"Organising this event gives us a chance to speed up development and modernisation of the country, " he says at the Soccerex football finance forum in Manchester.

BBC: Poland eyes Euro 2012 football cash boost

The Fisheries Committee has broadly supported the Commission's proposal, but says the money should be focused on the modernisation of fishing fleets and the development of coastal communities.

BBC: Expansion of European Fisheries Fund approved

Mr Jacoby traces the development and modernisation of welfare capitalism from the 1930s to the 1960s by looking closely at three firms: Eastman Kodak, Sears Roebuck and Thompson Products.

ECONOMIST: Poverty in America

About 400 educational professionals and experts from 6 European and Asian countries and 40 Russian regions participated in the Forum and discussed issues of modernisation of professional education for sustainable development, interaction between employers and educational institutions, innovative approaches and ICT in education including inclusive education.

UNESCO: Educational Forum ��ALTAY-ASIA 2012��: Outcomes

"During Mr Hygate's tenure as chief executive, the council went through a period of significant modernisation and investment, particularly in respect of education, economic development and infrastructure, " it said.

BBC: Philip Hygate