Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZ REDA)

Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZ REDA) has long adopted a comprehensive approach to enhancing the economic potential and social welfare of the Stara Zagora region through a variety of strategies that are fundamentally aligned with the principles of democratizing just sustainability transition in more than one way, with inclusivity and equity ranking at the top. The initiatives aim to engage a broad spectrum of societal actors, including local and regional authorities, businesses, SMEs, and the general public. This approach ensures that the benefits of economic growth and sustainability efforts are accessible to all, promoting social equity. Furthermore, initiatives dedicated to education, training, and capacity building empower local communities by providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to participate in and contribute to the sustainability transition. This fosters a sense of ownership and agency among community members, essential for democratic engagement.

The initiatives and strategies outlined by SZ REDA contribute to democratizing the just sustainability transition by promoting inclusivity, equity, environmental stewardship, community empowerment, collaborative action, and long-term resilience. Through these efforts, the Stara Zagora region is positioned to achieve sustainable economic growth while addressing social and environmental challenges, embodying the principles of a just and democratic transition to sustainability.

The main activities of the Stara Zagora Regional Economic Development Agency (SZ REDA) include:

• Providing surveys and analysis of Stara Zagora’s regional economy, including the design and implementation of strategies for economic development.
• Developing and implementing projects to solve significant social issues by mobilizing local resources and attracting outside resources.
• Providing office space, information, and advisory services to SMEs, local governments, government institutions, and NGOs, as well as identifying business contacts and financing opportunities.
• Organizing training and re-training programs to meet the requirements of economies in the process of development and restructuring.
• Organizing meetings, exhibitions, and fairs to promote local business; assisting participation in trade exhibitions and business forums in the country and abroad.

Find out more about SZ REDA: https://former.szeda.eu/bg/