Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region Participated in AGRO EXPO 2026 in Skopje with a Promotional Stand

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region (CDSEPR) participated in the international event AGRO EXPO 2026, held on 30 and 31 October 2026 at SPACE Park in Skopje, under the motto “The Agriculture of Tomorrow. Today.”

The event served as an important platform for connecting institutions, agricultural producers, the scientific and research community, companies, and organisations working towards agricultural advancement, the introduction of modern technologies, and the promotion of sustainable regional development.

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region actively participated in the exhibition programme with its own promotional stand, showcasing projects, initiatives, and activities focused on agricultural development, support for rural communities, sustainable management of natural resources, and strengthening regional cooperation.

Through promotional materials and direct communication with visitors, representatives of the Centre presented ongoing project activities and the results achieved so far, placing particular emphasis on opportunities for implementing innovative solutions, improving agricultural production conditions, and establishing new partnerships to support the development of the South-East Planning Region.

As part of the official programme, Tanja Mitev, representative of the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, participated in the session dedicated to regional cooperation and agricultural needs from the public sector’s perspective.

The AGRO EXPO 2026 programme featured presentations of European projects, modern agricultural machinery, digital technologies, smart irrigation systems, drones, sensors, and artificial intelligence-based solutions, as well as discussions on opportunities for modernising agricultural production.

The event was organised within the framework of the European project CAAIVE, co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ Programme, focusing on the development of vocational knowledge, digital skills, and the application of artificial intelligence in agriculture. The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region, as a partner in the CAAIVE project, was also actively involved in organising the event alongside the other project partners.

Participation in AGRO EXPO 2026 provided valuable opportunities for exchanging experiences, establishing contacts with potential partners, and promoting the development potential of the South-East Planning Region, particularly in the fields of agriculture and rural development.

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region remains committed to promoting and implementing projects that contribute to the modernisation of agriculture, strengthening the local economy, ensuring the sustainable use of regional resources, and improving the quality of life of the population in the region.

On 30 October 2026, the first regional workshop dedicated to the preparation of the South-East Planning Region Development Programme for the period 2027–2031 was held at the Army House in Strumica.

The workshop was organised as part of the regional strategic planning process, aiming to assess the current situation, identify key development challenges and opportunities, and establish the foundations for defining future strategic priorities and a shared development vision for the South-East Planning Region.

The event brought together representatives of municipalities from the South-East Planning Region, public institutions, the private sector, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders. Through active participation and constructive discussions, participants contributed to the development of the new strategic document.

During the first session, the preliminary findings of the final evaluation of the South-East Planning Region Development Programme for 2021–2026 were presented. Participants had the opportunity to review the key findings, share their perspectives, and contribute to their validation through an interactive plenary discussion.

Particular attention was given to assessing the current situation in the region through the presentation of key findings from the draft sectoral analyses covering various thematic areas. Discussions focused on identifying the region’s main development challenges, existing resources, and opportunities for further economic, social, and sustainable development.

The workshop continued with thematic group sessions dedicated to the preparation of SWOT analyses, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the proposed priority strategic areas. This participatory approach encouraged the exchange of experiences, perspectives, and recommendations among stakeholders, ensuring that future development priorities reflect the actual needs and potential of the region.

An important part of the workshop was also dedicated to defining a shared development vision for the South-East Planning Region by 2031, providing a foundation for the subsequent formulation of strategic objectives, measures, and activities within the new Development Programme.

The preparation of the South-East Planning Region Development Programme for 2027–2031 represents an important step towards establishing a long-term and coordinated regional development framework. The Programme aims to contribute to improving citizens’ quality of life, strengthening regional competitiveness, ensuring the efficient use of available resources, and promoting balanced and sustainable regional development.

The process will continue with the second regional workshop, scheduled for 25 November 2026, during which consultations and joint efforts with relevant stakeholders will continue, focusing on the further definition of regional development priorities.

The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region remains committed to ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and participatory strategic planning process, actively involving all relevant regional stakeholders in pursuing a common objective – creating better conditions for sustainable development and long-term prosperity in the South-East Planning Region.

The activity is implemented as part of the preparation process for the South-East Planning Region Development Programme 2027–2031, with the support of the Ministry of Local Self-Government of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).