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Vienna Economic Forum and BCCI held conference “Liberalisation of Regional Markets”
The Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted Vienna Economic Talks, Sofia meeting, thus allowing Bulgarian business to participate in a conference dedicated to the extremely topical for South Eastern Europe issue – “Liberalisation of Regional Markets” with main accent put on liberalisation of the energy markets, liberalisation of the labour market and the experience of foreign investors in the region. The interesting themes discussed at the conference attracted great attention of over 180 participants from 16 countries. The event was opened by H.E. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum.
Vienna Economic Talks were held under the auspices of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria Boyko Borisov, who is a member of the Committee of the Patrons of Vienna Economic Forum. In the beginning of the event, a welcome address by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria was read. The address emphasized that Sofia hosts this high forum for the second consecutive year, which is significant of Bulgaria’s important role for promoting and enhancing economic cooperation in South Eastern Europe. Liberalisation of the regional markets concerns both the energy consumers, producers and traders, it was pointed out. At present, about 27% of trade in the country is carried out in compliance with the requirements of the free market, the statement read. The programme of the Government is targeted at increasing the share of freely negotiated electricity on the internal market to 30% in 2013.
H.E. Mr. Gerhard Reiweger, Ambassador of Republic of Austria to Bulgaria also pointed out that Vienna Economic Forum is among the leading forums in the Danube Region and introduced the participants to the Forum’s history and activities.
Dr. Erhard Busek, Former Vice Chancellor of Austria and President of Vienna Economic Forum emphasized the role of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) and outlined the prerequisites for liberalisation of the regional markets (infrastructure, education, etc.) as well as the key instruments (Regional Cooperation Council – the successor of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe and the EU Strategy for the Danube Region).
Mrs. Lilyana Pavlova, Minister of Regional Development and Public Works listed Bulgaria’s priorities, including socio-economic development of the regions, initiatives targeted at improving energy efficiency and the development of road infrastructure. She said that because of the low energy efficiency of buildings in Bulgaria, more than BGN 600 million were invested in energy efficiency and in the future the investment is expected to double. BGN 4 billion were invested in the construction of road infrastructure. As a National Coordinator of the Danube Strategy, she stressed that Bulgaria works in cooperation with the countries from the Danube region, without discriminating against them in terms of EU membership, in order to unleash the region’s economic potential. Efforts are made to increase security in the region, develop tourism and intercultural dialogue.
Mr. Andreas Maierhofer, CEO of MobilTel AD Bulgaria discussed the importance of the Bulgarian telecommunication market. The company is part of Telekom Austria, which serves around 22 million customers in the regions and has over 17000 employees in the region.
Mr. Tsvetan Simeonov, BCCI President expressed his delight that BCCI is hosting an event of such importance for Bulgaria and the region. BCCI was among the first to support the liberalisation of regional markets initiative, he reminded. The Chamber will assist and refer to NGOs and public institutions in order to achieve consensus in the region. Reaching consensus among countries in the region is necessary to address the regional problems, attract more investments and increase the quality of life. According to Mr. Simeonov, it is necessary to work towards improving cooperation between customs authorities in the region.
Dr. Peter Harold, Chairman of the Management Board of HYPO NOE Gruppe Bank AG and Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum highlighted the regional characteristics and strenghts of the countries in the Danube Region. According to him, Bulgaria is a good place to apply for credit, to promote foreign investments and start a new business.
Prof. Dr. Agni Arvanitis, Founder and President of Biopolitics International Organization, discussed biopolicies which are important not only regionally but globally.
The conference continues, await additional information.
04.04.2012
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