BSEC to adopt fast track model

KIEV, April 14 – Fast track cooperation constitutes an important pillar of the BSEC reform process. This new cooperation will allow the BSEC members states to proceed with the implementation of certain policies that other members may not wish, or may not be able, to follow.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ukraine will hand over the Chairmanship-in-Office of the BSEC to Albania. Albania will officially assume the Chairmanship as of May 1, for a period of six months through October 31.
The Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers from the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) member states is expected to approve a resolution this week adopting the implementation for fast track cooperation within the organization.
The foreign ministers or deputy foreign ministers of the member states, as well as the representatives of BSEC observers, related organizations and special guests are expected to participate in the 18th meeting that is being held in Kiev on April 17. Volodymyr Ogryzko, the foreign minister of Ukraine, will chair the meeting in his capacity as the Chairman-in-Office of the organization.
Fast track cooperation constitutes an important pillar of the BSEC reform process.
It is anticipated that the fast track model, which has worked with success in the European Union, will produce positive results if, and when, implemented within the BSEC.
During the meeting, agreements on simplification of visa procedures for business people and for professional truck drivers who are nationals of BSEC member states will be finalized. These two legal documents are expected to make valuable contributions to trade cooperation and investments among the BSEC member states, as they will facilitate the movement of business people, professional truck drivers and goods in the region.
The BSEC Hellenic Development Fund will officially be established at the meeting.
The Fund will constitute yet another means of strengthening the project-oriented approach of the BSEC, through supporting efforts to further enhance cooperation among its member states by targeting specific areas of regional cooperation.
The BSEC member states are Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hellenic Republic, Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. Seventeen countries and organizations have observer status. BSEC came into existence in 1992 as a unique and promising model of multilateral political and economic initiative aimed at fostering interaction and harmony among its member states. (Tirana Times Staff)