Welcome, this is Anastasia Yuglova bringing you the Cato Daily Podcast.

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One of the most interesting speakers at last week's Freedom Commerce and Peace Conference

held by Cato in Belize, Georgia, was Versner Skari Osbold, former Minister of Justice

of Croatia. She was one of Croatia's foremost

supporters of an independent judiciary and a strong, robust system of law. Today she discusses

the reforms she implemented and why they were important for Croatia.

What do you see as the chief obstacles to economic advancement in Croatia?

Well I think that Croatia among other countries in this region, transitional countries, has very good chances.

First of all, our development should be crucial in a way that after 15 years, we must start with serious economic

reforms.

In 2004, government started with reforms, but now we

are slowing down, especially in tax reform, where we should make the biggest progress.

We didn't introduce, for example, a flat tax which could attract foreign investors.

Our economy is based on tourism and on building the roads, state buildings and buildings.

And that is not enough to really create the jobs

and to create production.

We are approaching the European Union

and we need concrete strategy especially towards agriculture and economy.

How critical would you say is a well-developed legal system in order to successfully implement reforms in Croatia?

Legal system is crucial, it's basic for a good and stronger economy.

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