Weekly Review of Slovenia's Economy from 6 to 12 October

Ljubljana, 14 October - The week kicked off with a celebration of ten years of the Slovene currency, the tolar, and finished with a presentation in parliament of the two-year budget bills and budget memorandums. According to Prime Minister Janez Drnovsek and Finance Minister Anton Rop, the budgets will facilitate the long-term planning of incomes and expenditures, as well as provide for an efficient means of planning, monitoring and implementing multi-year policies in individual areas. The week was also marked by lively activity at the Ljubljana Stock Exchange as Interbrew, the world's second largest brewer, acquired a 20-percent state in Pivovarna Union, Slovenia's second largest brewery. Some personnel changes were also on the agenda this past week, as Brane Lucovnik was appointed chairman and CEO of the Slovene flag carrier Adria Airways, while Bojan Meden assumed the post of Director General of the Slovene Tourist Board.