The Odesa Regional Development Agency has held talks with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) on potential cooperation in regional recovery, energy resilience, local economic development and investment projects.
The meeting focused on opportunities to develop cooperation between AICS and the regional agency as Odessa region works to restore damaged infrastructure while supporting communities and preparing for future investment.
Among the areas discussed were territorial recovery, institutional development of local communities, support for small and medium-sized businesses, green transition, energy security, social cohesion and the implementation of international development projects.
Particular attention was given to the potential role of the Odesa Regional Development Agency as a local partner for AICS. The agency could help identify the needs of individual communities, prepare project proposals, bring together regional partners and coordinate communication between municipalities, businesses, government authorities and international donors.
The agency said its objective is to turn international cooperation into concrete regional projects, ranging from infrastructure modernisation and support for entrepreneurship to energy, social and investment initiatives.
The talks also explored opportunities for Odessa region to become more involved in programmes supported by Italian development cooperation and to develop projects based on the priorities and practical needs of local communities.
The Odesa Regional Development Agency described international partnerships as an important part of the region’s broader recovery and development strategy, with an emphasis on moving from individual initiatives towards longer-term cooperation around specific projects.
