Slovakia - Factors To Watch on April 27

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MARCH PPI

The Statistics Office will publish producer price inflation data for March, 0700 GMT. Analysts forecast producer prices to have risen by 0.3 percent month-on-month, and by 3.5 percent annually.

CBANK RESERVES

The central bank will publish weekly foreign currency reserves data, 1200 GMT.

EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATION CONGRESS

The association of employers, RUZ, will hold an annual congress, 0930 GMT. President Ivan Gasparovic, ministers and members of parliament are expected to attend the congress.

RYANAIR MULLS NEW BASE IN BRATISLAVA

Europe's largest budget carrier, Ryanair , said on Thursday it was in talks with Bratislava airport about opening a new base in the Slovak capital.

[ID:nL2685811] [RTRS-AIR-EUROPE-SK]

SLOVAK TELEKOM PICKS BUYER FOR RADIOKOM UNIT Slovak Telekom (ST), the country's dominant fixed-line phone operator, has chosen the buyer for its TV and radio signal unit Radiokomunikacie, the transport and telecommunication ministry said on Thursday.

[ID:nL26542054] [RTSR-TEL-MRG-SK]

PRESS DIGEST

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CBANK SAYS CONSUMER CREDITS EXPENSIVE

The central bank has criticised commercial banks for charging too much for consumer credits, saying such loans were more expensive in Slovakia than in neighbouring markets and in the euro zone. Commercial banks say Slovaks are riskier clients.

Sme, page 1

NOVAKY POWER PLANT MODERNISATION

Slovakia's dominant power company Slovenske Elektrarne, owned by Italy's utility Enel , said it was looking for a supplier to modernise the Novaky coal power plant.

Sme, page 6

SLOVAKIA LOSES ALURE

Slovakia is no longer considered the most attractive investment location in Europe after the entry of Bulgaria and Romania to European Union. The state investment agency, SARIO, says Slovakia now must actively seek foreign investment projects, as compared with steady inflows of businesses in previous years.

HOSPODARSKE NOVINY, page 1

For news on upcoming events in the United States and other Group of Seven countries, see . For a diary of forthcoming Slovak events, double click [SK/DIARY], and a calendar of east European economic indicators, see [CONV/DIARY].

News editor of the day: Peter Laca, on +421 2 5341 8402; fax: +421 2 5341 8403

E-mail: editorial@reuters.sk

Reuters Messaging: peter.laca.reuters.com@reuters.net

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