Background
6. On 6 March 2006, Cabinet agreed that economic transformation was to be one of the government's three priorities for the next decade (CAB Min (06) 7/22). Transformation of the economy will be driven by improved productivity in firms, but this must be underpinned by a supportive business environment. A sound macro-economic environment is essential, as is the requirement that our national policy settings in areas like science, skills and infrastructure support the government's economic development goals.
7. One area that has not had much attention is the influence of local and regional factors on the business environment. This is where I see government's main interest in regional economic development. This paper outlines how existing government mechanisms can be reconfigured to support a regional business environment that will help develop, attract and retain globally competitive firms.
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