Brussels, 12/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - European Industry and Entrepreneurship Commissioner Antonio Tajani, speaking after the adoption of an opinion on industrial policy by the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) on Tuesday 11 October, said that he was happy to include the regions and cities in the European growth and competitive industry strategy. Keen to encourage entrepreneurship, Tajani called on the regions to, for example, put in place “SME ambassadors”, who would provide a strong network in support of the Small Business Act. He also invited the CoR to take part in the informal Councils on tourism, a key industry for Europe's regions. “Our constructive co-operation with the Committee of the Regions is essential to ensure delivery, as many of the key decisions on issues such as infrastructure, skills, and regulations are taken at regional level”, he said, in his response to CoR recommendations on an integrated industrial policy that promotes competitiveness and sustainable development. These recommendations were contained in an opinion by Patxi López (PES, Spain), President of the Basque country, which was adopted unanimously, without any amendment, by the CoR that same day. “We need to make sure that Europe does not fall behind in the globalisation era. Boosting industry to make it competitive at global level must be compatible with economic and social development, and respect for the environment”, López said. In his opinion, he recommends a more prominent role be given to regional and local authorities which provide essential support services to SMEs. CoR President Mercedes Bresso stated that there can be no strong industrial base if there is no driver in all the regions. (MD/transl.rt)