The conference of which this is the proceedings has been an annual event since 1989. Its purpose is to provide a forum for the presentation of empirical data which will help elucidate realities
in the developing world and lead to more sound governmental policies. The theme of this particular conference, which took place in Slovenia in May 2007, was "The Private Sector and
Development". Coming as it did just before the current economic meltdown, it is ironic that it was assumed that the private sector would prop up development efforts, rather than become a cause
of downward momentum. Undoubtedly, the data would look far different if presented in today's economic environment. Annotation 穢2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
