Participating in the Southeast Europe Commercial Opportunities and Partnership Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, these U.S. firms and the U.S. Commerce Department are working together in an effort to bring “new prosperity” to Southeast Europe, according to U.S. Commerce Secretary William M. Daley.

“We are here in huge numbers, 100 companies, large and small. And we are here with great optimism,” Daley said. “These companies see Southeast Europe as an expanding market of more than 60 million people.

“York International, which has 50% of its sales outside America, is excited about selling its refrigeration equipment in Kosovo and elsewhere,” Daley added. “York International is proud to be part of the revitalization process,” Mark Stanga, vice president of governmental affairs, stated. “American businesses are committed to helping people in this region rebuild their countries. And we can help with heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment that meets basic needs, such as food preservation.”

While the Commerce Department is trying to open doors for American businesses in Southeast Europe, Daley added that President Clinton has introduced a program to give Southeast Europe “duty-free access to our market for agricultural and industrial products.”