5. Article

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