to get some first - hand knowledge about the stability pact for south eastern europe. the afternoon of our first conference day is dedicated to issues of monetary and exchange rate policy. today ’ s conference will be concluded by president weber, who will give a dinner speech on the changes in the focus of european economic integration. between the two sessions, the winners of the oenb ’ s olga radzyner award will be announced. this award was established to commemorate olga radzyner, the former head of the foreign research division of the oesterreichische nationalbank, who died in a tragic flight accident in august 1999. the olga radzyner award is bestowed on young economists from central and eastern europe for excellent research focused on monetary and finance issues in economics. the second day starts with a session on fdi and trade as pivotal elements for catching up and improving competitiveness in south east europe, followed by a session on serious regional challenges : high joblessness, poverty and brain drain. to highlight the foothold of austrian banks in this region, the last session will be dedicated to banking in south eastern europe and the leading role of austrian commercial banks. ladies and gentlemen, we hope that this conference will make an important contribution to setting the stage for future interest in, research into and public awareness of this focus of emerging europe. let me now pass on to our distinguished key - note speaker, president trichet. jean - claude, the floor is yours!

. strong team work operating under set values and ethics ; 3. open and effective communication among staff ; and 4. meeting targets and providing workable solutions. fellow members of staff, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, as we move ahead and look to the next 50 years of central banking in zambia, the bank of zambia will continue to play catalytic role in facilitating the exchange of ideas among financial sector players and all other key stakeholders. bis central bankers ’ speeches today, we are here to officially launch the celebrations of 50 years of our existence. i would like take this opportunity to inform you that a number of activities have been lined up to commemorate this wonderful occasion. these include : 1. an international symposium to discuss selected pertinent to the bank of zambia and in line with the theme of our celebration, scheduled for 7th august 2014 ; 2. an exhibition dedicated to the history of the bank of zambia ; 3. the publication of a book on the history of the bank of zambia ; 4. the launch of a book on economic policies in zambia ; 5. a national school quiz ; and 6. a family day to show our gratitude to the families of the members of staff for their support in our execution of the bank ’ s mandate. ladies and gentlemen, it is our expectation, therefore, that all members of staff will take part in the upcoming activities in order to make the anniversary celebrations a success and memorable. in the same vein, allow me, on behalf of the bank of zambia and indeed on my own behalf, to wish the government, and people of the republic of zambia a happy 50th birth year which we will be celebrating on 24th october 2014, and one which has been attained under a tranquil environment and economic progress. fellow staff and invited guests, i would most likely be in breach of all moral standing if i did not, at this stage, emphasize the bank of zambia ’ s deep commitment to the welfare and well - being of our employees. i implore all of us to aim at leaving a legacy of professionalism and excellence in all that we do. i further encourage all the sportsmen and women participating in today ’ s events not to despair should they not emerge victorious for one reason or another. rather, i strongly urge you all to walk away after the games feeling immensely proud that you have been an integral part of a truly momentous and historic occasion. remember, one can only turn 50 years of age once! ladies and gentlemen, allow me to further extend my sincere