You are holding the last issue of DT for 2003.
It is always difficult to close an issue and send it off to the printer, but this month was more difficult than before. As we put this issue to bed, troubling news from Iraq and a rampant increase in terrorist activity in Turkey cast a long shadow on the European Union and a visit to the United Kingdom by US President George Bush. Then, a quiet revolution took place in the Black Sea republic of Georgia. The temptation to “stop the press” was immense.

Since our inception in June, the editorial staff has gained momentum and produced interesting and timely articles for our readers. Not only has the magazine become a forum for issues of bilateral concern between Hungary and the world community, but we are also continuing to seek avenues to inform readers about global issues. I hope you agree with this direction and continue to support our efforts in 2004.

Our country focus this issue centers on Canada. Over the past number of years, Canada has been a relatively important investor in Hungary, with impetus given through the large Hungarian-Canadian community, some of who have returned to undertake important development projects. Some Canadian investors have earned international attention in recent years, and prompted a review of risk factors by many potential investors. The much-publicized case of several investors being thrown out of their venture at Ferihegy Airport continues to be a worrisome precedent for foreigners considering Hungary as an investment target.

Yet, another subject we have dealt with in this issue is the future of the Visegrád Group. We cannot stress the importance of regional cooperation as EU accession approaches. While politicians appear unsure about the future of the Visegrád Group cooperation, businesses can also act as a catalyst through a ‘think regional’ approach to business.

In the name of DT and our entire team, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our readers, advertisers, contributing journalists and production and distribution partners a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

Peter Freed
Publisher