At this year’s Vienna Economic Forum on November 5 and 6, 2007, President Dr. Erhard Busek and Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva had the pleasure of welcoming over 480 participants from 30 countries. In addition to numerous VIP guests, Deputy Prime Ministers, and Ministers from partner countries, high-ranking representatives from the European Commission, OPEC, OSCE, Energy Community Secretariat, UNEP, and UNIDO also attended for an exchange of views.
The Opening Speech was delivered by Dr. Erhard Busek, President of the Vienna Economic Forum, while the Welcome Address was given by Dr. Herbert Stepic, CEO of Raiffeisen International Bank-Holding AG, Vice Chairman of RZB AG, and Board Member of the Vienna Economic Forum.
Eight Keynote Speeches by high-ranking managers and international experts, including the new EU Coordinator of the Caspian Sea – Middle East – European Union Gas Route, Mr. Jozias Van Aartsen, introduced the audience to the four topics of the Round Tables on the first day:
- Investment Development and Financing
- The Energy Sector – Stimuli and Solutions for the Region
- Investment Development in Telecommunications. Innovation and Technology in the Region – Issues and Solutions
- Ecology and Sustainable Development in the Region – Water and Waste Management
With the impressive development of the Southeastern European countries, political and economic interest in the region is also growing. Southeast Europe is an attractive area for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and many participants were encouraged to continue or begin cooperation with the region.
H.E. Minister Bartenstein emphasized Austria’s significant role in the region and in the EU integration process, which is based on political and economic stability.
The workshops on the second day of the conference, held at Studio 44 and chaired by Dr. Karl Stoss, CEO of Casinos Austria AG and Board Member of the Vienna Economic Forum, focused on:
- The Danube Cooperation Process and Transport Challenges. Investments in Ports, Railways, Container Transport
- The Role of Cooperation in Building a Regional Airline System – Issues, Solutions, Experiences
- Industry and Legal Security – Challenges and Risks
The Vienna Economic Forum was delighted to welcome H.E. Gazmend Oketa, Deputy Prime Minister of Albania, and H.E. Dr. Vujica Lazovic, Deputy Prime Minister of Montenegro, who provided an overview of past and future projects in their countries.
Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva expressed her pleasure in seeing the Vienna Economic Forum grow steadily and develop into a valuable platform for meetings and exchanges, fostering and supporting joint projects in the region of Southeast Europe as part of a united Europe.
During the two days of intense discussions and conversations, numerous contacts and networks were established, ideas for the future and investment projects were discussed, and the commitment to continue this gathering was affirmed.
Planned Meetings in 2008:
- Vienna Economic Forum – Moldova Meeting
February 20–21, 2008, in Chisinau
under the patronage of H.E. Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev - Vienna Economic Forum – Montenegro Meeting
April 14–15, 2008, in Podgorica
under the patronage of H.E. Prime Minister Zeljko Sturanovic - Vienna Economic Forum – Albania Meeting
June 8–9, 2008, in Tirana
under the patronage of H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Sali Berisha - 5th Vienna Economic Forum
November 10–11, 2008, in Vienna
