The International Business Club organized on 11
April 2000 a business breakfast on "Priority Infrastructure
Projects in Transport and Communications" at the Center for the
Study of Democracy, which was attended by representatives of
foreign diplomatic missions, international organizations and
financial institutions, local and foreign companies.
The meeting
featured the special participation of the Transport and
Communications Minister Mr. Antoni Slavinsky (right) and Mr. Tomas
O'Brien, World Bank Mission Resident Representative
Mr. Antoni Slavinsky introduced the Government's
transport policy, which is being developed in compliance with the
EU accession requirements, keeping to the following major
targets:
- Approximating the national legislation with the
European one in the field of rail, air and sea transport;
- transport infrastructure development;
- setting up conditions for co-operation among public
and private sectors and providing for joint investments;
- establishing a competitive environment in various
sectors and attracting foreign investments.
A recommendation to the Government to endeavor
further to attract foreign investors in transport and
communications was emphasized by Mr. Tomas O'Brien. The elaboration
of the national legislation, establishing of transparency and
restricting of corruption are the preconditions, which would
contribute for the realization of the Government's ambitious
investment program. During the years to come Bulgaria would have to
modernize her infrastructure in order to serve effectively the
economic activities.
Among the guests
were (from left to right) Mr. Georg Potika, Ambassador of Austria;
the US Ambassador Mr. Richard Miles; Mr. Akira Matsui, Ambassador
of Japan and Mr. Edmond de Welde, Ambassador of
Belgium.
Mr. A. Slavinsky answered questions regarding the
Bulgarian Telecommunication Company's privatization deal, building
up of a second bridge on the Danube and the opportunities for
involving foreign companies in this project, the co-ordination of
the Government's activities and the private sector for the
realization of priority infrastructure projects.
More information: Dr. Maria Prohaska, Head of the
Economic Program e-mail: maria.prohaska@online.bg
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