In the frame of serial training for capacity building for regional development-regional management on National level, IV module, there was a Study trip in Slovenija, Hungary and Croatia. The study trip was conducted in the period from 15.11 to 21.11.2009 and was organized by the GTZ RED Programme. As representative of the Centre for Development of the East Planning Region, the Manager Mrs. Dragica Zdraveva took part in the study tour.

The objective of the study trip was introduction to regional and cohesion policy of the Republic of Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary, programme for territorial cooperation and development of cooperation between local communities and regions. Experiences were presented at the Regional Development Agency for Ljubljana urban region and Pomurje and experiences from working of incubators for small and medium enterprises and technological parks. The establishment and the operation of technology parks as a legal entity is of particular interest for our region because Macedonia does not have this type of organisations.

There was also presentation and visit of implemented project for cross-border cooperation between Slovenia, Hungary and Croatia.

In Hungary except presentation of the financed projects, the group also visited some locations were interventions were made within the projects.

Varazdin and Agency for development AZRA were visited in Croatia.

During the stay in Croatia the group was introduced with the process of regional development in Croatia, and projects developed in the Programmes for Cross-border cooperation with Slovenian partners. They visited some locations where specific projects were implemented on the three sides of the border.

This way of cooperation and the excellent organization by the GTZ RED Programme and hosts, allowed transfer of experience, knowledge of regional development and creates solid basis for future close cooperation on projects with regional character.