Vladimirci - Strategy

The SWOT analysis revealed comparative advantages in agriculture and food production. Vladimirci has an excellent climate and fertile soil for fruits, vegetables, and fodder. Therefore, the strategy focuses on modernization of agriculture and food production and processing, protection and preservation of agricultural land, and introducing organic cultivation methods.

Thermal waters are an excellent resource to extend the farming season for vegetables and fruits that are in high demand year round. In addition, Vladimirci’s clean environment (soil, air, water), protected natural resources, and strong traditions present a good climate for growing organic foods. Vladimirci has excellent conditions and experience for cattle breeding, as well as close proximity to larger towns and neighboring countries to easily move goods to market. The municipality also has excellent potential for development of hunting and recreational tourism. Rich natural hunting areas and an established tradition and networks of hunters from abroad provide a strong base from which to re-introduce hunting tourism.

The analysis showed that infrastructure limits economic growth due to its poor condition and lack of maintenance. In spite of the municipality’s excellent location and proximity to cities and large markets, growers and businesses have difficulties taking advantage of this proximity due to poor road conditions.

While the municipality has potential in natural, quality water sources, the water distribution system must be rehabilitated and modernized to support increases in agriculture food production. This is a primary concern that must be addressed.

The electric power supply network covers the entire municipality, but substations, transmission lines, and the low-voltage grid require immediate attention due to age and lack of repair. Electric power supply is not reliable and citizens and businesses experience periods of electric supply fluctuation.

The Vladimirci LED Team concluded that the condition of waste water and solid waste management systems are also threats to economic growth, jeopardizing the favorable conditions for organic food production, tourism, and environmental protection.

In summary, Vladimirci’s comparative advantages lay in agriculture, organic food, and tourism.

The assessment of the support provided by the local administration to business revealed weaknesses in land and business documentation, business registration, and policies supporting new small businesses. Vladimirci lacks policies, sufficiently trained officials, and incentives to encourage and support growth of current local businesses and new investment . Information and cooperation between the local government and businesses must also be improved.

The Tasks Ahead

The Vladimirci LED team developed the following vision statement:

"In 2010Vladimirci is a community of contented people and an attractive place for investment. The community is well known for natural organic foods, grown under healthy conditions in a beautiful, protected environment.”

We plan to realize our goals as follows:

• Improved municipal capacity to support and assist economic development . Revised zoning and simplified business registration and licensing procedures will help our municipal administration to more efficiently and effectively serve citizens and businesses. We also plan projects to stimulate and support business associations and clusters in food production and tourism.

• Improved infrastructure to support economic growth. We have plans for projects to improve power and water supply. We also plan to improve roads and construct a gas pipe line to support economic development.

• Modern technologies in agriculture and food production. In line with improved conditions for agriculture and a protected environment, we will support growing organic foods. We have identified projects for the use of environmentally friendly energy sources and introduction of modern methodologies and food processing.

The strategy contains 45 projects within 29 programs to carry out our goals and objectives.

The citizens of Vladimirci believes that implementation of this strategy will move our municipality toward the new economic trends sweeping Europe. We invite donors and investors to join us in this challenging effort.

The “Economic DevelopmentStrategy of Vladimirci Municipality 2006-2010” can be found in its entirety at www.vladimirci.org.yu.