Economic forum in Vienna focuses on secure transport networks in OSCE region

VIENNA, 23 January 2006 - Secure transportation networks in the OSCE region and the development of transport links as a way to enhance regional economic co-operation and stability is the theme of the 14th Economic Forum, part one of which opened today in Vienna.

The most important annual event organized by the OSCE in the economic and environmental dimension brought together some 300 high-level representatives of OSCE participating States and international organizations.

"We attach great importance to each and every of the three dimensions of OSCE," said the Special Envoy of the Belgian OSCE Chairmanship, Senator Pierre Chevalier, referring to the politico-military, economic and environmental and human dimensions.

"The OSCE is not going to [construct] roads or bridges, but by developing transportation it can build bridges between people and countries. Transportation issues can be pivotal to conflict resolution. Conflicts and transportation difficulties are sometimes directly linked in the OSCE region."

Transport, a major economic, social and geo-political issue, is one of the priorities outlined by the OSCE Belgian Chairmanship for 2006. It is crucial for the integration of countries into the global economy and for the reduction of economic and social disparities between them.

On the agenda of the Forum are economic integration between Europe and Asia, combating corruption and enhancing good governance in the transport sector, as well as ways of helping landlocked countries.

Senator Chevalier said the OSCE was instrumental in projects that could enhance the capacity of its participating States to implement the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe conventions and agreements. He stressed the need for closer co-operation with regional and international organizations.

"We have to try to solve existing conflicts in the OSCE area, increase stability and realize the kind of co-operation and security for which the Organization was designed. There can be no effective and lasting democratic rule without stability, just like there can not be lasting stability without economic development," added the Special Envoy.

OSCE Secretary General, Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, said the OSCE could "stimulate political will, promote regional co-operation and help identify concrete projects. Facilitation and development of secure international transport networks is of strategic importance for all the OSCE participating States."

Johannes Linn, the executive director of the Wolfensohn Initiative at the Washington-based Brookings Institution, told participants that the OSCE was well-positioned to "serve as an important bridge among the key players in Eurasia and in North America."

"The OSCE might be well advised to see itself as a catalyst of transcontinental analysis, monitoring, dialogue and networking," Linn said.

The second part of the Forum will be held in Prague from 22 to 24 May.