Enhancing the Competitiveness of Border Regions in a Market Economy

This project was implemented with financial support from the Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation (Slovak AID) in cooperation with Slovak partner organization M.E.S.A. 10 – Center for Economic and Social Analysis.
Project Objective
The main objective was to provide institutional support aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Ukrainian cities and regions in the context of a market economy.
The project focused on analyzing the legislative and regulatory framework to develop policy recommendations and practical steps to improve the competitive position of Ukrainian territories, particularly in border areas.
Key Areas of Focus
● Proposal to establish a network of institutions dedicated to supporting regional development;● Recommendations to strengthen local finances by increasing the share of own-source revenues in local budgets;● Technical assistance for developing regional development strategies in selected border regions. 
Project Milestones
● Final Slovak-Ukrainian International Conference “Supporting Regional Competitiveness”, held on June 25, 2009;● A series of thematic seminars in Zakarpattia Oblast, held from April 22–24, 2009;● Study visit to Slovakia for a group of Ukrainian experts, conducted from August 24–31, 2008;● International seminar “Competitiveness Strategy for Ukrainian Border Regions”, held on July 10, 2008.