Balkan priorities

摘要

Investments in the transportation system and the energy sector must take priority in order to generate economic development and growth, as well as the creation of much needed jobs, a conference on infrastructure in the Balkans was told. "It is difficult to pursue economic development without highly efficient transport networks," said Ambassador Dr Johannes Kyrle, Secretary General of Austria's Federal Ministry for European & International Affairs. He added, "On the other hand, stable and reasonable energy prices are prerequisite to reignite, sustain and expand economic growth." Dr Kyrle was speaking at the opening of the Balkans Infrastructure & Construction 2013 Summit, held in Vienna, Austria, and organised by International Research Networks. He said, "The Western Balkan countries face significant challenges in building an effective transportation infrastructure. They need to restore and expand the transport links that tied them together before the devastation of the Yugoslav wars.