São Paulo launches regional development program
Agência FAPESP
The Development Secretariat of São Paulo launched the State Program of Regional Development, with the aim of supporting the elaboration of studies and plans aimed at the local progress of different regions of the state. The measure foresees investment of the state in projects of regional influences that are focused on improving the competitiveness of the economy and generating jobs and income for the population. According to the Secretariat, the program also includes infrastructure projects and public services that bring significant impacts on regional development. Signed by Governor Alberto Goldman, the Decree No. 56.413/2010, which instituted the program, was published on the 20th in the Official Gazette of the State.
To participate in the program, the projects must involve issues related to the structuring of production lines, professional training, technological support, promotion of the entrepreneurship and assistance to micro, small and medium businesses, besides environmental quality programs, actions in infrastructure and public services. Municipalities, municipal consortia, foundations and associations of regional and sectoral development, may request funds, they should assume a return of 20% of the amount of the service contracted. Interested parties must also submit a local development project, involving at least two municipalities in the areas of regional economics, public services, professional qualification and sustainable development. The request must contain the following information: strategic objectives, participants, main goals, investments, expected results and of regional or interregional impacts.
In addition to the newly released State Program of Regional Development, the Department Secretariat has other actions aimed at regional development, as the Program of Technological Support to Municipalities (PATEM) and the State Program of Promotion to the Local Productive Arrangements (APLs). Together, these programs have invested about R$ 15 million (US$ 8.8 million) over the past four years, benefiting more than 100 counties.
For further information: http://www.desenvolvimento.sp.gov.br/