The Meeting with the Regional Director of Swiss Cooperation Office

On December 22 The Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia Ramaz Nikolaishvili met with Regional Director of Swiss Cooperation Office for the South Caucasus Rudolf Schoch and discussed opportunities of further cooperation. Parties overviewed the reforms, which have been implemented in Georgia for the purpose of establishing democratic and efficient system of Regional Development and Local Self-Governance. Nikolaishvili highlighted importance of support provided by different donors and development agencies in elaboration of the “State Strategy on Regional Development of Georgia for 2010-2017" and to the "Action Plan of the Strategy for the years 2011-2014 ". The Minister noted that “the ultimate objective of the State Strategy on Regional Development of Georgia is creation favorable environment for the socio-economic development of the regions and improvement of living standards and conditions of the population. To fulfill this objective GoG will continue implementation of infrastructure projects in regions; however particular attention will be paid to improving efficiency of local and regional governance for sustainable regional development.” Regional Director of Swiss Cooperation Office for the South Caucasus Rudolf Schoch mentioned that “according to SDC’s interpretation good and efficient governance is one of the conditions necessary for the sustainable development of any country. The state plays a key role in determining the rules, enforcing those rules, and in making its resources available to the entire population. In this regards, governance and human rights are mutually reinforcing as they are both rooted in principles of participation, accountability, transparency, and non-discrimination”. Schoch summarized priorities of programs implemented with financial and technical support of SCO in 7 regions of Georgia and outlined principles of SDC’s governance policy. Agreement has been achieved to start intensive exchange for defining cooperation scope and modality in support of fostering process of strengthening democratic and efficient system of Regional Development and Local Self-Governance in Georgia.