"Location, human capital and labor costs make investing in the Western Balkans today a great opportunity" said Ellen Goldstein, World Bank Country Director for Southeast Europe, during a panel discussion at the EBRD Conference "Investing in the Western Balkans."

Ms. Goldstein spoke about investment climate issues and related opportunities and challenges. She underlined that location, human capital and labor costs make investing in the Western Balkan countries today a great opportunity. At the same time, she encouraged Governments to increase reform efforts in order to stimulate investment, growth and jobs. Reforms require macro-fiscal adjustments and should focus on enhancing competitiveness, connectedness as well as "new economy" skills. Ms. Goldstein highlighted that history shows how further economic integration with Europe will help drive a powerful convergence towards prosperity.

The forum organized by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) brought together Prime Ministers from the Western Balkan countries, policy makers and political decision makers, entrepreneurs and other stakeholder groups to discuss investing in the Western Balkans. With the objective to highlight investment and business opportunities in Southeast Europe and to promote foreign direct investment, the conference was an opportunity for discussion and exchange.

Read more about the Conference.