March 30, 2007

Hungary's Commissioner on Public Administration Reform Visits U.S.
 

Dr. Tibor Draskovics, Hungary’s Commissioner for Public Administration Reform, visited New York and Washington DC between March 26-28. The purpose of the official visit was to inform US investors, analysts and political leaders first-hand about the reform processes, convergence program and make it clear what happens in Hungary. This was an opportunity for substantial discussions on major economic issues.

In New York City, Mr. Draskovics met the executives and analysts of the most important asset management companies at one-on-one meetings organized by Morgan Stanley. Participants were strongly interested in the current political and business situation in Hungary, reforms and fiscal measures. Government Commissioner Draskovics assured his partners that the Hungarian government has the appropriate mandate and commitment and will implement a comprehensive program of social and economic modernization and convergence. "I wouldn’t have thought how optimist the investors and analysts are. They are convinced that Hungary is on a good track and welcome the commitment and courage of the Hungarian Government. They also encouraged the government to stay on course," Mr. Draskovics said after the meetings.
 

Government Commissioner Tibor Draskovics with Ambassador András Simonyi and Adam Sterling, Director of Central and Eastern European Affairs at the National Security Council

In Washington DC the Government Commissioner met with several representatives of the US Government - Timothy Adams Under Secretary (Treasury) Christine McDaniel Deputy Assistant Secretary and Ralph Monaco director (Treasury), Daniel Sullivan Assistant Secretary (State Department), Robert Mosbacher Chairman (OPIC) Robert Martin Senior Economist (Council of Economic Advisers), Paul Dyck Deputy Assistant Secretary (Department of Commerce) as well as Donald B. Marron Deputy Director of the Congressional Budget Office.

Mr. Draskovics spent met with IMF and World Bank officials and experts, among them a lot of Hungarian Colleagues and gathered useful information regarding the reforming of state-financed education; pension; budget and healthcare system.  Mr. Draskovics encouraged them to forward their ideas and comments to his office.

During his visit he agreed to establish mutual task forces with the IMF, World Bank and the Congressional Budget Office for better knowledge transfer between the organizations and support the work of the Public Administration Reform Commission.