Development Plan Commission Calls for Strengthened Coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Planning

Thursday, the Commission on Development Plans and Major Projects under the National Council of Regions and Districts highlighted the need to reinforce coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Planning to ensure the proper implementation of the 2026‑2030 Development Plan.

The goal is to improve the efficiency of development programmes and promote balanced growth across the country’s regions.

Key Points from the Meeting

Purpose of the session – The commission met to examine issues related to the development plan and regional development. It stressed the importance of building on previous reports and recommendations when drafting the new plan.
Modernising programmes – Members called for strengthening and modernising specific development programmes so they better meet regional needs and foster greater territorial equity.
Previously raised challenges – Participants recalled several difficulties highlighted in earlier hearings with development offices, including:
- Lack of coordination between central and regional structures.
- Delays in executing certain programmes due to slow administrative procedures for releasing funds.

Recommendations Formulated

Empower Development Offices – Expand the prerogatives of regional development offices.
Harmonise Strategic Vision – Align the strategic vision at the regional level.
Improve Stakeholder Coordination – Enhance coordination among all actors involved in the planning and implementation process.

Ministry’s Presentation

Representatives of the Ministry outlined the role of development offices in the planning process, emphasizing that effective governance of programmes is essential for project success. They also identified several implementation obstacles:

Limited financial resources.
Difficulties in selecting contractors for execution, which can cause delays and cost overruns.

Commission’s Perspective

The development plan is seen as an opportunity to translate regional expectations into concrete actions.
The commission pledged to integrate regional priorities, noting that the participatory approach adopted has uncovered a substantial number of projects that address local needs.

Discussion on Programme Efficiency

Some participants suggested better coordination—or even merging—certain mechanisms, such as the Regional Development Programme and the Integrated Development Programme, to boost impact.
There was a call to restructure development offices in line with the new regional delineation.

Final Remarks

All participants stressed the necessity of orienting development programmes toward reducing regional disparities and combating marginalisation. They also advocated for the establishment of periodic evaluation mechanisms to:

Identify emerging difficulties.
Adjust projects accordingly.

The commission’s recommendations aim to create a more cohesive, efficient, and equitable development framework for the 2026‑2030 period, ensuring that every region can benefit from targeted investments and coordinated governance.