucharest Stock Exchange has published its RASDAQ daily market report for June 20, 2008. link

* Serbia *

BELEX Shares Mostly Up, AIK Banka Trades Most Jun 23, 2008, 17:44 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), June 23 (SeeNews) - The share indices of the Belgrade Stock Exchange (BELEX) started the week mostly higher in increased turnover, the bulk of which came from blue-chip AIK Banka, brokers said. link

Serbia’s Power Monopoly EPS, Energoprojekt Sign 12.9 Mln Euro Deal for Upgrade of Coal-fired Power Plant Jun 23, 2008, 17:21 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), June 23 (SeeNews) – Serbian power monopoly Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) and Serbia’s engineering holding Energoperojekt signed on Monday a 12.9 million euro ($20.1 million) contract for the upgrade of one of the four coal-fired power plants in the country, the Environment Ministry said. link

South Stream Gas Pipeline May Start Delievries in 2014 - Gazprom Official Jun 23, 2008, 16:13 CET | Story | SeeNews SOFIA (Bulgaria), June 23 (SeeNews) – South Stream gas pipeline, to be jointly built by Russia’s Gazprom and Italy’s ENI for a preliminary 10 billion euro ($15.58 billion), may see first deliveries in 2014, a Gazprom official said on Monday, raising the possibility of delay. link

Serbia Sells Ceramic Tubes, Sanitaryware Maker Keramika to Serb-Bulgarian Consortium for 1.13 Mln Euro Jun 23, 2008, 11:47 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Serbia has sold 62.83% of ceramic tubes and sanitaryware manufacturer Keramika to a Serb-Bulgarian consortium for 1.13 million euro ($1.46 million), the government’s Privatisation Agency in Belgrade said. link

Sinteza Investment Group - Weekly Market Wrap Up, June 16 - 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 11:47 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Dinar Weakens Against Foreign CurrenciesSojaprotein Continues with Share Emission link

Serbia’s May Net Monthly Salary Rises 2.98% Y/Y - Table Jun 23, 2008, 11:26 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), June 23 (SeeNews) - The average net monthly salary in Serbia rose by 2.98% year-on-year to 32,147 dinars ($631/405 euro) in May, the country’s statistics office said on Monday. link

Sinteza Investment Group - Daily Market Wrap Up - June 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 10:22 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Sinteza Investment Group has released its daily trading report for June 20, 2008, containing an overview of the Serbian Financial Market. link

Serbia Schedule of Events - June 23 - July 31 Jun 23, 2008, 10:18 CET | Story | SeeNews BELGRADE (Serbia), June 23 (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

Vojvodjanska Banka - Daily Vobnews - June 23, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 10:16 CET | Broker’s Report | SeeNews Vojvodjanska banka released its Daily Vobnews Report for June 23, 2008 containing the following charts and tables: link

Belgrade Stock Exchange - Daily Report - June 20, 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 08:49 CET | Specialists Reports | SeeNews Belgrade Stock Exchange has published its daily report on trading volumes and prices for June 20, 2008 link

* Slovenia *

Slovenian Indices End Almost Unchanged in Listless Trading Jun 23, 2008, 17:10 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Slovenian stock indices on Monday ended almost unchanged in lower turnover and eventless trading, brokers said. link

Top Two Slovenian Political Parties Almost at Par Three Months Before Elections - Media Jun 23, 2008, 16:47 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 23 (SeeNews) - The governing Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) and opposition Social Democrats (SD) enjoy almost equal support three months before the country goes to the polls, state-owned news agency STA reported on Monday. link

UPDATE 1 - Slovenian Drug Maker Krka Acquires Minority Stakes in Two Chinese Companies Jun 23, 2008, 16:05 CET | Story | SeeNews (adds analyst comment, background) link

Slovenian Drug Maker Krka Acquires Minority Stakes in Two Chinese Companies Jun 23, 2008, 14:54 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Slovenian drug maker Krka said on Monday it has acquired 7.5% stakes in two Chinese companies, paying $794,000 (511,500 euro) for each stake. link

Slovenian Financial Company Zvon Ena Holding Sells 13% of Iskra Avtoelektrika Jun 23, 2008, 14:23 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Slovenian financial company Zvon Ena Holding has sold for an undisclosed price 13.229% of local automobile starter motor and generator manufacturer Iskra Avtoelektrika, decreasing its stake in the company to 11.6%, Iskra Avtoelektrika said on Monday. link

Slovenian Top Reinsurer Sets up Fund Management Company in Macedonia Jun 23, 2008, 11:24 CET | Story | SeeNews LJUBLJANA (Slovenia), June 23 (SeeNews) - Slovenia’s largest reinsurer Pozavarovalnica Sava has set up a fund manager in Macedonia as part fo its strategy for expansion in the area of investment fund management in the region, it said on Monday. link

Slovenian Statistical Office - Rapid Reports - Labour Force Slovenia - Mar 2008 Jun 23, 2008, 11:06 CET | State Agencies Reports | SeeNews LABOUR FORCE, SLOVENIA, MARCH 2008 link

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