From the 9th to 12th of September 2013 was held study trip to Zadar, Croatia on which attended the Mayors of the municipalities from Pelagonija region, organized by the Center for development of Pelagonija region and USAID Small Business Expansion Project implemented by Carana Corporation. The purpose of the study trip was to present the Pelagonija region to the local government in the city of Zadar and Zadar County and exchanging experience for implementation of the EU LEADER approach through establishing Local Action Groups LAGs.
During the visit several contact were made with LAGs in the region of Zadar, LAG Laura and LAG Bura. On these meetings the LAG managers presented the process of establishing Local Action Groups in their country, pointing out the possibilities for using different financing funds and types of projects that can be implemented through the LEADER program. The delegation from Pelagonija region had the opportunity to meet the Mayor of Biograd Mr. Ivan Knez, who presented their city, development possibilities, past and future development projects.The Pelagonija region delegation met the Mayor of Zadar, Mr. Bozidar Kalmeta and his team, with whom they had a discussion about the development of their region in the past years and the problems they are facing in that process. All the participants evaluated the meeting as an excellent opportunity for future cooperation between the regions.
The Mayors were warmly welcomed in the premises of Zadar County by the Head of the County Mr. Stipe Zrilic and his team, where both sides presented their regions and development possibilities. On this meeting attended representative from the Macedonia community in Zadar, Ms. Mirjana Majic.One part of the visit was focused on meeting the Chamber of Crafts in Zadar where they met representatives from successful companies from the region, for meat processing and bakery products. During the meetings was discussed for initiatives in the private sector and the support by the Chamber and local self government.In order to get information and good experiences from entrepreneurs, several field trips to local small and medium enterprises were organized, which have used funds from the IPARD program, like the companies: “Maraska” producer of cherry liqueur and beverages, agricultural cooperative “Masvin” growing olives, wine and figs, agriculture project “Bastica” with drip irrigation system and “Mary Komerc” fish processing company.
