1. The ICT Sector – Key to Economic Progress and Prosperity in South Eastern Europe Michael Mozur Deputy Special Coordinator of SP New Paths for Regional ICT Success May 16-17, 2006 Zagreb

2. South East Europe: Regional Economy Moving Forward Energy: Energy: - October 2005 Treaty creates a regional energy market based on EU standards. - October 2005 Treaty creates a regional energy market based on EU standards. Trade liberalization: Trade liberalization: - Moving from a network of 31 Bilateral Free Trade Agreements to a single regional FTA - Moving from a network of 31 Bilateral Free Trade Agreements to a single regional FTA - Enhancing regional trade and investment - Enhancing regional trade and investment Infrastructure: Infrastructure: - Five billion Euros in projects completed or underway. Investment needs over the period 2006-2015 estimated at 17 billion Euros for energy and 16 billion for transport - Five billion Euros in projects completed or underway. Investment needs over the period 2006-2015 estimated at 17 billion Euros for energy and 16 billion for transport

3. South East Europe: Regional Economy Moving Forward Investment: Investment: - Since 2002 FDI has steadily increased given political and economic reforms and the prospect of EU integration - Since 2002 FDI has steadily increased given political and economic reforms and the prospect of EU integration - SEE investment reached nearly 10 billion Euros in 2005, with Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia receiving the largest share - New regional investment monitoring mechanism – Investment Reform Index - New regional investment monitoring mechanism – Investment Reform Index ICT Sector: ICT Sector: - eSEE and bSEE Initiatives support the sector’s development in the region - eSEE and bSEE Initiatives support the sector’s development in the region - Clear progress, growing private sector interest and opportunity

4. Initiative for Electronic South East Europe – eSEE (since 2002) Participants: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYROM, Serbia, Montenegro, Moldova and UNMIK/Kosovo; Participants: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, FYROM, Serbia, Montenegro, Moldova and UNMIK/Kosovo; Adoption of policy and strategy for the Information Society; Adoption of policy and strategy for the Information Society; Adoption and implementation of a legal framework for Information Society according to Acquis Communautaire; Adoption and implementation of a legal framework for Information Society according to Acquis Communautaire; Establishment of regional cooperation and national implementation mechanisms; Establishment of regional cooperation and national implementation mechanisms; Promotion of Information Society for Development. Promotion of Information Society for Development.

5. Broadband South East Europe - bSEE Thessaloniki Ministerial Meeting and MoU on the bSEE Initiative July 2005 Thessaloniki Ministerial Meeting and MoU on the bSEE Initiative July 2005 Participants: eSEE Members + Greece and Romania Participants: eSEE Members + Greece and Romania Key objectives Key objectives - Propose legal and regulatory framework consistent with EU Directives and global standards; - Evaluate broadband technologies and international best practices; - Aggregate demand leading to broadband development; - Enhance broadband investment by building awareness, increasing level of public interest and fostering SME’s participation; - Prepare regional projects of common interest and assist in applying for EU and other sources of funding.

6. Public Private Dialogue and Partnership Stability Pact – Business Advisory Council Stability Pact – Business Advisory Council -working together to improve the business climate in SEE ICT sector ICT sector -eSEE and bSEE private sector outreach -major international, domestic ICT companies and local business associations local business associations Key goals Key goals -to promote productive public-private dialogue and cooperation across the range of ICT issues and opportunities -to strengthen the results of the eSEE/bSEE Initiatives -to make a real contribution to economic growth and competitiveness, job creation, governmental efficiency and transparency in South East Europe

7. Thank you for your attention and for your cooperation in the future. Contact: Michael MOZUR Deputy Special Co-ordinator Rue Wiertz 50, 1050 Brussels Rue Wiertz 50, 1050 Brussels E-mail: Michael.Mozur@stabilitypact.org