VIP CORNER - Diplomatischer Pressedienst

VIP Co r n e r7th VIENNA ECONOMIC FORUM –“Stable Economy – Challenge and Responsibility.At this year’s 7th Vienna Economic Forumon November 8 and 9, 2010 PresidentDr. Erhard Busek and SecretaryGeneral Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva hadthe great pleasure to welcome around 570participants from 44 countries throughout theworld and from 15 international organisations.Dr. Erhard Busek, Former Vice Chancellorof Austria and President of Vienna EconomicForum underlined the necessity of regionalcooperation for the countries of South-EasternEurope for the future progress of the regionand was pleased about the high level of guestsand speakers from the region to the Forum. Dr.Elena Kirtcheva underlined in her WelcomeAddress that the economy is not only able toexplore the market, make investments andsupport relations, but it also contributes to theability to make visible the common features ofa region in order to prepare it to the commonnessof Europe.It was an honour for Vienna Economic Forumto welcome H.E. Mr. Mykola Azarov, PrimeMinister of Ukraine at the official opening of the forum.Dr. Herbert Stepic, CEO of Raiffeisen BankInternational AG and Member of the Board of ViennaEconomic Forum underlined the efforts of RaiffeisenBank International AG in Ukraine and theirfuture willingness for further investment and goodcommon basis of both sides. An Opening Messagewas given by H.E. the Austrian Federal ChancellorWerner Faymann, who pointed out the importanceof a close cooperation with Ukraine on a politicaland economic level and the already existingcooperation with the Austrian economy.H.E. Prime Minister Mr. Mykola Azarovdelivered a speech on the economic challenges ofUkraine in recent years and solutions and methodsfor further economic progress. A key point forUkraine is high investments in the infrastructure.He especially pronounced that Ukraine is ready tocooperate with Europe in joint projects, giving concreteexamples like the construction of the Chop-Lviv highway.Ministers from the Region participating in the7th Vienna Economic Forum were: H.E. Dr. VujicaLAZOVIC, Deputy Prime Minister for EconomicPolicy and Financial System of Montenegro. H.E.Diplomatischer Pressedienst - November 2010 13