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EBRD Economic Reports

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) held its annual meeting on April 14 and 15, 1997, in London. The two-day meeting focused on the economic progress of the 26 countries in which the EBRD operates. The EBRD was formed in 1991 to help the former communist countries make the transition to market economies and democracy. Government representatives, bankers and financiers -- many of them from eastern countries -- attended the conference. In its latest progress report, the EBRD said "recent developments in market-oriented reform suggest that the investment climate is improving in most countries of the region." But it adds that "significant challenges remain in deepening reforms, maintaining stability and adapting institutions and behavior" to further enhance the investment climate in the eastern countries.

Stuart Parrott, an RFE/RL correspondent, covered the meeting and summarized the economic reports for countries in RFE/RL's broadcast region.

Country Reports

Armenia: Economic Growth Deemed 'Remarkable'

Azerbaijan: Oil Fields Compared To North Sea And Alaska

Belarus: Government Takes Gradual Approach To Economic Development

Bulgaria: Inflation Could Hit 1,000 Percent

Czech Republic: Macro-Economic Performance 'Impressive'

Georgia: Stability And Economic Growth Foreseen

Kazakhstan: Bright Prospects Seen For Economic Growth

Romania: Inflation Could Soar To 100 Percent

Slovakia: Economy Is 'Booming'

Tajikistan: Economy Still Suffering From War's Legacy

Turkmenistan: First Positive Growth In Six Years Expected