Often, manufacturing activity in the region is well integrated into the production structures of Western European economies, which have been attracted by the comparatively low costs in South Eastern Europe and a relative geographic proximity. For the region as a whole, FDI as a percentage of GDP was close to 5% in 2003.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are fully aware that expanding the Ombudsman Scheme to cover the insurance industry will present special challenges. If we can judge from the number of complaints received by the Market Conduct Unit (some 425 in about 10 months) the office is likely to get very busy. But we think that we are well prepared.