03.03.2014
The experiences of the Scottish Parliament in promoting inward investment and economic competitiveness will be presented to a gathering of international parliamentarians by the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee Convener Murdo Fraser MSP.
The two day conference will be hosted in Belgrade, Serbia on 3-4 March. Fifty seven delegates from six countries including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia are expected to attend. The purpose of the conference is to share experiences and knowledge with Western Balkan countries.
Murdo Fraser MSP will speak as part of a panel specifically examining how a countries’ legislative framework promotes economic competitiveness and the role of Committees in scrutinising policy and legislation.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Committee Convener Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Providing a platform for debate with developing democracies in the Western Balkans is at the heart of this conference.
“By speaking directly to other parliamentarians, I hope to initiate debate on how we can encourage inward investment and promote an environment in which business can flourish.”
Other sessions include:
- Introduction of policies to attract foreign direct investments and strengthen competitiveness.
- Policies for state aid and subsidies to investors in the Western Balkans. Sustainability of current state aid policies and subsidies in light of EU accession.
- Promoting investment and competitiveness through strengthening cooperation and coordination between Chambers of Commerce, parliamentary committees and government agencies. Coordination mechanisms and tools for promoting and attracting investment and competitiveness.
Mr Fraser’s attendance follows the Parliament’s commitment to offering practical information, advice and support to developing democracies through partnerships and assistance programmes. Mr Fraser is attending a regional conference of NPC, the Network of Parliamentary Committees on Economy, Finance and European Integration of the Western Balkans. The Scottish Parliament is working with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy who are supporting the work of the Western Balkans network.
Background
Participating in the conference are eight Western Balkan Parliaments from six countries: Albania, Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bosnia and Herzegovina Federal Parliament, Republic of Srpska, Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, with the Republic of Kosovo Assembly having observer status.
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