Minister Ivan Ivanov: Effective regional development must be based on local realities

Regional Minister participates in the 52nd session of the OECD Committee on Regional Development Policy

"Effective regional development must be based on local realities, supported by strong cooperation at all levels of government and tailored to the specific opportunities and needs of each region." This was said by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov, who participated in the 52nd session of the OECD Committee on Regional Development Policy in Paris, France.

In front of the participants, Ivan Ivanov pointed out that competitiveness and cohesion depend on stable, predictable and well-targeted investments, from transport and water systems to digital connectivity and basic local services. "Our own experience confirms that without modern and sustainable infrastructure, regional policy cannot achieve lasting results," he said.

Ivan Ivanov defined multi-level governance as an additional priority. He explained that constructive cooperation between national, regional and local authorities is essential to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that policies respond to real regional needs. Ivanov added that reducing regional disparities and increasing competitiveness should go hand in hand.

The Regional Minister also pointed out that the exchange of experience between the member states and the candidates for partnership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) helps the strategic orientation of the regional policies of the individual countries. He noted that the discussions within the Committee's ministerial meeting in Poland held in May this year confirmed that Bulgaria's priorities are fully in line with the principles underpinning effective regional development in the OECD community.

During the meeting Minister Ivanov held a bilateral meeting with the Chairman of the Regional Policy Committee in the OECD Dennis Alvard and Lamiya Kamal-Shawi, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship, Small Medium Enterprises, Regions and Cities of the OECD, where they discussed expanding the participation of Bulgaria in the preparation of future policies.