Brussels, 08/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - This year, the Open Days will introduce a new concept, by stressing the international dimension of regional policy (see also EUROPE 9517). More than 200 experts from third countries and international organisations will be able to take advantage of two seminars to debate the approaches to be used in order to support the convergence of the regions and their competitiveness. With the benefit of structured dialogue on regional policy linked with China and Russia, these seminars aim to favour mutual understanding and information on issues such as the drafting, implementation and governance of policies.
The seminar with China, at ministerial and at expert level, was held on Monday 8 October, and the one with Russia, Brazil and other countries will take place this Tuesday 9 October.
The Chinese first vice minister, Du Ying (Ed: of the committee on development and national reform) and the European commissioner for regional policy, Danuta Hübner, took part in the seminar of 8 October, when working groups were also held, bringing together Chinese and European experts, politicians, representatives of the world of business, finance and civil society organisations. Danuta Hübner told this seminar that “the challenges that we must face today are similar when they are caused by economic regional disparities. In spite of China's rapid economic growth, I believe that our regional policy, which has already proved its worth in Europe, can offer China ideas to help it to manage its future in a globalised world”. (gb)