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RESUME OF THE FIRST MEETING
OF THE
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM FOR SOUTH EAST EUROPE
Regional Economic Forum for South
East Europe was held on 4. and 5. 12. 2003. in Cavtat, Republic of
Croatia, with more then 150 participants from public institutions,
business sector and academic community of countries in the region.
Special contribution to the event was given by participation of H.E.
Mr. Stjepan Mesić, President of Republic of Croatia, H.E. Mr. Svetozar
Marović, Presidend of Serbia and Montenegro, H.E. Mr. Boris Trajkovski
President of Republic of Macedonia, and Mr. Adnan Terzić, chairman
of the Council of Ministers Bosnia and Herzegovina, who was the official
auspices of the event.
It was also rather valuable to have a significant number of ministers
and other high officials of governments of Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Republic of Croatia, Republic of Macedonia and Republic of Slovenia,
in charge for the processes of European integrations, infrastructural
and other development projects that were in the focus of discussion.
Topic of the event "Competitors and/or partners on the way to
European Union?" was recognized by participants as challenges
and chances of mutual bond of countries in the region, having their
economies complementary and competitive at the same time.
In such context, it was confirmed that there is a need for encouragement,
articulation and permanent improvement of mutual communication and
cooperation in making new economic and social quality and process
of joining European Union and global economic integrations, as a key
issue of close and further future of countries, economies and citizens
of this region.
Respecting many multilateral initiatives conveyed in good intention
by international factors outside the region, a common believe was
outlined that it is needed and useful to undertake an own effort by
management of the best companies, government representatives and academic
society to improve cooperation that will help accelerate accession
of all countries in the region to European Union.
Different circumstances and experiences led to that some countries
presented at the Forum already made their path to membership in EU,
while for others it can not be estimated with certainty the time of
fulfilling conditions for accession, and therefore participant especially
outlined that the best way for those who are still behind is direct
cooperation aiming to exchange of knowledge, procedures and practices,
and government engagement in whole.
Relevant experiences, initiatives and possibilities in respect of
improvement and harmonization of development politics and general
business environment, were discussed, followed by eliminating existing
obstacles and opening new possibilities for bonding, cooperation and
common projects of public institutions and business sector in the
region.
Discussions at Forum especially pointed out the need for governments
and officials of the countries in the region, to do their best in
improving their relevant statistical institutions, and in regard to
that an initiative was supported which would suggest multilateral
project of economical exchange in the region of South East Europe
to governments and business community of countries in the region.
Participants of the Forum expressed understanding and support in starting
initiative, as well as for multilateral project, Regional report on
competitiveness for South East Europe, and in that sense a preliminary
interest of World Economic Forum for technical support in realization
of this project was welcomed.
Many contacts were made during the Forum that can be basis for concrete
contracts and other cooperation in close future. It was outlined that
bilateral and multilateral cooperation can contribute to a significant
extent to each single country in making their way to European Union,
and that self-control just as comparison to others, as a necessity
for all, can make the best of it if this event becomes traditional
annual meeting.
Broad basis and inspiration for the next meeting of the Forum are
given in suggestions of participants in discussion, especially in
the session where experiences, obstacles and initiatives in intraregional
business operations were discussed. Besides supporting the idea of
continuity of the Forum as a framework for regional topics and projects,
a special attention should be given to complementary initiatives for
gathering and cooperation of representatives from public institutions
and business sector interested in sub regional development projects
involving two or more countries, such as building transport infrastructure.
In preparing next meeting of the Forum it would be useful to prepare
critics analysis and estimate of primal experiences and further needs
and possibilities in respect of aims, coverage and programme content,
structure of participants, to assure and further develop high standard
of quality and relevance set on the first meeting of the Forum. Special
acknowledgment and support in that sense, shows readiness and offer
for auspices of the next Forum, given by highest state level.
Prof.
dr Božidar Matić,
President of Programme Council
Bogić
Bogičević,
President of Organization Board