5. pants

Latvia has made steady progress

in the area of structural reforms. While the privatization

process has continued to face various impediments, significant

steps have been taken in other areas. In particular, efforts

focused on improving the business climate, enhancing competition

in the energy and telecommunications sectors, and reinforcing

utilities regulation, including through the enactment of

supporting legislation for the newly established Public Utilities

Commission (PUC). Our liberal trade regime continues to be in

line with EU requirements and WTO rules and agreements.

B. The

Government's Program for 2002

Program Objectives and

Macroeconomic Framework