The idea to establish the Economic Development Advisory Board came as the Municipality got acquainted with the achievements of the Bulgarian and the American municipalities under the Bulgarian Technical Twinning Program .

On January 11, 2006, the mayor hosted a meeting with local businesses. More than 70 companies were invited . Of them , 65 attended the meeting , together with the Veliko Tarnovo regional governor and the chair of the Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipal Council. The idea for the advisory board was mentioned at the meeting and was embraced by the participants. The membership of the advisory board was elected at the end of the meeting: 13 permanent members representing the companies .

Later, by-laws and regulations for the functioning of the advisory board were adopted. A decision was made to have three former mayors attend its meetings in the capacity of honorary members .

Since its establishment , the advisory board has had eight meetings . The topics discussed at the meetings include: 2006 and 2007 municipal draft budgets; draft city master plan for 2006 - 2025; available lots and buildings and opportunities for public-private partnerships; nominations for the Municipality’s Annual Award for Contribution to the Economy; opportunities for joint businesses with Russian companies; a meeting with the minister of transport and other important issues related to the development of the municipality .

The following specific results may be outlined :

Implementation of a public - private partnership for park renovation in the town ; discussion of the condition of municipal - owned companies and the opportunities for their development ; presentation of a street reconstruction investment project by municipal debt issue ; discussion of public - private partnership opportunities and preparation of internal rules ; mayor ’ s field admission days at the companies , etc .

The Economic Development Advisory Board initiated a public - private partnership for the renovation of the Gorna Oryahovitsa parks . 95 benches and 10 children’s installations were provided with financial support from the local companies .

The Economic Development Advisory Board in Gorna Oryahovitsa is becoming an active form of specific involvement of business managers in solving the problems faced by the local community .

For contacts :

Municipality of Gorna Oryahovitsa, 5, Georgi Izmirliev Sq.

Petya Komitova

Department Head

Local Economic Development and European Integration