On the 24th and 25th of August, RUEDA - the Ruhuna Local Economic Development Agency - held a two days workshop with representatives of its members organization, in order to identify the strategic focus of the Agency and the main areas where it would concentrate its activities. The active participation of the members – including some of the main institutional and economic actors in the Southern Province - made this a successful and stimulating workshop.

Based on findings from the first session, and with a view at the main problems and bottlenecks affecting the local economy, a second brainstorming session allowed identifying, clustering and discussing the main strategic macro-areas for RUEDA intervention, i.e.:
Information, Strategic Planning, Conducive Policy Environment, Human Resources development and Capacity Building, Value Addition, Market Access, Technology Transfer and Innovation, Support for innovative businesses and credit

 
In a following session the focus, expected results, instruments and potential members’ involvement were identified and discussed for each strategic area. The active participation and contribution of local member institutions confirmed the willingness to make RUEDA a key player in promoting LED in the Southern Province, as well as the importance of facilitating the joint effort of the network of local actors in developing and implementing shared strategies and plans for the “Ruhuna territory.”

The two days workshop has constituted a key step in strengthening mutual understanding among local actors and reinforces their commitment to consolidate RUEDA, positioning the Agency at center-stage of LED efforts in the Province.

Based on the indications of the workshop, a comprehensive strategy and ensuing action plans will be elaborated and shared with members institutions as a coherent platform for common initiative.