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Paris, 16 November 2009

The economic conditions in South East Europe (SEE) that first gave rise to the OECD Investment Compact for South East Europe nearly ten years ago have been transformed: while SEE countries still face economic and institutional challenges, the region is now at peace, economic progress has been considerable, and participating countries have made substantial progress in terms of European integration.

With many of its original goals either met or in the process of being met, the OECD Investment Compact is looking to its long-standing partners and stakeholders to drive its strategic evolution.

On 16 November 2009 at the OECD Paris headquarters, the 5th meeting of the South East Europe Investment Committee. Bringing together SEE and OECD representatives and experts, including the donor community, the meeting addressed enhancing regional ownership of investment policy processes, as well opportunities for further co-operation between SEE and the OECD – centering on the OECD’s role in providing technical expertise and support to already existing regional initiatives, such as the Regional Co-operation Council (RCC) and the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA).

High-level participants included the RCC Secretary-General, Hido Biscevic, and CEFTA Secretariat Director, Renata Vitez, among others. The meeting was opened by Ms. Carolyn Ervin, Director of the OECD Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs, and chaired by the OECD, Serbia and Austria.

The 16 November meeting also saw the presentation of preliminary results of the OECD Investment Reform Index 2009.

Agenda

Meeting conclusions

Activity report of the OECD Investment Compact for South East Europe

Press release

Evaluation of business climate policies in South East Europe: selected results of Investment Reform Index 2009 and SME Policy Index 2009, Alistair Nolan, Head, OECD Investment Compact for South East Europe

Aid for trade: implementing CEFTA -- overcoming non-tariff barriers, Mary O'Mahony, Advisor to the OECD Investment Compact for South East Europe

Update on economic aggregates: South East Europe, Antonio Fanelli, Deputy Head, Private Sector Development Division

CEFTA 2006: monitoring and the implementation of investment-related clauses, Antonio Fanelli, Deputy Head, Private Sector Development Division