In 2005, the CEI SEF addressed the theme of Reforms key to Competitiveness. This was a platform to make business contacts and establish co-operation on investment projects and development programmes. The SEF provided a unique chance to discuss structural reforms for improving business environment, development strategies for raising competitiveness, with a special focus on energy, infrastructure, and human resources.

The event took place over the course of two days and included several sessions, project presentations, and focused meetings. The sessions were grouped under three main areas of interest which include the following:

1. Structural reforms and business environment. This stream dealt with issues related to structural reforms and ways to improve the business environment, and included sessions on the latest EBRD Transition Report, on knowledge economy and the Lisbon strategy;
2. Development strategies for raising competitiveness. This stream included sessions on country strategies, industrial policy and introduced investment case studies;
3. Infrastructure and entrepreneurship. This stream included sessions on telecommunications, development of transport infrastructure and PPPs.

What was unique about the SEF is that besides economic and project-based discussions, the Roundtable of CEI Ministers of the Economic Sectors and the Summit of the 17 CEI Prime Ministers (organised immediately after the SEF) provided an important insight into each country's policy approach to growth and an exceptional overview on current key issues of the CEI Region.

• For general information, please contact: [email protected]
• To receive the programme and list of speakers, please contact: [email protected]
• For further projects and match-making, please contact: [email protected]

For more information, please contact Ms. Ekaterina Travkina from the LEED Programme Secretariat.