The South-East planning region – the center of diplomacy!

Within the framework of the Economic Diplomatic Caravan organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Bureau for Regional Development and the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region with all ten municipalities as hosts of the event, the aim was to present and promote the most significant projects for which the municipalities looking for funding sources. Also, in addition to the projects from the municipalities in the region, twenty export-oriented companies from each municipality had the opportunity to introduce themselves and familiarize the representatives of the Diplomatic Corps in our country with the investment opportunities and potentials of the region. This was a real opportunity for the companies to present their production, to present their own capabilities and for the South-East planning region to be more seriously put on the map of Europe and the world.

NEW DIGITAL REALITY – Workshops within the Bi In project

Basic digital transformation at a time when technology is all around us is an outdated topic.

It is of vital importance for every company today, from small to the largest companies, to emphasize the introduction of smart information systems in their operations and to maximally modernize organizational flows using digital tools at their disposal, to create a successful business story.

New consumer habits require an innovative approach to operations. It is time to face the new digital reality and take full advantage of the benefits it offers.

For this purpose, the Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region organizes two, two-day Workshops for digital promotion of companies from the South-East Planning Region through online marketing, promotion and sales.

They are intended for everyone who strives for digital modernization, for all businesses that are looking for a new digital way of promotion, as well as new ways to digitally offer their products and services.

Dates of the workshops:
– March 13 and 14, 2023 and
– March 16 and 17, 2023.

Sign up for a free workshop on NEW DIGITAL REALITY at the following link: https://bit.ly/3KWOpzY.

The number of participants is limited.

30 COMPANIES FROM THE SOUTH-EAST REGION WERE INTRODUED TO THE LATEST METHODS FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Online marketing, sales and artificial intelligence are three intertwined fields that have revolutionized the way businesses reach and engage with their customers. As more and more people turn to the Internet to make purchasing decisions, companies have had to adapt their marketing and sales strategies to meet the demands of the digital age. Artificial intelligence has played a significant role in this transformation, providing businesses with powerful tools to optimize their online marketing and sales efforts.

In order to better familiarize and adapt small and medium-sized enterprises with this type of marketing and sales, the Centre for development of the South-East planning region within the project “Business ecosystem as an Integrated System”, which is financed through the INTERREG IPA Programme between Greece and R. N. Macedonia, organized two, two-days workshops on the topic of NEW DIGITAL REALITY, which took place on March 13-14 and March 16-17 2023 at Hotel Sirius, Strumica.

The workshops were intended for members of the business sector who want to increase efficiency in their work by using digital tools, that want to improve their online presence, to start selling their services and products online, but also to learn new methods for the promotion of their products and services in order to be more competitive not only in our market but also at the world level.

The participants had the opportunity to hear more about digital transformation and types of information systems, the most used systems in the digital transformation process, the need to create personalized software during the transformation process. Then, they got acquainted with the trends of digital transformation, Cloud and Hybrid Cloud environment, Xaas, artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as investing in Cybersecurity, etc.

Through the organization of this activity, the project team points out to all companies that digital transformation is not intended only for IT companies, but nowadays it is something that every business should offer, it is a necessity and a strategic tool for the growth and development of the company.

 

Become part of the cross-border network for prevention and response to natural and environmental hazards

At the final conference held by the Association of Southwestern Municipalities for the project “Cross-Border Cooperation in Forest Fire Fighting”, implemented with the support of the cooperation programme Interreg IPA CBC Bulgaria – N. Macedonia 2014-2020, a MEMORANDUM for the creation of a cross-border partnership network for coordination and appropriate response to natural and environmental hazards, with special emphasis and focus on forest fires was signed.
The network unifies a community of institutions, organizations, experts, and individuals from the Republic of N. Macedonia and Republic of Bulgaria that operate in the field of prevention, preparedness, and rapid response in case of natural disasters and fires.

The members of the network will work to achieve the following goals:
• Receiving and sharing of information relating to natural disasters and fires;
• Exchange of experiences, good practice, and knowledge;
• Joint training of the members;
• Assistance and support in the management of natural disasters and fires;
• Support with equipment (donation and usage);
• Providing support and assistance for development of the associations of volunteers;
• Education of the youth;
• Public awareness rising among the population;
• Implementing joint campaigns and exercises;
• Support of the communication with the regional and national protection, rescue, and crisis management services;
• Joint application and implementation of projects regarding innovations, improvements, trainings and other positive effects in the common cause.

To become a member of this network, you need to fill out a MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION and send it to cbc.forest.fire@gmail.com

By filling out and signing the membership form, members accept the principles established in the Memorandum of Cooperation and want to participate in all activities of the network.

The Memorandum and the Form to fill out are available at the following links:

Memorandum of cooperation

Statement of approach – person

Statement of approach – legal entities

Cross-Border Cooperation in Forest Fite Fighting opens up new perspectives for the region

Two years ago, we started the implementation of the project and set several goals for ourselves.
The main goal was to improve the functionality of the firefighting units in the region, as well as replenishment of the equipment which will help them when extinguishing forest fires. Our ambitious plan with highly defined goals was achieved, but also achieved much greater success in the realization of the project.

The implementation of the project for “Cross-Border Cooperation in Forest Fire Fighting” financed by the European Union through the Interreg IPA CBC Programme between R. Bulgaria and R. N. Macedonia 2014-2020, will end in less than a month, but the results achieved in the region will be visible and will enable efficient handling of natural disasters in the longer term.

The most significant goals achieved from this project are the 112 fully equipped firefighters from our region, realized six specialized trainings with certified trainers, public awareness campaign for reducing forest fires and the promotion of volunteerism in the fire service.
The biggest benefit of this project is the signed Memorandum of Cooperation and the creation of a cross-border network for the prevention and response to natural and environmental hazards, between institutions and organizations from the South-East planning region in the Republic of N. Macedonia and the members – municipalities of the Association of Southwestern Municipalities from the Republic of Bulgaria, which promises very productive and timely communication between the institutions – members of the Memorandum of the two countries whose vision is a cross-border network for prevention and fighting with natural and environmental hazards, which includes professionals and experts from institutions, organizations and individuals who will deal with natural and environmental hazards in the cross-border region in joint coordination.

Held forth team meeting within the project for “Cross-Border Cooperation in Forest Fire Fighting”

In the frame of the project “Cross-Border Cooperation in Forest Fire Fighting” financed by the European Union through the Interreg IPA CBC Programme between the Republic of Bulgaria and R.N.Macedonia on January 13, 2023, at the hotel “Sirius” , Strumica – Republic of N.Macedonia, the fourth meeting of the project team was held.

The team discussed the implemented activities within the project, successfully conducted specialized trainings and awarded certificates to the participants, as well as the plan and program for the realization of the upcoming final conference in the implementation of the last activity of the project.

The team discussed the final details and content of the Memorandum for the creation of a cross-border network for prevention and response to natural and environmental hazards; the signing of which will be carried out at the final conference of the project between the two parties – the Centre for Development of SEPR – Strumica and the Association of Southwestern Municipalities – Blagoevgrad.

The project is co-funded by the European Union and the National Funds of the participating countries through the Interreg IPA CBC Programme between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of N. Macedonia 2014-2020.

CDSEPR CARRIED OUT THE INITIATIVE – “GIVE A SMILE”

The Centre for development of the South-East Planning Region with the support of socially responsible companies from the region implemented the initiative under the slogan “GIVE A SMILE” in kindergartens from rural areas and in day care centers for people with disabilities in the South-East planning region.

– JOUDG “July 12” in Konche and the clones in Gorni Lipović and Dolni Lipović;

– JOUDG “Aco Karamanov” in Zleovo settlements; Pokrajcevo; Yargulica; Podaresh; Oraovica; Injevo; Voislavci; Kalugericha and the clone in Shein Maale in Radovish;

– JOUDG “First joy” Vasilevo;

– JOUDG “Sun” and the Special Elementary School “St. Kliment Ohridski” in Novo Selo;

– Kindergarten “Little Nightingale” Monospitovo, Bosilovo;

– JOUDG “Kokiche” New Dojran;

– JOUDG “Kosta Pop Ristov Delchev” in Bogdanci, and in the clone in Stojakovo where the packages will be distributed additionally for the religious holiday of Christmas;

– JOUDG “Children’s Joy” in the settlements of Kuklish and Murtino;

– JOUDG “Kalinka” in the settlements of Udovo, Pirava, Brajkovci and “Detelinka” in Josifovo, as well as

– Day Centers in Radovish, Valandovo, Gevgelija and the Association for Help and Support of People with Down Syndrome “VERA”.

In the past few days, the employees of CDSEPR gave more than 800 smiles for the children in our region.

We express special gratitude to the companies Portland-opts, Zhicol, Jovi Company, Riversoft, Boni Intergradba, Dicor CD, Universal Gradba, Eurogradba, Grafo Service, Pesho Engineering and TA Atlantis, who selflessly helped in the realization of this humanitarian action.

ANNUAL WORKSHOP HELD

Part of the employees of the JIPR Development Centre attended the annual planning and evaluation workshop in Ohrid within the project “Sustainable and inclusive balanced regional development” phase II.

At the workshop, the realized activities for the year 2022 of all eight Centres for the Development of Planning Regions and Business Centers were presented, and at the same time, everyone had the opportunity to present their values, products and music characteristic of their region.

What we will take with us from this three-day workshop is the exchange of experiences, practices, planned activities and lessons learned for an even better and more successful year 2023.

THE PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR 2023 HAVE BEEN VOTED

On 20.12.2022, the second forum session of the regional community forum was held in which the participants voted for the ranking of the proposal concepts that emerged from the first forum session.

The proposal concepts presented by the external expert Tihomir Petreski were ranked in the following order:

1. The South-East region – an opportunity for new tourist adventures!
2. Improving energy efficiency in the South-East region!
3. Take a step – protect the environment!
4. Dojran – the Mediterranean pearl of the South-East!
5. Technical documentation for new regional projects!

This ranking list with proposed concepts is submitted to the Council for Development of the South-East Planning Region and they will take it into account when making the final decision.

The regional community forums are financially supported by the MLSG and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the prepared project proposals from the annual list of priority projects adopted by the Council for development of the SEPR will be submitted for funding through the Balanced Regional Development Program for 2023.

Young entrepreneurs have returned from the study trip in Greece with new knowledge

The Centre for the development of the South-East planning region organized a study trip to Thessaloniki, Greece, with aim of getting to know the opportunities for studying, opening businesses, networking and achieving cooperation in the cross-border region. The Study Trip was organized in the period from December 14 to 16, 2022, in which 19 young people, current and future entrepreneurs from the South-Еast region participated.

During the three-day Study Trip, the participants had the opportunity to visit the Alexandria Innovation Zone, the Research Institute at the University of Macedonia, the independent Directorate for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Support of the Central Macedonia Region, the Center for Research and Technology – CERTH, the American Farm School, the Center for organizing exhibitions, congresses and cultural events in Greece – HELEXPO, Start up hub Ok!Thess and the International Hellenic University.

The first day of the Study Trip was planned for a visit of the Alexandria Innovation Zone, where Mr. Costas Tramatsas, through a presentation and discussion with the participants, introduced them to the work and goals of the Innovation Zone, but also through a mutual discussion advised the participants how to better develop and present their business ideas and plans to the potential investors, how to build their business and how to improve it at the same time according to the needs of the market.

Later that day, the participants also visited the University of Macedonia, which is considered one of the most successful Universities in Greece, where Mr. George Siakas with great enthusiasm and desire presented the University as well as the Research Institute that functions within its framework. The participants had the opportunity to visit the premises of the University and get acquainted with the educational programs it offers.

The second day of the Study Trip began with a visit to the premises of the Region of Central Macedonia, where Mr. Kostas Mihailidis, through a presentation and discussion with young entrepreneurs, introduced them to the history, work and opportunities offered by this institution, its goals and obligations in the Central Region Macedonia in Greece.

During the visit of the Research and Technology Center – CERTH, the participants were welcomed by Dr. Nikos Katsiadakis and through a visit to the premises, a presentation and a conversation with the participants, they got acquainted with the work of this institute as well as with the achievements and research so far in the field of ecology, innovation and technological development, cooperation with various institutions and other research centers in the country and abroad. The Center also expressed a great desire for the implementation of joint projects with the Centre for the Development of the South-East Planning Region.

The group of participants also visited the American Farm School, which is a non-profit educational institution, founded in 1904, opened for the purpose of educating students from Greece, but also from the countries of the Balkans. This school offers the possibility of residence and education of children from preschool age to education of students, in the field of agriculture, food industry, conservation of natural resources, as well as in the production of domestic products such as milk, eggs, etc. with the help of modern and ecological technology. In addition to education, this school sells its products on campus, but also outside it, and this helps students gain experience and knowledge in the promotion and sale of their products.

At the end of the day, Mrs. Vicki Dalkrani, during a visit to HELEXPO – the Center for organizing exhibitions, congresses and cultural events in Greece, shared information about the fairs and events held throughout the year, which are of interest to visitors.

The last day of the Study Trip was reserved for a visit to the leading startup hub in Thessaloniki – OK!THESS, which aims to develop the local innovation ecosystem and help entrepreneurs bring their innovative ideas to the market. Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to reach this goal through an acceleration program that includes training, coaching, fellowship with mentors and access to capital. This startup hub and its possibilities were presented to the participants by Mr. Antonio Silias.

We rounded off the study trip with a visit to the International Hellenic University, which offers programs taught exclusively in English. As a state university, all degrees awarded are accredited by the Government and are recognized in the European Union and internationally. UCIPS aims to develop itself as one of the foremost research institutions in Europe, attracting an already strong international academic staff and outstanding students from various countries around the world. By creating, communicating and applying knowledge, the university aims to inspire every member of its community and educate future leaders. The work, successes and faculties of social and natural sciences at this university were presented to the participants by Prof. Eli Vlahopolou.

After completing this study trip, the participants pointed out that they were very satisfied with the locations they visited, but also with the shared experiences and knowledge by the hosts of these institutes, universities and other institutions. In addition to the fact that this trip had an educational character, it allowed the participants to communicate with each other, to make friends, but also to expand their horizons in order to create a better and more successful future.

This activity was implemented through the project “Business ecosystem as an integrated system – BE IN” financed through the Interreg IPA Programme for Cross-border cooperation with Greece.