Minister Ivan Ivanov at OECD Session: Effective Regional Development Should Be Based on Local Realities

Effective regional development should be based on local realities, supported by strong cooperation at all levels of government, and aligned with the specific capacities and needs of each region, Bulgaria’s Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, Ivan Ivanov, told participants at the 52nd session of the OECD Committee on Regional Development Policy in Paris, France, on December 3.

Addressing the session, Ivanov stressed that competitiveness and cohesion depend on stable, predictable, and well-targeted investments — spanning transport and water systems, digital connectivity, and essential local services.

“Our own experience confirms that without modern and sustainable infrastructure, regional policy cannot achieve lasting results,” he noted.

Ivanov also highlighted multi-level governance as a key priority. He explained that constructive cooperation between national, regional, and local authorities is essential to ensure resources are used effectively and that policies meet the real needs of each region. He added that reducing regional disparities and boosting competitiveness should go hand in hand.

The minister emphasised that the exchange of experience between OECD member states and accession partners helps to strategically guide the regional policies of individual countries. He noted that discussions at the OECD Committee’s ministerial meeting in Poland in May confirmed that Bulgaria’s priorities are fully aligned with the principles underpinning effective regional development across the OECD community.

During the session, Ivanov held bilateral meetings with Denis Alward, Chair of the OECD Committee on Regional Development Policy, and Lamia Kamal-Shawwy, Director of the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, where they discussed expanding Bulgaria’s participation in the development of future policy frameworks.