"Transparency and Good Governance in Economic Matters" focus of OSCE seminar in Kazakhstan

VIENNA, 30 October 2000 - Representatives of national governments, international organizations, private business, academia and NGO's will meet in Almaty, Kazakhstan from 2 - 3 November for a seminar on "Transparency and Good Governance in Economic Matters."

Organized by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, in close consultation with the current and incoming OSCE Chairmanships and with OSCE field offices in Central Asia, this is the first preparatory seminar for the OSCE's 9^th Economic Forum, to be held in Prague 15 - 18 May, 2001. This seminar will highlight the importance of civil society in the OSCE region, and will address issues such as the role of international organizations, NGO's, and foreign investors alike in promoting good governance; the relationship between good governance and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI); initiatives aimed at facilitating sustainable economic growth and fighting poverty; the establishment of regional and national instruments for promoting good governance and transparency; the role of mass media and domestic investors in this endeavor; and the development of co-ordination and co-operation among civil administrations, legislators, and ordinary citizens.

For more information on the Seminar on "Transparency and Good Governance in Economic Matters," please check the OSCE website at www.osce.org or contact the OSCE Centre in Almaty at +7 3272 62 17 62.

For further information contact the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180 or e-mail: info@osce.org