site.btaMinister Ivanov Attends Meeting of OECD's Regional Development Policy Committee in Paris

Regional Development Minister Ivan Ivanov took part in a meeting of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Regional Development Policy Committee in Paris, his Ministry said on Wednesday. “Effective regional development must be based on local realities, supported by strong cooperation at all levels of governance, and aligned with the specific opportunities and needs of each region,” he said.

Ivanov noted that competitiveness and cohesion depend on stable, predictable and well-targeted investments - from transport and water systems to digital connectivity and essential local services. “Our own experience confirms that without modern and sustainable infrastructure, regional policy cannot achieve lasting results,” he reported.

As an additional priority, the Bulgarian Minister identified multi-level governance. He explained that constructive cooperation between national, regional and local authorities is essential to ensure that resources are used efficiently and that policies correspond to real regional needs. Ivanov added that reducing regional disparities and enhancing competitiveness must go hand in hand.

Ivanov also pointed out that the exchange of experience between Member States and OECD partnership candidates helps shape the strategic orientation of regional policies in individual countries. He noted that the discussions held during the Committee’s ministerial meeting in Poland in May this year confirmed that Bulgaria’s priorities are fully aligned with the principles underpinning effective regional development within the OECD community.

In the course of the meeting, Minister Ivanov held a bilateral discussion with OECD's Regional Development Policy Committee Chair Dennis Alvord and OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities Director Lamia Kamal-Chaoui, during which they discussed expanding Bulgaria’s participation in the development of future policies.