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DECLARATION
by
Association of Balkan Chambers
(A B C)

Adopted in Tirana, 12th March 2009

We, the Presidents of the member Chambers / Unions of the Association of Balkan Chambers (ABC);

Gathered today, March 12th 2009, in Tirana on the occasion of the ABC General Assembly,

Considering how the severe negative impacts of the global economic crisis affect our efforts towards achieving sustainable development in the Balkan region

Recognizing the importance of maintaining close coordination within the ABC member chambers and with other international organizations

Committing ourselves, along with our governments and international institutions, to address this matter and to exert efforts to ameliorate the economic, social and environmental conditions in areas that are affected by it

Decided

To continue to closely and intensively work together, targeting opportunities that may enable us in facing and adapting to this new situation, and to draft a regional strategy in order to minimize the affects the world crisis have on our economies

To invite the member chambers to improve and develop cooperation in their national context

To uphold the functioning and activities carried out by the ABC in order to better represent the voice of the business in the Balkan Region worldwide

To maintain joint action and close coordination of all efforts in strengthening trade links and cooperation with the respective countries, within the framework of the ABC

To call upon the public authorities and policy decision-makers at all levels in order to improve the administrative, fiscal, social and economic environment, which support the creation, maintenance and growth of small enterprises and employment

To lobby to the EU institutions for joint development projects and programs on road, energy, and logistic infrastructure, aiming at higher quality trans-border connections, thereby, increasing trade and strengthening commercial exchange.

To re-establish collaboration with the Regional Cooperation Council as successor of the Stability Pact, as well with the Business Advisory Council via the ABC Presidency.

To initiate multi-beneficiary projects within a multi-beneficiary IPA Programme, and ABC Member Chambers, on a common base to coordinate activities for lobbying in front of national coordinators of the Regional Cooperation Council as mediators in relation to governments, but also directly in front of the governments as has been authorized to apply for common regional projects.

To appreciate the valuable support provided by DIHK in sustaining the efficient cooperation between ABC and Germany, and to reaffirm our commitment in further increasing the collaboration

To organize activities that will improve regional networking among ABC member countries, and to focus on common interests and benefits, not only bringing together the member chambers but representatives from governments of the member chamber countries, as well

To strength and increase our cooperation with other business organizations worldwide, such as EUROCHAMBERS, RCC, ASCAME, ICC, etc.

To underline to the banks the importance of increasing support to SME’s in the Balkan Region.