Press Release.............................. UNESCAP News Services

Date 19 May 2004
Press Release No: N/15/2004

UNESCAP,UNECE MISSION TO DISCUSS CRUCIAL PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN F0R CENTRAL ASIA

Bangkok (United Nations Information Services) -- The Executive Secretaries of UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) will visit Central Asia (19 May - 6 June) to discuss " a crucial phase" in the development of a strategic approach to bring those countries into the mainstream of development.

UNECE and UNESCAP intend to develop, in cooperation with the countries, as well as relevant international organizations and partners, an implementation framework and will engage in targeted fund-raising efforts to ensure adequate financing of activities.

"This offers a unique opportunity for high-level consultations," said UNESCAP Executive Secretary Mr Kim Hak-Su who together with UNECE Executive Secretary Ms Brigita Schmognerova will visit Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

The objectives of UNECE and UNESCAP's programme include the promotion of integration of the sub-region into the world economy, strengthening cross-border and sub-regional cooperation, facilitating the process of transition to market economy, improving the business climate, moving towards environmentally sustainable development, helping to combat poverty and unemployment, and developing a knowledge-based economy.

While UNECE and UNESCAP are not funding agencies, they provide valuable technical assistance services and advice, within their areas of expertise, in a number of areas highly relevant to the further development of Central Asian countries, their cooperation and integration into the world economy.

The Regional Commissions will also help these States in the individual and joint implementation of relevant internationally agreed norms, standards and legally binding instruments.

"Future work of the two Regional Commissions should build on the achievements of, and take into account lessons learned in the implementation of the Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA), " said Mr Kim.

The mission follows a visit by UN Secretary General in 2002. This year, the Secretary General in letters to the Presidents of five Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan reaffirmed the objectives and importance of SPECA, and the United Nations commitment to it.

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