The NCC does not compete with or duplicate the role and activities of existing bodies. It promotes ideas and principles that enable long-term sustainable economic development. In February 2002, at the initiative of the business sector and with the technical assistance of USAID, the government of the Republic of Croatia named 21 members of the National Competitiveness Council. This body is unique in Croatia, because it includes representatives of four different interest groups: the economy, the government, trade unions, and science and education.