Business Advisory Council to SECI
One of the paramount objectives of the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI), as established in the Statement of Purpose, is encouraging better involvement of the private sector in the regional economic and environmental effort by creating a regional climate that is conducive to the participation of the private sector. The Business Advisory Council to SECI (hereinafter BAC) will be the primary instrument of implementing this aim.

It is the intention of SECI to encourage European and American industries to take an active interest in SECI projects. By providing technical expertise and support, Euro-Atlantic industries will have the opportunity to establish new partnerships, explore new investment possibilities and help contribute to regional industrial development as a whole. SECI furthermore invites all European industries and business concerns to contribute their expertise and know-how to individual projects or groups of projects in the framework of joint cooperative action. Along these lines, the BAC to SECI will act as an outreach to the business community at large. In the addition to key business leaders, the BAC will involve government officials thoroughly familiar with economic and investment issues and will encourage private investment in the region.

Major Activities
In pursuing the above mentioned goals and objectives, the BAC will advise SECI and the working groups, primarily in matters relating to identifying and mobilizing financial resources. The BAC will also act as a lobby for SECI in the business community by promulgating regional investment opportunities in the framework of SECI projects. In this context it should act as a driving force in creating investment incentives through promoting working group results in the region. Finally, it will provide expertise to SECI and the working groups upon request.

Structure
The central coordinating body of the BAC is the Presidium, which is headed by a dual chairmanship. Two prominent business leaders, Mr. Costa Carras of Greece and Mr. Rahmi Koç of Turkey, have been identified and have agreed to assume this responsibility. The BAC will also create an Executive Committee, which will involve business leaders from the SECI participating states. These "national consultants" will serve as an important link in promulgating SECI interests in their respective countries as well as in mobilizing national resources and attracting investment.

Regional Coordination
As the aim of SECI is to encourage regional economic cooperation and to attract investment in the region, the BAC will establish regional points of coordination. The BAC will also look towards non-SECI countries such as Italy to coordinate out-of-region support. Coordinating support will include advancing the goals and objectives of SECI by assisting in project implementation and promoting results of the working groups. Coordinating support will also involve gathering vital information relevant to the SECI projects and conveying it to ECE technical experts. Along these lines it will promulgate SECI interests at meetings, conferences, symposia and congresses, and actively involve regional business interests in their endeavors.

Methods of Work
The BAC Presidium will carry out its work and plan activities in close consultation with the SECI Coordinator. The Coordinator will inform the BAC of specific priorities and tasks, monitor its activities and coordinate necessary follow-up work. The BAC will convene at least 2-3 times a year to establish priorities and evaluate progress.