“Implementation of regional development strategy requires more discussions to be held”

“Implementation of regional development strategy requires more discussions to be held”

The Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia (MRDI) has held today the international conference on “Regional Development Policy in Georgia”. 
In attendance of the conference were Vice Premier, Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Maya Tskitishvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Levan Davitashvili and representatives of legislative and executive authorities, as well as of international and local NGOs and diplomatic corps. 
Those who delivered speeches talked about “Regional Development Program of Georgia for 2018-2021”, which clearly stipulates the basic objectives and assignments to provide sustainable and equal development of the country. The participants of the conference familiarized the attending society with the long-term strategy of development for several regions, along with appropriate action plans, developed on the basis of the program referenced. 
The special emphasize was made on development of high-mountainous settlements and significance of those regions to be more encouraged that means execution of specific projects focused on tangible and long-term outcomes. “We are reviewing all those difficulties that we are facing in the field of regional development. About one month ago the Government adopted the regional development plan and strategy for 2018-2021 which determinates the existing issues and the ways for their solution. Implementation of this strategy requires more discussions to be held and the European practice to be taken into consideration. The process of decentralization is very active, significant and of long-term duration. At present we are working on development of the action plan on decentralization. This is the simultaneous process, which assists to enhancement of regions, however each region still needs great support to be provided from the central government” – Maya Tskitishvili declared. 
Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure talked also about so called focus regions, in which the additional programs undergo implementation with the support from the European Union (EU). „These are Imereti, Kakheti, Racha-Lechkhumi, Kvemo Svaneti and Guria regions. Certainly it does not mean that from the point of regional development, we will talk about these regions only. From this standpoint the talk and discussion refers to all regions as well as challenges that we are facing there and the ways for their solution“– Maya Tskitishvili said.