Estonia moves in Silicon Valley

 SAN JOSE 's Estonia took another step forward in its path to hi-tech superstardom on Nov. 30 when Prime Minister Andrus Ansip opened a new office in California's famous Silicon Valley.

The new Enterprise Estonia bureau will promote the country's technological credentials and will attempt to lure U.S. investors to put their money into Estonia.

The manager of the representation, Andrus Viirg, said that the aim of the office is to help Estonian technology companies and academic citizens find contacts in the United States.

On the last day of his visit to the United States, Ansip also visited the office's new neighbors, technology company Cisco Systems.

During a meeting with the mayor of San Jose, Chuck Reed, matters related to the creation of an innovative business environment were discussed.

Enterprise Estonia is one of the largest institutions within the national support system for entrepreneurship in Estonia, providing financing products, advice, partnership opportunities and training for entrepreneurs, research and development institutions and the public and third sectors.

Enterprise Estonia's efforts are directed toward boosting the competitiveness of Estonianenterprises in foreign markets, promoting foreign investments in Estonia along with the use of new technologies, innovative products and services.

During his U.S.sojourn, ansip also won an important assurance from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that Estonians will definitely be able to travel visa-free to the United States soon.

Rice said political decisions have been made and technical solutions are in hand. Estonian preparations are up to the mark and allow for fast progress, she added.

Rice also thanked Estonian troops for their commitment to U.S.-led missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.