April 18, 2005, Kosice - U. S. Steel Kosice Economic Development Center (EDC) is looking for new investors for Eastern Slovakia on their fourth Investment Roadshow in North America. "We have had good success in organizing these roadshows abroad," said President U. S. Steel Kosice Christopher Navetta. "Over the years the EDC objective of attracting investors has been served very well by this format. This is an "up close and personal" way for prospective investors to understand all aspects of investment in Slovakia. While we have been doing this for four years - we still strongly believe that Slovakia is the right place for investment. The roadshow is very effective in demonstrating the competitive advantages and business friendly environment of Slovakia and in particular, Eastern Slovakia," added Navetta.

A group of business representatives, including existing investors as well as experts in Slovakia's taxation, legal and banking sectors, traveled to New York, Chicago, Montreal and Toronto promoting investment into Eastern Slovakia. Led by Mr. Juraj Augustin, General Manager Regional Development and Executive Director of United States Steel's Economic Development Center in Kosice, the delegation held extensive discussions with more than 33 companies. Almost half of these firms are sending representatives to Eastern Slovakia within the next few weeks to explore concrete investment opportunities, on the spot. Juraj Augustin commented: "There is a high level of interest in Eastern Slovakia and our team has done a good job in explaining the benefits as well as the obstacles that investors may find. "

"With the help of the EDC, Slovakia has become a bright spot on investor maps" said Ralph Johnson, former US Ambassador. "The level of sophistication in investors' questions about Slovakia's tax laws, its labor force, transportation links, was unprecedented. The interest and the knowledge we found assures me that Slovakia's investment boom is just beginning."

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Further information:

Jan Baca
Director Public Affairs
U. S. Steel Kosice, s.r.o.
Tel.: +421 55 673 4476
Fax: +421 55 673 0330
E-mail: jbacask.uss.com