Budapest, October 12, 2004

The Joint Venture Association has held an economic conference with Matáv support. Chairman-Chief Executive Officer Elek Straub opened the forum for specialists on "The means of resource creation, the capitalization of enterprises"; the guests included János Kóka, Minister of Economics.

The primary goal of the conference was to provide enterprises, particularly SMEs, with a comprehensive concept of how to solve the shortage of resources, and the ways of adequate capitalization. Foreign and Hungarian experts presented examples schemes of models which are little used in Hungary yet, but have been proven to work in practice elsewhere. It is expected that, with the help of these models, and through the encounter of the interests of the money world and the needs of businesses a process will start which will involve gradual growth of the investment culture and as a result, the solution of the capital problems of businesses.

Increasing the competitiveness of small- and medium-size businesses is of decisive importance for the growth of the Hungarian economy, as they play an important role in the country's economic life. In fact, these businesses employ about 60% of all employees. "It is an honor for us that as a member company of the Joint Venture Association, we could contribute to the organization of the conference" - emphasized Elek Straub.