The delegation of the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG) visited Casalborgone, Italy from 17 to 20 May to participate in the discussions and experience exchange on support to local micro-enterprises. The discussions were held within the framework of the project “Small Markets at the Heart of the European Economy” supported by the EU program "Europe for Citizens". Kocēni municipality from the LALRG delegation presented their hands-on experience with support instruments for business development – real estate tax rebates, infrastructure development, dissemination of informative materials via website, networking, clusters, grants program and organization of events.
Project lead partner is Mellieha municipality in Malta. Partners in Latvia are Amata, Vecpiebalga and Pārgauja municipalities and LALRG.
The project partners visited local micro-enterprises in Casalborgone (eco cosmetics, honey producers, small bakeries and agricultural producers).
Project partners from Suwalki (Poland) shared experience on the local government cooperation with entrepreneurs in their town, the municipality of Cugir (Romania) – on challenges of micro companies in Romania and local government support.
There had been five experience exchange events held within the project in different countries, including in Vecpiebalga municipality in summer 2017. The project had been an excellent platform for experience exchange and good practice transfer between the local government leaders, council members and business people of different countries.
Mudīte Priede
Secretary General