Kosice, June 21, 2004 - A three-day investment conference called AUTOCEE SLOVAKIA 2004 organized by the U.S. Embassy in Slovakia, in cooperation with the company Worldwide Business Research was launched on Sunday, June 20, in Bratislava. Approximately 200 participants take part in the already third investment conference in succession, focused on development of the automotive industry in Slovakia. Its objective is to attract potential investors to Slovakia, and to make them familiar with advantages of investing in this country. The main sponsor of the conference is the company U. S. Steel Kosice. One group of participants will visit Eastern Slovakia tomorrow, and they will be offered the possibility to become acquainted with experiences of investors in this region.

The General Director of Sario Agency, Mr. Roman Kuruc, delivered his presentation in the introductory part of today's conference. He spoke about the need of development of the necessary infrastructure with the objective of maximizing the use of local suppliers and human resource in the automotive industry in Slovakia. Representatives of important automotive companies - Volkswagen Slovakia, Ford, PSA Peugeot Citroën and Skoda Auto - considered possibilities of further development of the automotive industry in Slovakia. Investment opportunities in Eastern Slovakia were presented by Mr. Christopher Navetta, the President of U. S. Steel Kosice.

One group of participants will move on Tuesday, June 22, to Kosice, where they will be offered within the premises of the company U. S. Steel Kosice the possibility to get to know more about advantages of investing in Eastern Slovakia. Representatives of such companies as U. S. Steel Kosice and Embraco Corp. will share their personal experiences with the participants in connection with their activities in this region. A visit to the industrial park Kechnec and companies Gilbos Corp. a Molex Inc. shall also take place within the framework of the conference agenda.

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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