Regional strategies

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

2014 – 2020

 

Geographic location

The Region of Vidin is situated in the North-western part of Bulgaria and spreads on an area of 3032.9 square kilometres (2.73% of the territory of the country). Centuries on end, the geographical position had been favourable to its development as a transport, trade and cultural centre. The region of Vidin is the entrance-exit gate of the Republic of Bulgaria to Europe and the World. To the North the region of Vidin borders with the Republic of Romania, to the West with the Republic of Serbia, to the South is surrounded by the Balkan Mountains and to the East with the region of Montana.

 

Two Trans - European corridors pass through the region:

• European corridor ¹ 4 Dresden - Prague - Bratislava - Györ - Budapest - Arad - Craiova - Vidin - Sofia - Plovdiv -Istanbul branch of Sofia - Tower - Thessaloniki) connecting the countries of Central Europe to the Aegean Sea (Thessaloniki port).
• European corridor ¹ 7 river route "Rhine - Main - Danube".

 

The territory of Vidin region includes 140 settlements, united in 11 municipalities: Vidin, Boynitsa, Bregovo, Belogradchik, Gramada, Dimovo, Kula, Makresh, Novo selo, Ruzhintsi, Chuprene. In the region dominates th urban population which is63.38% of the total population.

Demography

Population of Vidin represents 11.89% of the population of the Northwest Planning Region / Vidin, Vratsa, Montana, Lovech and Pleven / and about 1.36% of the country to 31.12.2011.

During the recent years were established unfavorable trends in the demography of the region - an annual population decline, aging and deterioration of the age structure, decreased fertility and increased mortality and worseningdepopulation.

From 2004 to 2011 the population decreased by 20,771 people, or 17.23%, from 120 192 people in 2004 to 99,481 peoplein 2011. Reported continuous decrease is a result of both natural movement and developed over the last decade, migration and economic environment.

Population by municipality, gender and location to 31.12.2011
 

Regions	Total			In the cities			In the villages
Municipalities	total	men	women	total	men	women	total	men	women

 

Vidin	99481	48568	50913	63054	30809	32245	36427	17759	18668
Belogradchik	6520	3208	3312	5140	2549	2591	1380	659	721
Boynitsa	1293	589	704	-	-	-	1293	589	704
Bregovo	5471	2750	2721	2497	1197	1300	2974	1553	1421
Vidin	62348	30406	31942	49633	24212	25421	12715	6194	6521
Gramada	1975	971	1004	1433	713	720	542	258	284
Dimovo	6440	3170	3270	1193	605	588	5247	2565	2682
Kula	4615	2227	2388	3158	1533	1625	1457	694	763
Makresh	1575	776	799	-	-	-	1575	776	799
Novo selo	2908	1384	1524	-	-	-	2908	1384	1524
Ruzhintsi	4313	2101	2212	-	-	-	4313	2101	2212
Chuprene	2023	986	1037	-	-	-	2023	986	1037

 

Company organization

The number of enterprises is 3183, which represents about 0.86% of those in the country and 11.37% of those registered inSWPR to 31.12.2011. According the number of employees 93.56% are micro enterprises, 5.50% are small, 0.82% are medium and 0.13% are large initiated by staff of over 250 people. For 2009-2011 there is a decrease in the number of enterprises in Vidin region with 250 companies or over 7.3%.

The sectoral allocation is as follows: "Trade, repair of motor vehicles and household goods" - 47.50 %, "Hotels and restaurants" - 8.2 % "Industry" - 7.26 %, "Transport, storage and communications" – 5 %; "Construction" - 2.86 %, and "Agriculture, forestry and fishing" - 5.75 %; "Health and social work" - 5.53 %, “Other activities, social and personal services" -17.88 %.  

Types of enterprises by number of employees

The largest share of employment in micro enterprises is 41.88 %, which marks an increase from 2007 when ranged around 37.7 %, and in 2009 - 40.82%. In small enterprises the employment rate is 25.30%, with 23.46% in 2009. Reverse trend was recorded in the group of medium-sized enterprices - respectively from 23.55% occupied in 2009, in 2001 the ratereached 19.62 %. To 2009 in the same were occupied 23.55 %. The employment rate in the large enterprises is 13.19 % of all employed.

 

Tourism

The tourism sector in Vidin region is with great potential for development and is essential for the economic development of the region. Following the nomination of the Belogradchik Rocks in the campaign for the Seven Natural Wonders of the World in 2009, sharply increased the site visit by tourists and the number of accommodations. Unfortunately, the trend of increasing attendance is not preserved and still in 2010 has been a serious decline. Taking into account the favorable effect on the economy, the local authorities of Belogradchik, Vidin, Kula, Dimovo and Chuprene joined forces to promote the destination. The tourism in Vidin region is represented mainly by companies providing hotel services, catering and licensed travel agencies. Despite the existing traditions, wealth of natural, cultural and historical sights in this sector there is a decrease in the number of active facilities, from 274 in 2009 to 261 in 2011. The amount of fixed assets also decreased from6,210 Levs in 2009 to 5,600 Levs but considering the number of visitors to the tourist sites in the area there is increase in the quality of the provided tourist services and modernization of existing tourist sites.

 

Significant sites for the development of Cultural and Historical tourism

The Ancient fortress of Baba Vida

The fortress “Baba Vida” is one of the most preserved Middle-age defensive facilities in Bulgaria. It towers in the North-eastern end of Vidin, on the bank of the Danube River. It is accepted that the construction of the medieval fortress “Baba Vida” had happened in the 10th century. It was built on the ruins of an older ancient fortress – Bononia. At first the medieval fortress was rather small in size, with the parameters of a watch-tower. Then reconstructed into a bigger medieval castle. After decades of research and restoration, today the “Baba Vida” fortress is an original outdoor museum with internal expositions.

The Belogradchik Rocks

The Belogradchik Rocks - was established with the idea to protect both the unique geomorphologic formations and the habitats of rare and threatened by extinction animal and plant species. It comprises huge territory of 30 km of length and 3km width in the western part of Balkan Mountains near Belogradchik. A great number of rock formations (red sandstone)had been sculptured by nature for centuries and turned into whimsical fairy forms in synchrony with the variety of animal and plant life around them (more then 23 protected plant species and over 15 protected animal species), which turn Belogradchik region into uniquely beautiful place. The developed eco-itineraries in the region create preconditions for developing cognitive eco-tourism, dissemination of natural resources importance in international aspect as well as for raising the level of ecologic culture and education.

The Magura Cave

The cave is a natural landmark with interesting formations and prehistoric findings. It is situated on the land of Rabisha village, Belogradchik municipality. It is one of the biggest caves of that kind and beauty in Bulgaria (more than 30 000 square meters). Fantastic formations as cave halls and cave galleries, stalactites, stalagmites, stalctones with enormous proportions (up to 20m in height and over 4m diameter) in the form of animals, people, and waterfalls can be found in it. The Magura cave is also famous with its prehistoric rock drawings from the time of epi-paleolite to the early bronze era because of which the cave is under the special aegis of UNESCO with international statute of cultural monument. Similar paintings have been discovered only in three other places in the world – France, Spain and Siberia. The drawings on the walls of the cave are true masterpieces and are the only ones in South-eastern Europe. They date from the beginning of the Bronze Era. The name of the cave is a part of many tales about mythical dragons and legendary heroes.  

Natural reserve Chuprene

Natural reserve Chuprene is situated on the territory of Chuprene and Belogradchik municipalities and covers the area of 1439.20 hec. The reserve is exceptionally state property, which is managed and guarded by the Ministry of Environment and Water. 
In 1977 the world organization “For education, science and culture”- UNESCO included it in the lists of protected natural reserves as “inseparable part of international network of biosphere reserves, which comprises territories for evaluation of human impact on environment” by which the reserve receives international statute. The main purpose was to protect in original condition the only compact forests in Western Balkan Mountains. 
Activities, which violate the distinctive character of nature, are forbidden according to the order proclaiming the statute of the area. In 2007, the buffer zone of the biosphere reserve was classified as protected area “Chuprenski buki,” which does not cancel the restrictive regime in the area.

Village tourism

Village tourism in Vidin region is very well developed. Virgin areas, river-side and mountain regions, caves and lakes have always attracted the nature lovers. There are numerous guest houses in the region of Belogradchik which offer accommodation for tourists. In the evening, tourists are often invited to have a meal with their hosts. Traditional dishes are served, folksongs are performed, and local legends are shared. In most cases, guests can help prepare the food. Some villages offer lessons in pottery making, icon painting or folksongs and dances, and there are demonstrations of sewing and embroidering.

Border checkpoints

On the territory of Vidin region there are the following border checkpoints - Vrashka Chuka (Bulgaria – Serbia); Bregovo (Bulgaria - Serbia); Vidin-River Port; Vidin – Ferryboat and Danube Bridge 2 (Bulgaria - Romania).

Border checkpoint Vrashka Chuka (Bulgaria – Serbia) in the direction II-nd class road Vidin - Kula - Vrashka Chuka – Serbian border, connects the towns of Kula and Zaychar (Serbia). Border checkpoint Bregovo (Bulgaria - Serbia) in the direction of second class road Vidin-Inovo-Bregovo-Serbian border, connecting the towns of Bregovo and Negotin (Serbia). Border checkpoint Vidin-River Port situated in the center of Vidin and servicing the vessels on the Danube. Border checkpoint Vidin – Ferryboat – situated at 2,5km far of the town of Vidin in North Industrial Zone. It services the ferryboat relation Vidin - Kalafat (Romania).

Border control in Vidin takes priority of Border Police Directorate / GPU / Vidin and Border Police Directorate Brusartsi. GPU Vidin is a territorial unit of the Regional Directorate "Border Police" - Rousse. The unit is responsible for border control at 132 km from the river border. In the area of ​​responsibility of the GPU Vidin there are two separate checkpoints - Vidin ferrycargo, port and border checkpoint Lom - cargo port.

Border checkpoint Bregovo is territorial unit of the Regional Directorate "Border Police" - Dragoman and is responsible forcarrying out the border control of the Bulgarian - Serbian border in the region of Vidin. Border checkpoint Bregovo guards the section of the state border of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Serbia / EU external border / with total length92,339 km.

In 2008 on Border chekpoints Bregovo and Vrashka chuka was introduced the service “single fiche”. That turns out to benon-functional, as it greatly slows the passengers in the control area. To March 2013 passenger service is performed by"one control line".

Border checkpoint Vidin is a ferry connection between Bulgaria and Romania. Tourist and passenger ships coming along the Danube are processed at Vidin border checkpoint - River Station.

The Border checkpoint Danube Bridge 2 is situated on Danube Bridge 2. The border checkpoint connects Bulgaria /Vidin/ with Romania /Calafat/ and have a road, passenger, railway line, cargo railway line and river passage. Territorial division"Port of Lom" at the State Enterprise "Port Infrastructure", managed infrastructure and other fixed assets of the public portsof national importance located in the area of 645 km to 845,650 km from the Bulgarian section of the Danube river. In the town of Vidin on the right bank of the Danube river from km. 785.000 to km. 795.000 are situated four port terminals.

 

Port Network

Port Terminal "Vidin - North"

Concessionaire of the terminal is "Bulgarian River Shipping" – Ruse.  Port of Vidin - North is a port for public transport with national importance. The port is located in the Northern industrial zone of Vidin and includes two port terminals - Port"Ferryboat Complex Vidin" and "Vidin - North" part of the public transport port of national significance.

Port Terminal "Vidin Ferry"

The concessionaire of the terminal is "Bulgarian River Shipping" – Ruse. The terminal is located from km 792 800 to 793000 on the Danube river mileage and is specialized for carriage of passengers and vehicles with Ro-Ro ships.

Port Terminal "Vidin - Center"

From 2010 the "Port Vidin" Ltd. consists of two port terminals - Port Terminal Vidin Center and Port Terminal Vidin South. Along the quay wall with length 1440 m are four pontoon facilities for ships to perform input-output control and the passenger. The port is located in the central part of the 789,900 km to 791,300 km in an area of 17 acres. It has a quay wallwith a length of 1,440 m inclined type. The port is euiped with four pontoons for acceptance and bunkering of Bulgarian and foreign vessels input and output controls. The existing building of river station is situated with good functionality incommunication links between the three passenger transportation facility in the city, namely the railway station, bus stationand river station, creating shorter routes for arriving and departing passengers, without the need for additional trucking.  

Port Terminal "Vidin - South"

It is situated in the Southern industrial zone of Vidin, in the area of ​​785 km to 785 200 km of the Danube on an area of 48acres. By decision of the Council of Ministers of December 19 2012, the designated company for a concessionaire of port terminal Vidin - South is "TEZ Sviloza" Ltd. The port is constructed for reception and storage of bulk and cargo which require special treatment. Ship loading and unloading is performed by existing electric cranes, equipped with the necessary load grip devices.

Airport Vidin

The Airport Vidin was built in 1973 as citizen airport at 6 km away from Vidin with 2,030m length and 40m width of the landing strip. It could take airplanes with load up to 50 tones. There is an adjoining office building technical and receiving unit, a control tower for air traffic management, electrical substation with emergency power supply, drainage facilities, cable infrastructure, fire cells and other equipment. By Order RD 14 - 32/01.11.1999 of the Ministry of Transport the airport was closed and managed by the Regional Governor of Vidin.

 

Railroad network

The total length of the railway lines of Vidin region is 101 km, of which 80 km are electrified and are part of a major railwayline VII Sofia – Vidin, by information of the National Statistics Institute to 31.12.2011. The railways in Vidin region areBrusartsi - Oreshets – Vidin and its extension Vidin - Koshava. The line Brusartsi - Vidin is connected with the Romanianrailway infrastructure with the ferry Vidin - Calafat. It is expected that the construction of the bridge Vidin - Calafat will increase the importance of the line.

In the section of the railway line Vidin - Sofia, passing through the territory of Vidin region, there are 13 railway stations, bus stops and splits posts. The station of Vidin is opened for commercial activities and shunting. In the schedule of the trains for 2013 is set a local freight train ¹70702 Mezdra – Vidin and train ¹70701 Vidin – Mezdra with a period of driving three times weekly.

 

Freight transportation

For 2012 the total loaded tones on the territory of Vidin region is 36,147 tons, 752 loaded wagons and 1,443 unloaded.

 

¹	Station	Loaded tones	Loaded wagons	Unloaded wagons
1	Brusartsi	267	14	35
2	Oreshets	430	13	9
3	Vidin	35 450	725	1 399
	Total	36 147	752	1 443

 

During January, 2013 the loaded tones from “BDZ – Freight Service” Ltd. On the territory of Vidin region are 1395 tons, 27 loaded wagons and 1 unloaded wagon.

 

¹	Station	Loaded tones	Loaded wagons	Unloaded wagons
2	Vidin	395	9	1
3	Koshava	1 000	18	0
	Total	1 395	27	1

 

Public transportation

In the section of railway line Vidin - Sofia, passing through the territory of Vidin has 6 railway stations and 8 stations opened for passenger traffic. In 2013 on the territory of Vidin region there are 6 fast trains Vidin – Sofia - Vidin, 1 passenger train Vidin - Mezdra and 1 train Lom - Vidin. The train connections in the region provides links to Lom, Montana, Varna, Burgas, Pernik, Karlovo, Radomir, Kyustendil, Mezdra and others.
It is foreseen from 2014 the rail Danube Bridge II to provide movement of international trains through Vidin - Calafat to Budapest which is expected to increase the passengers traffic.
In Vidin region the passenger traffic is mainly local (about 55% of trips are within the region). About 25% of trips are with destination Sofia and 6% to the neighboring regions Vratsa and Montana.

 

Departed passengers by stations and stops for Vidin region 2012
		By class of travel			By train class
stations/ stops	Name	1 class	2 class	total	Fast train	Passenger train	total
station	Drenovets	14	12475	12489	9229	3260	12489
stop	Vodnyantsi	2	3506	3508	1295	2213	3508
stop	Karbintsi	0	70	70	6	64	70
stop	Skomlya (Canton-43)	0	470	470	50	420	470
station	Oreshets	43	18595	18638	13587	5051	18638
stop	Belshtitsa	0	2500	2500	467	2033	2500
station	Dimovo	18	10799	10817	7686	3131	10817
stop	Makresh	0	120	120	6	114	120
station	Sratsimir	4	1446	1450	365	1085	1450
stop	Zheglitsa	0	2322	2322	35	2287	2322
stop	Sinagovtsi - Gurkovo	0	43	43	3	40	43
station	Vidbol	3	4042	4045	2171	1874	4045
stop	Slana bara	0	94	94	3	91	94
station	Vidin	136	82159	82295	62350	19945	82295
		220	138641	138861	97253	41608	138861

 

 

Vision, strategic goals and priorities
of the Regional Development Strategy of Vidin Region

Regional development strategy of Vidin region 2014-2020, defines medium-term objectives and priorities of the state policy for regional development of the area and its correlation with other structural policies.

When developing the Regional Development Strategy are kept the requirements laid down in the methodological guidelines for the development of the regional strategy 2014-2020 on Works and in accordance with the Regional Plan 2014-2020 Northwest Region, National Regional Development Strategy (NRDS) from 2012 to 2022  and the National spatial Development concept of the Republic of Bulgaria 2013-2025.

Regional development strategy is consistent with the objectives set out in the strategy "Europe 2020” for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

 

VISION “Vidin region - developing area aiming at achievment an averageeconomic growth and employment, sustainable development, improved quality of life and preserved and promoted natural and cultural heritage”

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1 Accelerate the economic development of Vidin region	STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2 Raising living standards of Vidinregion	STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3 Connectivity and development of territorial cooperation to achieve balanced and sustainable development
PRIORITY 1.1: Ensuring economic growth based on competitive enterprises   PRIORITY 1.2: Innovation and public-private partnership   PRIORITY 1.3: Use of available resources	PRIORITY 2.1: Build a modern social infrastructure and quality education   PRIORITY 2.2: Stabilize and increase employment   PRIORITY 2.3: Improving the quality of human resources and public services	PRIORITY 3.1: Development of technical infrastructure in Vidin region   PRIORITY 3.2: Development of transport infrastructure in Vidin region   PRIORITY 3.3: Protect and improve the environment   PRIORITY 3.4: Development of territorial cooperation

 

Realization of strategic objectives and the corresponding  priorities within the present regional strategy depends on various factors - external and internal. In their change it is necessary to make changes to the document to reflect the new state associated with:

 

·         The economic situation and overcome the crisis in Bulgaria and Europe;

·         The political situation in Bulgaria and Europe;

·         Economic stability in the EU;

·         Effective utilization of funds from Structural and Cohesion Fund of the European Union and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development;

·         Investments as a result of the newly constructed Danube Bridge II;

·         Other.

 

The priorities of the Regional Development Strategy for the period 2014-2020 as wording and content are closely linked to the strategic objectives of the national and European regional policy and sub-priorities are formulated accordingly. The specific objectives dropped out the strategic part, with a view to providing a closer link with the strategic objectives ofnational regional policy. Identified priorities and sub-priorities interact at all levels, providing a complex effect on the main sectors of the regional development - economy, ecology and social development. Thus ensuring the achievement of the strategic objectives of the Regional Strategy.

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1

ACCELERATE THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF VIDIN REGION

 

PRIORITY 1.1:

Ensuring economic growth based on competitive enterprises

 
SUBPRIORITY 1.1.1: Improving the conditions for the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector through modernization of business infrastructure

Activities:

·         Establishment and development of an industrial zone;

·         Regeneration of suburban industrial zones;

·         Development of multi-modal transportation center;

·         Construction of offices to serve investors, showrooms and exhibition facilities;

·      Linking entrepreneurial environment with all elements of the technical infrastructure (quick and convenient transportation access, quality of communication communications), easy and convenient interaction with elements of market infrastructure (banking and insurance institutions, stock exchanges, etc.)., Convenient access to the various elements of the social infrastructure.

 

SUBPRIORITY 1.1.2: Administrative support and overcoming administrative barriers for business development

Activities:

·         Improvement of the information environment in general and informing

potential entrepreneurs and businesses for the necessary legal conditions and procedures for starting a business;

·         Perform system administration training, oriented towards the needs of SMEs;

·         Support initiatives for the development of services in the field of logistics;

·         Organization of regional fairs, creating the trademark area, promoting local production and protect local producers;

·         Organization and participation of economic operators in exhibitions, trade fairs, information campaigns on promoting economic relations and co-operation and marketing of their products;

·         Reducing the duration of the administrative procedures of the institutions, including through the introduction of the 'one stop shop' and electronic technologies;

·         Support partnerships between branch organizations, businesses, local institutions and authorities to overcome the administrative barriers.

 

SUBPRIORITY 1.1.3:  Improving access and development of ICT in public services and services for SMEs

Activities:

·         Development of communication infrastructure of the information society;Èçãðàæäàíå íà øèðîêîëåíòîâè êîìóíèêàöèîííè ìðåæè;

·         Improving access to and the development of online business and public services;

·         Development of contents of the services and applications at the local level, including and distal locations;

·         Support the business, including SMEs to adopt and effectively use information and communication technologies;

·         Developing skills in the population related to information and communication technologies;

·         Introduction of ICT at all levels of public services.

 

PRIORITY 1.2: INNOVATION AND PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

SUBPRIORITY 1.2.1: Development of research, technological development and innovation to support the economy

Activities:

·         Establish effective systems of cooperation between businesses, schools, universities and research institutes (lacking the last two in the field, this activity is per level region);

·         Establishment of a regional center for research, technology and innovation;

·      Development of Regional Innovation Strategy (currently developing a regional strategy will not be effective);

·      Promotion of market-oriented technological projects developed jointly by research institutes and companies;

·         Promote the transfer of technology to support inter-firm cooperation;

·          Innovations in energy efficiency and renewable energy, introduction of energy saving technologies in the enterprise.

 

SUBPRIORITY 1.2.2:  Promote the development of public-private partnerships

Activities:

·         Provide targeted technical assistance to SMEs in the development of projects under the Operational Programmes, application and delivery;

·         Creation of an industrial park to attract investors in the company for processing of fruits and vegetables (freezing, drying, canning, distillation);

·         Support of private initiatives in the establishment of micro-enterprises (souvenirs, traditional crafts, food packaging).

The latter two activities are realizable in the partnerships between private producers and public institutions. Public function must be expressed in three areas - development projects, settle ownership of the land, providing infrastructure and marketing to attract investors. The measures for stimulation of the intensive vegetable and fruit production are applied in parallel as well as assistance in recovery of irrigation systems.


SUBPRIORITY 1.2.3: Promotion of Vidin Region to potential investors and enhance the investment climate

Activities:

·         Expansion of contacts with foreign business partners, international cooperation, stimulating business contacts, organizing and participating in business forums and meetings;

·         Marketing advertising and promotion opportunities of the region and gaining approval of an image as a promising localization conditions for business success;

·         Preparation of attractive presentations of the region;

·         Preparation of quality promotional materials;

·         Preparation of the updated database with vacant land, private, municipal and state property - land and buildings.


PRIORITY 1.3: USE OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES

SUBPRIORITY 1.3.1: Preservation, restoration and promotion of cultural heritage and natural attractions in the Vidin region. Preservation of cultural traditions and craftsmanship.

Activities:

·         Develop a plan for management of cultural heritage in the region to ensure the conditions and resources for its preservation and protection;

·         Establish cooperation between local stakeholders for uniting financial efforts for the restoration, protection and maintenance of cultural monuments;

·         Development and dissemination of information materials about the need to protect the environment and cultural heritage for tourists, employees in tourist services and local people.

 
SUBPRIORITY 1.3.2: Improve conditions for tourism development in Vidin Region.

Activities:

·         Development and maintenance of specialized tourist infrastructure. Reconstruction and modernization of existing facilities;

·         Support for the development of rural and ecological tourism;

·         Improving the skills of professional and managerial staff;

·         Partnership between government institutions, NGOs and entrepreneurs and joint actions for regional tourism marketing;

·         Improvement of the work with tour operators and intensifying generic advertising to strengthen its presence in international markets;

·         Participation of the area as a destination in tourism fairs and exhibitions (directly in the country and through representatives and promotional materials-abroad);

·         Establish and maintain the website of the district and inclusion in the National Tourism Information System;

·         Development of promotional products;

·         Maintenance and creation of information centers.

           
SUBPRIORITY 1.3.3: Promoting the development of agriculture and forestry.

Activities:

·         Restoration of traditional vegetable production in the region;

·         Restoration of traditional horticulture and viticulture in the area;

·         Rehabilitation and expansion of greenhouse production;

·         Expanding the production of berries, herbs, mushrooms;

·         Investing in environmentally friendly production;

·        Creating conditions for the development of alternative agriculture;

·        Restoration of damaged hydrotechnical facilities and irrigation systems and increased irrigated areas;

·        Strengthening the institutional environment for the development of agriculture;

·        Provide a systematic and updatedmarket, technology and price information for farmers;

·        Establishment of an agricultural service and use of the achievements of applied agricultural science;

·        Coordinate the efforts of local farmers to unite in professional organizations;

·        Organization and control of markets for fruits and vegetables;

·        Survey and mapping of micro-regions suitable for irrigated agriculture by gravity method;

·         Development / updating of land management projects and zoning scheme for the crops. These projects are a necessary basis for the placement of the field infrastructure. The region needs updated, widely available zoning scheme for the crops according to soil and climatic conditions;

·        Afforestation and reducing to a minimum the felling of woodland.

 
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2

RAISING THE LIVING STANDARD OF THE POPULATION OF VIDIN REGION
 

PRIORITY 2.1: BUILD A MODERN SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND QUALITY EDUCATION

SUBPRIORITY 2.1.1: Improving the quality of health service and access.

 Activities:

·         Delivery of a modern and effective medical devices and equipment;

·         Provide access to prompt medical services in urban areas where it is lacking;

·         Easier access for disabled people to all kinds of health assistance.

 
SUBPRIORITY 2.1.2: Balancing and improving the educational system in Vidin region.   

Activities:

·         New equipment and ICT in secondary education;

·         Implementation of energy efficiency measures in buildings of educational infrastructure, including renovation, window replacement and more.;

·         Modernization of the facilities and buildings;

·         Restructuring of specialized secondary schools with outdated profiles;

·         Establishing partnerships with private businesses aimed at improving education and bringing it closer to the practice with a focus on professional and specialized training.

Project: Opening of a branch of higher educational institution in Vidin

 
On the territory of Vidin Region there is no university and throughout northwestern Bulgaria there is no such offering agricultural specialty. Given that Vidin sets as a priority the development of agriculture, the opening of branch of University will facilitate the revival of agriculture and the traditions associated with it. As main advantages of Vidin Region to implement this project we can mention:

    Fertile soil;
    Opportunities for irrigation;
    Traditional occupation of the population;

·         Geographic location - proximity with Serbia and Romania, and a well developed infrastructure with them will attract students from these countries;

·         Political and public support.

 
SUBPRIORITY 2.1.3: Creating conditions for the development of sports and public recreation in Vidin.           

Activities:

·         Major repair works, reconstruction and modernization of public buildings and their facilities;

·         Restore and promote traditional sports of the region and increase the sports culture of the population.

 
PRIORITY 2.2: STABILIZATION AND INCREASING EMPLOYMENT

SUBPRIORITY 2.2.1: Optimizing the management of programs related to employment

Activities:

·         Directing the programs of labor offices to invest in people with higher intellectual potential, not only in limiting them in the contingent of skilled unemployed;

·         Focusing on training and retraining programs for current / prospective economic profile and demand in the labor market;

·         Develop programs for temporary employment, which are an alternative to the provision of social benefits.

SUBPRIORITY 2.2.2: Realization of targeted employment programs

Activities:

·         Creating opportunities for alternative production;

·         Programmes funded a small family business and private initiatives to create a microfirm (souvenirs, traditional crafts, food packaging);

·         Targeted assistance programs for regions with high unemployment.

·         Reorientation of activities employing people.

 

SUBPRIORITY 2.2.3:  Provide a variety of job opportunities and better employment of the population

Activities:

·         Informing the employers and the unemployed for employment stipulated in the National Action Plan for Employment;

·          Implementation of new techniques and methods of work towards a comprehensive and quality services to job seekers;

·         Development of an information system about the workforce sought by investors and the relevant proposed professionals;

·         Develop skills in support of local economic activity and enhancing the adaptability of human resources;

·          Services for self-employment;

·         Support for training of entrepreneurs and self-employed.

 
PRIORITY 2.3: IMPROVING QUALITY OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND PUBLIC SERVICES


SUBPRIORITY 2.3.1: Stimulating Lifelong Learning  


Activities:

·         Adult literacy and youth who have dropped out of education through the development of distance learning;

·         Implementation of policies for training and professional lifelong learning to enhance adaptive capacity, labor productivity, including policy in relation to the aging workforce.

 

SUBPRIORITY 2.3.2: Creating conditions for deinstitutionalisation of social services and the development of community based services to overcome social exclusion and isolation of risk groups.

Activities:

·         Enhancing social inclusion of disadvantaged people and people with disabilities;

·         Priority funding of infrastructure for implementation of the Regional Strategy for social services including protected homes, community support centers, centers for family-type accommodation and more.

·         Improve social services for people exposed to social exclusion and minorities;

·         Financial support for the use of various types of services to the socially oriented groups - the disabled, orphans and marginalized communities, children from orphanages and others. for their socialization / cards for public transport, heating in winter, rental housing and more. /.

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3

CONNECTIVITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIAL COOPERATION AND TO ACHIEVE BALANCED AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

PRIORITY 3.1: Development of technical infrastructure in  Vidin region

 
• Construction of a gas pipeline and linking Vidin with the national gas grid.

Other activities:

·         Introduction of energy systems and alternative energy sources;

·         Optimization of energy consumption;

·         Promotion of the program for repairing concrete blocks.

SUBPRIORITY 3.1.2: Improving access to water supply and sewerage systems
    

Activities:

·         Repair and reconstruction of water supply networks;

·         Repair and construction of sewer networks;

·         Design and construction of water treatment plants for municipal wastewater;

·         Construction of infrastructure for drinking water supply, including treatment plants for drinking water;

·         Use opportunities for integrated water use for the production of electricity, water and irrigation for agricultural land.

 

SUBPRIORITY 3.1.3: Developing urban settlements in Vidin region

 
·         Improvement and expansion of small-scale infrastructure in small communities and rural areas;

·         Preservation of Local cultural and natural heritage;

·         Building infrastructure for recreation

·         Build in all rural municipalities Tourist Information Centre and marking of tourist sites;

·         Providing access to educational, health and social services in the municipal centers;

·         The introduction of broadband Internet access for all municipalities.

 

SUBPRIORITY 3.1.4: Ensuring sustainable and harmonious urban planning in the territory

Activities:

·         Provision of updated cadastral maps and making plans for the development of settlements and settlement formations;

·         Provision of updated cadastral maps and making spatial plans for the development of settlements and residential formations;

 

PRIORITY 3.2: DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN  VIDIN REGION

SUBPRIORITY 3.2.1:  Improvement of existing and construction of new road infrastructure


The most important projects are coming:

 

·         Design and construction of high-speed road Vidin- Montana-Vratsa-Botevgrad;

·         Construction of a section of Ruzhintsi Dimovo-road E79;

·         Construction of a tunnel through Petrokhan passage;

·         Rehabilitation and reconstruction of the national road network 2nd and 3rd Class;

·         Rehabilitation and reconstruction of municipal road and street network in the settlements.

 

SUBPRIORITY 3.2.2:  Construction of railway infrastructure

·         Modernization of the railway line Sofia-Vidin.

 

SUBPRIORITY 3.2.3:  Improving infrastructure along the the Danube River

Activities:

·         Modernizing, strengthening and further development of protective facilities against high waters of the Danube;

·         Protection of the banks and soil along the Danube from water and wind erosion;

·         Strengthening of landslides;

·         Construction of a logistics center adjacent to the Danube Bridge.

 

PRIORITY 3.3: PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT

SUBPRIORITY 3.3.1: Providing safe and harmless treatment of municipal and industrial waste.

            Basic project:

·          Construction of a regional waste disposal site in Vidin region.

 

SUBPRIORITY 3.3.2: Construction of environmental infrastructure

Activities:

·         Conduct an active information campaign about the value and quality of the environment in the region;

·         Introduction of environmental education and training at various levels in order to obtain ecologically thinking / in schools, institutions, private companies /;

·         Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources. / renewables /;

·         Construction of supporting infrastructure for protection of the environment / near monuments, tourist sites, border checkpoints, etc.. /

 

SUBPRIORITY 3.3.3: To maintain biodiversity by expanding the network of protected areas and protected landscapes, including cultural landscapes

PRIORITY 3.4: DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIAL COOPERATION

SUBPRIORITY 3.4.1: Development of cross-border cooperation Bulgaria - Romania and Bulgaria - Serbia.

SUBPRIORITY 3.4.2: Development of interregional and transnational cooperation

 
Activities:

·         On 18th-20th April 2012 Bulgarian delegation led by the Regional Governor of Vidin, including representatives of big business and mayors, was on an official visit to Ortenau region.

·         On 28th and 29th June 2012 Italian delegation from the Lombardy region was on an official visit to Vidin. The delegation from Italy were private contractors in construction, real estate, plants for the production of electricity from biogas, metalworking, production of components for cars and motorcycles, construction of treatment plants for drinking water and wastewater engineering, reconstruction existing etc..

·         From 29th September 2012 to 07th October 2012  Regional Administration participated in the exhibition - Upper Rhine 2012, Offenburg, Germany. Vidin region successfully presented their production, services and tourism to potential German investors and entrepreneurs.

·         From 19th to 22th November 2012., by invitation of the Confederation of Industrialists Leko, the Regional Governor of Vidin and business representatives from the region attended the Leko province, Lombardy, Italy. The delegation participated in conference, on which economic situation in Vidin was presented, legal framework, financial and administrative policies and specific business opportunities in the region.

·         In the period January - 20 February 2012. were held a series of meetings with RARIS Zaichar, Republic of Serbia on the development and application of two projects under the IPA CBC Bulgaria-Serbia.          

 

SUBPRIORITY 3.4.3: Initiate and participate in projects on national and international programs.

Projects:

·        TRANSDANUBE project on Transnational cooperation program Southeastern Europe. The project was launched in October 2012. Regional Administration participates as a partner in the project with a leading partner Environment Agency - Austria.

The project focuses on various forms of sustainable mobility and integrated regional and tourism development in the partner regions of the Danube countries.

The main objective is the development of "sustainable mobility" in the pilot regions along the Danube, incl. transport by train, bus and boat to facilitate the concept of sustainable mobility in the whole Danube region.

·         "Work To" project on CBC IPA Bulgaria - Serbia, a leading candidate - Regional Administration of Vidin Region, Partner - RARIS, Republic of Serbia

The project objective is creating sustainable network for cross-border cooperation and development and seeks to enhance the socio-economic and investment climate in the border region Vidin-Timok by building networks of cooperation between institutions on both sides of the border and to create conditions for business development and investment attraction.

·           „Knowledge base” project on CBC IPA Bulgaria - Serbia, a leading candidate – Faculty of Management, Zaichar, Partner - Regional Administration of Vidin Region and RARIS, Republic of Serbia

 

The project objective is to improve the region's ability to deal with major regional problems by pooling resources and sharing information.

The project implementation will allow for systematic knowledge and resources in four priority areas (Infrastructure, Agriculture, Environment, Tourism) and make them available to the people of the region and for anyone who is interested.

 

Regional Marketing Strategy

REVISED DOCUMENT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY OF VIDIN REGION 2009-2013