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U.S. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson To Launch U.S. – Baltic Power Sector Investment Seminar

January 30, 2000

BALTIC REGIONAL POWER SECTOR INVESTMENT SEMINAR

Vilnius, January 31, 2000--  The Governments of the United States and the Republic of Lithuania are co-hosting a Baltic Regional Power Sector Seminar in Vilnius on February 3-4, 2000.  The seminar will build on the progress of each Baltic country in reforming its energy sector by reviewing the results of the on-going Baltic Regional Energy Development Program, and by highlighting areas for future regional cooperation.

Energy is an essential component of economic growth.  The United States supports the development of strong, market-oriented, commercially sustainable and environmentally friendly energy sectors throughout the region.  To underscore this, U.S. Secretary of Energy, Bill Richardson will provide the keynote address for the event.

National and local energy authorities, mayors, city managers and other key players in the region are being invited to the seminar to consider how to implement next steps now that energy policy reforms are underway.  Discussion during this two-day event will focus on:

· Energy Restructuring, Privatization and Investment Climate in the Baltic Region

· Baltic Regional Power System and Market Development

· Prospective Major Power Investment Projects

· Energy Efficiency and Municipal Energy

· Prospects for Future Cooperation

The seminar will include a dialogue with senior government officials on energy sector reforms, as well as case studies of on-going or proposed power sector investments that relate directly to the challenges facing the Baltic States.  The case studies will cover  large-scale power projects, smaller-scale district heating, combined heat and power (CHP) projects, and energy efficiency projects.  The seminar hosts hope that this event will also assist regional energy-sector stakeholders identify specific steps necessary to attract strategic investors.

The Seminar will be held at the Hotel Villon in Vilnius, Lithuania.   The point of contact of the event is Rasa Morkunaite who is associated with the Economic Research Center in Vilnius:  Tel: (370-2) 612-690; Fax: (370-2) 615-712,  e-mail: econcen@ktl.mii.lt.  For press inquiries, please contact Michael Boyle, Public Affairs Officer, American Center, Tel. (370-2} 220-481.

Press Opportunities

Baltic Regional Power Sector Investment Seminar, February 3-4, 2000
 
Wednesday, February 2

20.00 hrs

Vilnius airport VIP lounge

Arrival Statement of U.S. Secretary of Energy, Bill Richardson

Thursday, February 3

U.S. – Baltic Power Sector Investment Seminar

Villon Hotel

10.00 hrs 

Arnika Room, Villon Hotel

Signing of Clean Energy Statement

U.S. Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson, Ministers of Economy of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia (statements follow)

11:15 hrs 

Arnika Room, Villon Hotel

Press Event with Secretary Richardson, Minister of Foreign Affairs Algirdas  Saudargas, Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius

Friday, February 4

U.S. – Baltic Power Sector Investment Seminar

Villon Hotel

15:30 hrs 

Summary and Closing Statements by Vice Minister of Economy Junevicius