The 9th Traditional Meeting of the Friends from the Adriatic to the Black Sea took place on 18 June 2010 in the garden of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, as in the years before the motto was "a culinary and musical journey through the countries of the region".

The summer party of Vienna Economic Forum was organized together with the Embassies of the member countries and the Ambassadors, Chargé d’affairs, Members of the Ambassadors Committee, presented to the guests of this summer event the specialities of their national kitchen.

A rich musical program was presented by the member countries and national artists. A famous Ukrainian artist presented songs with Bandura, a traditional Ukrainian instrument. Kosovo and Bosnia were represented with traditional songs, Moldova showed a round dance and Bulgarian had a dance program, where many of the guests joined the happy rhythms.

More than 300 guests took part in the 9th Traditional Meeting of the Friends from the Adriatic to the Black Sea, founding members, members of the board and members of Vienna Economic Forum enjoyed the specialities o the region and the unique atmosphere.

The official opening of the 13th Energy Talks Ossiach to the topic „Energie Macht Politik“ took place on 8 June 2010

Since 1997, a total of more than 1200 international participants have discussed energy systems of the future in Ossiach. Most of the participants were from German-speaking countries, followed by the Eastern European States. 

Secretary General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva in her impulse talk analyzed the energy policy situation of the EU: "For a successful energy policy the EU needs legal frames, which enable the EU member states to speak "with one voice" and to support European "energy solidarity". To accomplish the "Nabucco project" it needs a strong personality who engages in the project with heart and soul and who, on the other hand, will be identified with the project and support it." 

Former Vice Chancellor Dr. Erhard Busek, President of Vienna EconomicForum, will be the new president of the EU-Russia Centre (www.eu-russiacentre.org) in Brussels, taking over the presidency from the former international High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Paddy Ashdown.

The EU-Russia Centre is a non-profit organisation and an independent information and competence platform that promotes closer ties between the EU and Russia.

The third edition of the traditional International Ecology Congress, organized by Overgas, was held on May 27th 2010, in Sofia. The forum’s theme was “Environmental and Energy Principles of the Sustainable Development”.

The organization of the event was in partnership with European Center for Environmental Economy (ECEE, partner of Vienna Economic Forum), Bulgarian Industrial Association, National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, Bulgarian Petroleum and Gas Association, Bulgarian Association Natural Gas and Eco Forum for Sustainable Development Association.

Current challenges in trading with hothouse gases, energy effectiveness, environment, sustainable development, as well as current information on the latest energy technologies were the topics discussed during the Congress.

Mr. Sasho Donchev – founder and executive director of Overgas Ink. AD, opening the International Ecology Congress in Sofia

Secretary General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva took part in the 13th Eurasian Economic Summit organized by The Marmara Group Strategic and Social Research Foundation on 5-7 May, 2010 while celebrating 25th, Silver Jubilee Anniversary of its foundation.

The participation of the Presidents of Macedonia and Albania, Prime Minister of Bosnia Herzegovina and the attendance of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia at the presidential level has been emphasized as a great value for the 13th Eurasian Economic Summit by the participants from 44 countries.

In her statement during the conference Secretary General Amb. Dr. Kirtcheva underlined that the cooperation of Vienna Economic Forum with Turkey and with Turkish companies has been developing further and the Members of Vienna Economic Forum from Turkey enjoy a good reputation in our member countries. The increasing number of Vienna Economic Forum members also from Turkey and the increasing number of participants during our VEF meetings, have shown that Vienna Economic Forum is on the right way supporting the exchange of experience and promoting investment opportunities in the region from the Adriatic to the Black Sea.

Secretary General Amb. Dr. Kirtcheva wished further good cooperation to Mr. President Dr. Suver and to accept the Vienna Economic Forum South East Europe Award for his long years of active and successful contribution and the high public reputation of Marmara Foundation for a fruitful regional cooperation and as a partner of Vienna Economic Forum for a better understanding between the Member Countries of Vienna Economic Forum, the countries of South East Europe.

On the occasion of his working visit in Vienna, H.E. Mr. Valeriu Lazar, Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova and Minister of Economy and Trade of the Republic of Moldova, met President of Vienna Economic Forum Dr. Erhard Busek in the VEF premises.

The topic of their meeting was the Vienna Economic Talks - Chisinau Meeting on 24-25 June 2010 and organisational questions. Currently there are huge investment projects in the sector road construction and transport so that these will also be covered during the VET - Chisinau meeting. Due to the high interest of members of Vienna Economic Forum it was agreed to include the topics energy, environment, banking sector and transport. 

On Tuesday 16 March 2010 the annual general assembly of  Vienna Economic Forum took place.

It was hosted by Dr. Friedhelm Boschert, CEO of Volksbank International AG and Member of the Board of  Vienna Economic Forum, who invited the members to Saturn Tower.

President Dr. Erhard Busek and Secretary General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva were pleased to welcome numerous new members and cooperation partners of Vienna Economic Forum and the new members of the Board:

• Dr. Hannes Ametsreiter, CEO, Telekom Austria AG, CEO, mobilkom austria
• Dipl.-BW Carl-Gerold Mende, Director of the Board, Österreichische Post AG
• Dkfm. Sepp Maier, Partner, Bank Gutmann.

Secretary General Amb. Dr. Kirtcheva reported about the activities of Vienna Economic Forum until 31 December 2009 and the planned events in 2010. The report is available for members of Vienna Economic Forum upon request.

On 17 February 2010 a Memorandum of Understanding with EastEuroCo Executive Search Group Ltd., Hungary, was signed by Mr. Sandor Söpkez, Managing Partner of East EuroCo and Secretary General Amb. Dr. Kirtcheva.

EastEuroCo Executive Search Group (EastEuroCo) was established in 1991 by Hungarian professionals in order to supply human resources to international companies. By the mid 1990s, EastEuroCo's activity had expanded to include countries in the surrounding region; and the company has since become one of the leading "headhunting" firms within the management-consulting arena in Central Europe.

EastEuroCo is an established, dynamic organisation whose consultants possess a proven record of proficiency and experience, a conservative professionalism combined with an innovative enthusiasm, and a keen ability to look at the 'big picture' while also using their knowledge of the local characteristics to successfully and effectively fulfil Clients' job requirements. EastEuroCo also offers additional services other than executive search activity.

Dr. Franz Wohlfahrt, General Direktor of Novomatic AG, Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum

Vienna Economic Forum is proud to congratulate Dr. Franz Wohlfahrt, CEO of Novomatic AG,to the title "IMGL Executive of the Year", which he received during the trade fair "International Gaming Exhibition (IGE)" on 26 January 2010 in London.

Dr. Franz Wohlfahrt has been CEO of Novomatic AG since 2004 and is responsible for the successful development of the company in the past years.

Dr. Karl Stoss, CEO, Casinos Austria AG und Österreichische Lotterien GmbH, Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum

Vienna Economic Forum is pleased to congratulate Dr. Karl Stoss, CEO, Casinos Austria AG and Österreichische Lotterien GmbH to his appointment of President of the Austrian Olympic Committee and wishes him success in his responsible activity.

The Austrian Olympic Committee is one of 201 national Olympic Committees worldwide and is an independent organisation in Austria, according to the regulation of the International Olympic Committee.

After the severe floods in Northern Albania in the beginning of this year parts of the country are still swamped. The Government of Albania has declared a status of civil emergency.

The members of Vienna Economic Forum, who are active also in Albania, immediately showed their readyness to help. EVN AG and Verbund have started with their assistance on location. Novomatic AG also has reacted immediately with their preparedness to contribute with a substantial sum.

Vienna Economic Forum has contacted Deputy Premierminister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Ilir Meta, and a donations account for the areas affected was created:

Raiffeisen Bank Albania

Account No.: 0001157945

IBAN: AL85202110130000000001157945

Swift Code: SGSBALTX

Address: Rruga e KAVAJES; Pallati 12 Katesh, Tirana, Albanien

Vienna Economic Forum sincerely thanks its members and is proud that the co-operation between its members and the region of South-Eastern Europe works not only in calm times, but most of all also in emergency situations.

On Monday, 10 March 2008 the Annual General Assembly of Vienna Economic Forum took place.

Dkfm. Karl Fink, General Director of Wiener Städtischen Versicherung / Vienna Insurance Group and Vice-President of Vienna Economic Forum, hosted the meeting in Ringturm in Vienna.

President Dr. Erhard Busek had the pleasure to welcome many new members and co-operation partners of Vienna Economic Forum as well as the new Member Country Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Ukraine, H.E. Yulia Tymoshenko, the new Members of the Board Johannes Kinsky (Member of the Board, Erste Bank Group), Dr. Viktoria Kickinger (Secretary General, Österreichische Post AG), Dr. Friedhelm Boschert (CEO, Volksbank International AG) and Honorary Member Dr. Suzanne Rödler (Medical Specialist for internal medicine and cardiology, AKH Vienna).

Presentation of his book on 7 May 2008

Dr. Erhard Busek "Eine Seele für Europa. Aufgaben für einen Kontinent"

Bookshop Kuppitsch on Wednesday, 7 May 2008 at 7.30 p.m. Schottengasse 4, 1010 Wien 1st floor

Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, Ambassador Dr. Kirtcheva, participated in the 11th Eurasian Economic Summit from 1-3 May 2008, organized by The Marmara Foundation.

The conference was opened by the President of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Abdullah Gül as well as by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H. E. Ilham Aliyev.

Dr. Akkan Suver, President of Marmara Foundation, welcomed numerous guests and participants from the Caspian Region, Balkans, United Nations and EU, among them H.E. Gediminas Kirkilas, Prime Minister of Lithuania, H.E. Prof. Dr. Vujica Lazovic, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Montenegro, H.E. Genc Ruli, Minister for Economy, Trade and Energy of Albania, as well as many Ministers and Representatives of the Governments of the Region.

The participants actively took part in the discussions of the conference, with the topics Energy, International Values in Economics, Istanbul as European Capital of Culture 2010, International Cooperation in Tourism and cultural Relations, Eurasian Economic Cooperation and the Role of Black Sea Economic Cooperation.

The conference was a big success and participants profited from many new contacts as well as deepened relations among these regions.

v.l.n.r., hinten: H.E. Köksal Toptan, Speaker of Grand National Assembly of Turkey; Mrs. Suver; H.E. Zhelya Zhelev, Former President of Bulgaria; Mrs. Zheleva; H.E. Emil Constantinescu, Former President of Romania; Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum; H.E. Jusuf Kalamperovic, Minister of Internal Affairs of Montenegro; H.E. Prof. Dr. Vujica Lazovic, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Montenegro vorne: Mrs. Constantinescu; H.E. Ion Iliescu, Former President of Romania; Hon. Dr. Akkan Suver, President of the Marmara Foundation; Mrs. Kalamperovic; Mrs. Lazovic

On the occasion of the working visit to prepare Vienna Economic Forum- Tirana Meeting, taking place on 8-9 June 2008 in the Albanian capital, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva met H.E. Mr. Sokol Olldashi, Minister of Public Works and Transportation and Telecommunication of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Minister Genc Ruli, Minister of Economy, Trade and Energy of the Republic of Albania, Deputy Minister Florjon Mima of the Ministry of Finances of the Republic of Albania, representatives of the Cabinet of H.E. Prime Minister Prof. Dr. Sali Berisha and Mr. Denis Kalenja, CEO of ALBINVEST.

The Ministers and high representatives of the Republic of Albania and the Secretary General were satisfied after the intensive talks and preparations.

Announcement of Vienna Economic Forum - Tirana Meeting by Albinvest: http://www.albinvest.gov.al/dokumenti.asp?id=456&kujam=200&menu=101

H.E. Mr. Sokol Olldashi, Minister of Public Works and Transportation and Telecommunication of the Republic of Albania with Secretary General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva

Dr. Karl Stoss, CEO of Casinos Austria AG and Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, was decorated the Award of Great Silver Medal for Merits for the Republic of Austria by Vice Chancellor Dr. Wilhelm Molterer.

With consternation we learned of the sudden death of Mr. Johannes Kinský, Member of the Board of Erste Bank, am 29. Juni 2008.  

Johannes Kinský, who died aged merely 44, since July 2007 has been engaged in the Board of Erste Bank in building up the new Division Group Corporate and Investment Banking . As Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum he represented Erste Bank in our gremium. We all will miss him as partner and good friend.

The Board of Vienna Economic Forum would like to express our deepest sympathy at the loss of Johannes Kinský to his wife and children.

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Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich AG (RZB) and Eastern Europe subsidiary Raiffeisen International Bank-Holding AG, members of Vienna Economic Forum, received the title "Best Bank in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)" from the reknown British financial magazine Euromoney. At the same time their network banks in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegowina, Serbia and Slovakia were elected the best bank in their respective country. Furthermore Raiffeisen Investment AG was voted best investment bank in Montenegro.

Verbund, cooperation partner of  Vienna Economic Forum, has a strong partner in Turkey with Sabanci Holding. The shared  company Enerji SA is expected to reach a share of ten percent of the Turkish energy market. By 2012 Verbund will connect 2500 Megawatt power plant capacities to the Turkish power network, among them nine hydroelectric power plants.

Union of Black Sea and Caspian Confederation of Enterprises (UBCCE), "The Voice of Business in the Black Sea and Caspian Region", recently communicated the summer issue of its Quarterly Bulletin.  

The Bulletin may be reached from the following link: www.ubcce.org/QuarterlyBulletin.htm

Union of Black Sea and Caspian Confederation of Enterprises, UBCCE's Business Forum organized yearly in a different country of the Black Sea and Caspian Region, will take place this year, under the chairmanship of Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TUSIAD),  in Sanliurfa, Turkey on October 21-22, 2008, with a view of sharing investment opportunities of Southeast Anatolia.

Further information is available on: http://www.ubcce.org/

The CEE-Symposium at the The International Conference on Business Informatics 2009, 25-27 February 2009 in Vienna, aims to bring together researchers and practitioners for discussing innovative aspects of Business Informatics in the CEE region.

Particularly the symposium aims to cover topics in the fields of education, cooperation between academia and industry on ‘research’ level and impact on industrial projects.

On 30 September 2008 Soravia Center in Skopje, Macedonia, was opened by the CEO of Soravia Group and Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, KR Hanno Soravia. H.E. Dr. Fatmir Besimi, Minister for Economy und H.E. Dr. Trajko Slaveski, Minister for Finances of the Republic of Macedonia, took part in the opening ceremony and were delighted about the engagement of Soravia Group, Member of Vienna Economic Forum, in Macedonia and their significance for the whole region.

Soravia Center Skopje is located in the heart of the Macedonian capital Skopje close to the pedestrian zone. In the neighborhood are government institutions as well as financial institutes. Center Skopje is the first office building of Western standard in Skopje, and the demand is already impressive.

from left: H.E. Dr. Fatmir Besimi, Minister for Economy, KR Hanno Soravia, CEO of Soravia Group and the Soravia Center in Skopje

H.E. Mr. Milo Djukanovic, Prime Minister of Montenegro and Patron of Vienna Economic Forum, was in Vienna on the occasion of the event "First Business Roundtable with the Government of Montenegro".

Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, handed over to H.E. Prime Minister Djukanovic the jubilee present for the 5th Vienna Economic Forum, taking place on 10-11 November 2008 in Vienna. 

Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum and H.E. Mr. Milo Djukanovic, Prime Minister of Montenegro

Atelier Sarajevo is the winner of mobilkom austria award 08

Atelier Sarajevo: the childrens arts project of the Austrian Culture Association is winner of mobilkom austria award 08

The winner of the award 08 of mobilkom austria, Member of Vienna Economic Forum, amounting to 12.000 Euro,  is "Atelier Sarajevo". In this project of the Austrian Culture Association (Österreichische Kulturvereinigung, ÖKV) children learn the acceptance of society's variety as a basis for a peaceful together. mobilkom austria award 08 called NPOs, NGOs and associations to present projects with the topic "How to Grow Freedom - Society's Engagement for supporting freedom and democracy". The prize was donated during the event mobile.futuretalk 08 on 14 October with the presence of Kofi Annan in MuseumsQuartier in Vienna. Nine excellent projects from 196 were on the shortlist.

Serbian receives Erhard Busek prize for South-East Europe 2008

Serbian journalist Brankica Stankovic this year receives the prize worth 2.000 Euro. Stankovic since 1997 has been editor of the Belgrade radio and TV channel B92. Her journalistic work has contributed to a better understanding and removal of barriers between the peoples in South-East Europe. 

UBCCE, Media Partner of Vienna Economic Forum

Second Business Forum "Discovering Investment Opportunities of Southeast Anatolia: An Emerging Region in Turkey"

UBCCE, Media Partner of Vienna Economic Forum, and the first independent and voluntary business organization of the Black Sea and Caspian Region is holding its Second Business Forum on “Discovering Investment opportunities of Southeast  Anatolia: An Emerging Region inTurkey” in Şanlıurfa, Turkey on October 22, 2008.

Hosted by the GAP Regional Development Administration and Federation of Eastern and Southeastern Industrialists’ and Business Association (DOGÜNSİFED) , the Second Business Forum of Union of Black Sea and Caspain Confederation of Enterprises (UBCCE) will be held under the chairmanship of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (TÜSİAD).

H.E. Nazım Ekren, Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey will inaugurate the Forum. UBCCE and TÜSİAD (Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association) President Arzuhan Doğan Yalçındağ, TİSK (Turkish Confederation of Employers Association) President Tuğrul Kudatgobilik, TURKONFED (Turkish Enterprise and Business Confederation) President Celal Beysel, DOGUNSIFED (Federation of Eastern and Southeastern Industrialists’ and Business Association) President Tarkan Kadooğlu and Governor of Şanlıurfa, Yusuf Yavaşcan will be delivering welcome addresses for the participants of the Event.

The Forum will be held in two different panels and high level officials and representatives of the business community of the Region will have the opportunity to share their views on investment opportunities in this emerging part of  Turkey. Following the panels, the Forum participants will have the opportunity to make explaratory sight visits to existing investments in GAP Region including Atatürk Dam, Tat canned food factory and Limak cement factory.

UBCCE Business Forum is intended as a regional event that the Organization holds annually in a different country of the Region, on different themes, with the principle aim of bringing together the business community and the officials of different countries of the Black Sea and Caspian in order to create a platform of dialogue for raising the voice of private business.

With consternation we learnt of the death of Dr. Helmut Zilk, Honorary Member of Vienna Economic Forum for many years.  

Dr. Zilk was Minister for Education from 1983-1984 and from 1984-1994 Mayor of Vienna.

The Board of Vienna Economic Forum would like to express our deepest sympathy at the loss of Dr. Helmut Zilk to his wife and family.

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On the occasion of the working visit of the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (SCC) Mr. Milos Bugarin and a Delegation of SCC in Vienna, talks on the future cooperation were held in the office of Vienna Economic Forum.

President Dr. Erhard Busek and Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva welcomed the President and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce officially as Member of Vienna Economic Forum and were pleased on the concrete results of the working meeting.

Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva took part in the Business Breakfast Roundtable organised by Mr. Sándor Söpkéz, Managing Partner of EastEuroCo Hungary and Mr. Marko Mlakar, Managing Partner of EastEuro Adriatic, and Ms. Ksenija Škrilec, Charges D'Affaires of Embassy of Slovenia in Budapest on 6 February 2009. 

Topics were to review the current situation of the labour markets of Slovenia and other countries of the region, including Croatia, and Serbia as well, to present current trends, opportunities and to discuss challenges related to human capital. The most recent labour market facts, developments, including government actions and plans which are targeting to support employment in the global crisis in the Adriatic region were presented.

Dr. Friedhelm Boschert, CEO of Volksbank International and Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, increased the return of the company by 28% to 90 million Euro in the past year.

The 2008 financial year developed positively for Austrian Post, member of Vienna Economic Forum. Revenue rose 5.4%, and EBIT was up 4.1%. Growth was primarily based on acquisitions, but also included organic growth of 0.8%. This success is particularly impressive in the light of the major challenges faced by the company in the 2008 financial year. The loss of two important parcels customers in the Austrian market had to be compensated for as well as the integration costs of new subsidiaries, higher costs due to increased fuel and transport prices as well as a rise in expenditure for the employee social plan. 

So far, Austrian Post has hardly been impacted by the financial crisis in 2008. This is primarily related to the solid balance sheet structure, enabling Austrian Post to operate without any external borrowing requirements. Investments and acquisitions are financed from the current cash flow.im Sozialplan für Mitarbeiter. Von der Finanzkrise war die Österreichische Post im Jahr 2008 erfreulicherweise kaum betroffen. Dies ist vor allem auf die solide Bilanzstruktur zurückzuführen, dank derer das Unternehmen keinen Fremdfinanzierungsbedarf hat. Die Investitionen und Akquisitionen werden aus dem laufenden Cash-Flow finanziert.

Swiss energy company Alpiq Holding Ltd., Aare Tessin, Member of Vienna Economic Forum, won the bid together with Hydro Power Nord Albania. The two companies plan to build hydroelectric power stations with a total capacity of around 80 MW on the River Curraj. Last year, in line with its plans to promote hydro power, Albania launched an international invitation to tender for several concessions for hydroelectric power stations. Winning the tender is the first of several steps on the long path towards realisation of the project. A final decision on the construction of the hydroelectric power stations will be made at a later stage.

On Tuesday, 17 March, 2009 the annual General Assembly of Vienna Economic Forum took place.

Dr. Andreas Brandstetter, Member of the Management Board of UNIQA Versicherung AG and Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, hosted the event in UNIQA-Tower.

President Dr. Erhard Busek and Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Elena Kirtcheva were pleased to welcome numerous new members and cooperation partners of Vienna Economic Forum as well as the new member country of Vienna Economic Forum Kosovo and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, H.E. Mr. Hashim Thaci.

Welcomed were further:

the new Members of the Board:

• Dr. Horst EBHARDT, Managing Partner, Wolf Theiss Attorneys-at-Law
• DI Gunter KAPPACHER, Director of the Board, Siemens AG Österreich
• Mag. Andreas TREICHL, CEO, Erste Group Bank AG
• Mag. Christian KERN, Member of the Board, Verbund

the new Patrons of Vienna Economic Forum:

• H.E. Ms. Zinaida Greceanii, Prime Minister of Moldova
• H. E. Ms. Yulia Tymoshenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine
• H. E. Mr. Borut Pahor, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia
• H.E. Mr. Werner Faymann, Federal Chancellor of the Republic of Austria
• H.E. Mr. Hashim Thaci, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo

the new Honorary Members:

• Dr. Josef Taus, Member of the Supervisory Board , Management Trust Holding, First President of Vienna Economic Forum
• KR Dkfm. Elisabeth Gürtler, CEO, Hotel Sacher Wien

the new Members of the Ambassadors Committee:

• H.E. Mr. Haris Hrle, Ambassador of Bosnia and Hercegovina
• H.E. Ms. Dragana Radulovic, Ambassador of Montenegro
• H.E. Ms. Silvia Davidoiu, Ambassador of Romania
• Mr. Sabri Kiqmari, Embassy of Kosovo

The Annual Assembly has unanimously approved with pleasure the founding of Vienna Economic Forum Governors Comitee.

The new book by Dr. Erol User, Member of Vienna Economic Forum, "Ethical Economy" is a pragmatic response to the ongoing failures of the public policy that secures prosperous life and spreads it beyond the borders. This response transforms the idea of social market economy into an entrepreneurial idea and action. Hence, it is an important reference book for the marketing experts and the policy makers who are looking for new ways into the future.

Secretary General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva participated in the 4th LeaderSHE Conference organised by Forum Invest, taking place on 8-9April 2009 in Bucharest, as a speaker. The programme was diverse and especially designed to facilitate discussions that are inspirational, exemplary, energetic and engaging, bringing together high-ranking speakers.

On the occasion of the conference, Secretary General Amb. Dr. Kirtcheva signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Forum Invest President Mr. Bogdan Popovici.

Amb. Dr. Kirtcheva stated she is very glad that Vienna Economic Forum and Forum Invest can deepen the cooperation so both organisations will profit from the synergies of activities and try to further contribute to the economic development of the region and the prosperity of the people in the countries of South-Eastern Europe.

41 different countries were represented in the 12th Eurasian Economic Summit, organised by The Marmara Foundation on 6-8 May 2009. H.E. Stephan Mesic, President of the Republic of Croatia, and H.E. Fatmir Sejdiu, President of the Republic of Kosovo, represented their countries at Presidential level in the 12th Eurasian Economic Summit.

7 Former Presidents were present during the summit meeting, namely: H.E. Süleyman Demirel, the 9^th President of Turkey; Former Presidents of Bulgaria: H.E. Zhelyu Zhelev and H.E. Petar Stoyanov; Former Presidents of Romania: H.E. Ion Iliescu and H.E. Emil Constantinescu; Former President of Estonia, H.E. Arnold Rüütel and Former President of Mongolia, H.E. Natsagiin Bagabandi, honored the summit.

Moreover, 24 Cabinet Ministers, 2 Deputy Speakers of Parliament, 2 Deputy Prime Ministers, 18 Members of Parliament and 110 dignitaries attended the 12^th Eurasian Economic Summit.

The summit started its work with the messages of H.E. Abdullah Gül, President of the Republic of Turkey, and H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. H.E. Köksal Toptan, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey; H.E. Ertuğrul Günay, Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism; H.E. Taner Yıldız, Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; H.E. Prof. Dr. Veysel Eroğlu, Turkish Minister of Environment and Forestry; Prof. Dr. Ali Bardakoğlu, President of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey; Dr. Architect Kadir Topbaş, Mayor of Istanbul and 17 Members of Parliament from different political parties of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, attended the Summit.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Dr. Akkan Suver, President of The Marmara Foundation and Secretary General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva. The two organizations will jointly organize their future activities according to this memorandum of understanding.

With consternation we learnt of the death of Mr. Vebi Velija, President of VeVe Group and Member of Vienna Economic Forum for many years, on Friday , May 15, 2009, at 24:00h. The funeral ceremony of Mr.Velija was on  Saturday May  16, 2009  at his birthplace in Gradec, Gostivar , Republic of Macedonia.

The Board of Vienna Economic Forum would like to express our deepest sympathy at the loss of Mr. Vebi Velija to his family.

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The Partner of Vienna Economic Forum, Romanian Forum Invest, organized 6^th Central and South-East European Financial Forum Bucharest

The 6^th Central and South-East European Financial Forum Bucharest, on 18-22 May 2009, was opened by Mr. Mircea Geoana, President of the Senate of Romania, and Forum Invest President Mr. Bogdan Popovici.

Nobel Prize winner Professor Joseph Stiglitz delivered an address on the impact of the economic crisis on South-East European countries, and Governor of the National Bank of Romania (BNR) Mr. Mugur Isarescu, held a speech about financial and price stability.

Discussions were held on the topics investment in sustainable business, the future of the Central and Eastern European stock exchanges, redefining the role of commercial companies adjusted for the investment risks existing in the region, the insurance business in a time of crisis and how profitable insurance is.

The President Bamir Topi approved the “Medal of Gratidute” for Dr. Herbet Stepic handed over to him by the General Secretary of the President

It was a special day for Raiffeisen Bank today while the President of the country has granted the Chairman of Raiffeisen International the Medal of Gratitude through his General Secretary.

The Deputy Prime Minister had a short speech and he said: Initially, I would like to thank Dr. Stepic for his work during these years and as a friend of Albania. The accession of Raiffeisen Bank in Albania has modernized the Albanian banking market.

Dr. Stepic, Chairman of the Managing Board of Raiffeisen International Bank-Holding AG and Member of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum, in his short speech said “I am touched from this medal”. The celebration of the 5^th anniversary of Raiffeisen Bank in Shqiperi was an important event for us. The phases of development of Albania show the success of the policies undertaken by the Government, which have influenced in the economic growth of the country.

In this ceremony in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present high representatives from the Government, business associations and diplomatic courpe in Albania. Deputy Prime Minister, Genc Pollo, the Austrian Ambassador in Albania Klaus Derkowitsch, the General Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ferid Hoxha and the General Secretary of the President, Mr. Aleksander Flloko were together with Dr. Herbert Stepic for this award.

Raiffeisen Bank in Albania celebrated on Tuesday its fifth anniversary with the presence of customers, friends and guests. Prime Minister Sali Berisha attended on Tuesday the ceremony were Dr. Herbert Stepic, Chairman of the Managing Board of Raiffeisen International Bank-Holding AG, Mr. Oliver J. Whittle Chief Executive Officer Raiffeisen Bank Albania, Mr. Ardian Fullani, Governor of the Bank of Albania, other international financial personalities, representatives of the various banks and entrepreneurship etc.

Dr. Franz Wohlfahrt, Vorstandsvorsitzender von Novomatic AG,und Mitglied des Vorstandes des Vienna Economic Forum präsentierte die Ergebnisse des Geschäftsjahres 2008. Novomatic AG hat im Geschäftsjahr 2008 bei Umsatz und Ergebnis neue Rekordwerte erzielt. Der Konzernumsatz stieg im abgelaufenen Geschäftsjahr um 33 Prozent auf 1.281,3 (Vorjahr: 960,2) Mio. EUR. Das EBITDA (Konzernergebnis vor Zinsen, Steuern und Abschreibungen) legte mit 492,7 (Vorjahr: 329,3) Mio. EUR um 50 Prozent zu. Auch das Ergebnis vor Steuern stieg um 40 Prozent und erreichte 348,1 Mio. EUR (Vorjahr: 248,2).

Die NOVOMATIC AG hat 2008 im Durchschnitt 8.865 MitarbeiterInnen beschäftigt (Vorjahr: 6.210), das entspricht einer Zunahme um 43 Prozent.

Die NOVOMATIC Group of Companies – bestehend aus NOVOMATIC AG sowie den beiden Schweizer Schwesterkonzernen ACE Casino Holding AG und C.S.C. Casino Systems Holding AG – steigerte den addierten, nicht konsolidierten Gesamtumsatz 2008 um 21 Prozent auf 2,547 Mrd. EUR (Vorjahr: 2,1 Mrd.). Das Ergebnis der gewöhnlichen Geschäftstätigkeit (EGT) der NOVOMATIC-Gruppe erreichte den Rekordwert von 417 Mio. EUR (Vorjahr: 330, plus 26 Prozent). Die Gruppe beschäftigt mehr als 14.000 MitarbeiterInnen (Vorjahr: 10.400, plus 35 Prozent).

On 12 June 2009 the 8th Traditional Meeting of the Friends from the Adriatic to the Black Sea this year took place in the garden of the Diplomatic Academy in Vienna.

The event has been hosted by Vienna Economic Forum and the Ambassadors of the Member Countries of Vienna Economic Forum.

All Member Countries presented to the guests of this summer event the specialities of their national cuisine and specific regional drinks, as well as a special musical program prepared by the Member Countries and presented by national artists.

As usually the Garden party was the popular event of the season. More than 400 guests came to the 8th Traditional Meeting. Founders, Members and Members of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum enjoyed the culinary fantasies from the region.

Former Vice Chancellor Dr. Erhard Busek, President of Vienna Economic Forum and Secretary General Amb. Dr. Kirtcheva signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the President of the Federation of Austrian Industries Dr. Veit Sorger, and Secretary General Mag. Markus Beyrer.

President Dr. Erhard Busek and Secretary General Amb. Dr. Kirtcheva stated they are very glad that Vienna Economic Forum and the Federation of Austrian Industries can deepen the existing cooperation so both organisations will profit from the synergies of activities and try to further contribute to the economic development of the region and the prosperity of the people in the countries of South-Eastern Europe.

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During the 6th Vienna Economic Forum on 9-10 November 2009 ceremonies of Signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Mr. F. Sadi Gücüm of DEIK, Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey, and Dr. Milan Parivodic, Chairman of Foreign Investors Services d.o.o., Serbia, were held.

The foremost purpose of the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkey (DEİK) is to pave the way for the development of Turkey’s economic, commercial, industrial and financial relations with foreign countries as well as international business communities.  DEİK believes that increasing industrial cooperation, widening the foreign trade network and opening the Turkish service sector up to the global economy are essential in achieving this target.

Dr. Milan Parivodic, Chairman of Foreign Investors Services d.o.o., Serbia, and former Minister of International Economic Relations of Serbia, stated he is glad to expand his network of regional specialists and to contribute to the co-operation in the region of Vienna Economic Forum. 

Secretary General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, took part in the reception in Schloss Grafenegg, held on the occasion of the public holiday of Leopoldi, the Patron of the state of Lower Austria, on 15 November, organised every year by the Government of Lower Austria and hosted by the Governor of Lower Austria, Dr. Erwin Pröll.

On this occasion Amb. Dr. Kirtcheva was pleased to report to H.E. Mr. Josef Pröll, Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance of Austria about the success of the 6th Vienna Economic Forum on 9-10 November 2009. She also took the opportunity to meet high-ranking Members of the Board and of the Ambassadors Committee of Vienna Economic Forum.

Secretary General Amb. Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, H.E. Josef Pröll, Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance of Austria, H.E. Dr. Vesna Borosan, Ambassador of Macedonia

Economy which is encouraging the protection of the environment

This goal was defined on 20 November 2009 in Sofia by the founding members of the non-profitable association European Centre for Environmental Economy (ECCE). Its aims are to pursue the goals of promoting and encouraging protection of the environment as a main priority of every developed society, achieving stable economic growth by an environmentally responsible way and observing the commitments undertaken on EU level and the member countries as well as attracting investments for improvement of the environmental protection and encouraging dialogue between business, non-governmental sector, media, the central and local authorities on all issues related to the environmental protection processes in Bulgaria and the countries from the region of Central and Southeast Europe.

Founding Members of the ECEE are the renowned former Vice Chancellor of Austria, Dr. Erhard Busek, President of Vienna Economic Forum and former Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, Dr. Elena Kirtcheva, former Ambassador of Bulgaria to Austria, founding member, member of the board and Secretary General of Vienna Economic Forum, Mr. Ilyan Vassilev, former Ambassador of Bulgaria to Russia and Director of Deloitte Bulgaria, Mrs. Roumiana Taslakowa, well known journalist working long years in Deutsche Welle, Köln, together with other 23 founding members from Bulgaria, Austria, Germany and Macedonia, acknowledged names  of high qualified specialists in diverse spheres  of the public life, as well as young people that have studied and specialized in different European and American countries and have decided to bring their knowledge to their home countries.

The EUROPEAN CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMY in co-operation with VIENNA ECONOMIC FORUM and the Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria, has taken the initiative to organize Vienna Economic Talks – Sofia Meeting on 25-26 April 2010 under the patronage of H.E. Boyko Borrisov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria, with the topics of “Environmental Economy for Green Bulgaria, Danube Tourism and Energy and Infrastructure Projects”.

Vienna Economic Forum would like to draw your attention to the following event organised by TURKONFED:

Turkish Enterprise and Business Confederation (TURKONFED), representing 10 federations, 102 business associations and over 10 000 business people, is one of the largest non-governmental organizations of Turkey. Creating awareness on the common issues of the business, developing solutions and improving the business volume of the country are among the goals of TURKONFED. In this respect, TURKONFED hosts “Enterprise and Business Summits” annually to bring its members together and voice the Confederation’s agenda strongly.

In order to increase the regional business volume, TURKONFED will be establishing a "Business Development Platform" for the occasion of its 13^th Enterprise and Business Summit, which will be held on 17-18^th of December, 2009 in Silivri, Istanbul. Companies will be able to promote their products and services at this two-day event. Sixty companies are expected to join the event; contacting directly around six hundred business people coming from all parts of Turkey. You may find the program and information on "Business Development Platform" attached.

Please note that TURKONFED's academic study on "Access to finance for SMEs" will also be discussed during the Summit and translation from Turkish to English will be provided on the 18th of December.

TURKONFED offers participating companies and organizations the opportunity to establish stands to promote their products and services to hundreds of business people coming from all parts of Turkey.

For Further Information and Participation Confirmation:
E-Mail: bdp@turkonfed.org

On 13 June 2008 the 7th Traditional Meeting of the Friends from the Adriatic to the Black Sea took place in the Bulgarian Cultural Institute Haus Wittgenstein in Vienna.

The event has been hosted by Vienna Economic Forum and the Ambassadors of the Member Countries of Vienna Economic Forum – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey and Ukraine.

All Member Countries presented to the guests of this summer event the specialities of their national cuisine and specific regional drinks, as well as a special musical program prepared by the Member Countries and presented by the artists in the salon of Haus Wittgenstein.

As usually the Garden party was the popular event of the season. More than 300 guests came to the 7th Traditional Meeting. Founders, Members and Members of the Board of Vienna Economic Forum enjoyed the culinary fantasies from the region.