The OECD has been working with South East Europe (SEE) since 2000 to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in a region weakened by conflict, but endowed with rich resources and dynamism. Governments, business leaders and civil society have worked together under the leadership of the OECD to meet economic challenges, including weathering the global economic and financial crisis and preparing for European Union accession. The OECD has supported the region to design and implement reforms to foster private sector development and competitiveness, attract more and better investment and raise living standards.