THE Government is looking to the new South East England Development Agency to lift the region's economy.

Visiting Seeda headquarters to reinforce the Government's commitment to Regional Development Agencies Hilary Armstrong, Minister for the Regions, said: "The RDAs are best placed to identify and address the key issues and opportunities in each region and to feed these issues through to the Government to help shape national policies.

Mrs Armstrong pledged a close partnership between Government and all the RDAs to deliver tangible benefits. She said: "It is vitally important for Seeda to make a powerful impact on the South East region and demonstrate that RDAs really can make a difference. "I am utterly convinced of the need for RDAs and believe they are every bit as important in the south of England as in my own home, the North East."

Thanking Seeda for its progress in such a short time it only became operational in April 1999 she praised the agency for bringing strength and cohesion to regional development in the South East.

She also commended Seeda on its regional economic strategy, which was prepared with wide consultation with businesses, organisations and individuals. She said the agency was providing a strong framework for future economic growth in the South East, benefiting the local population and the nation as a whole.

The Minister applauded the strategy for highlighting the direct link between raising the region's skills base and the aim of boosting business competitiveness.

She was welcomed on her visit to Seeda headquarters by chairman, Allan Willett, and chief executive, Anthony Dunnett. Mr Willett said: Seeda is looking forward to helping the South East meet the challenges and opportunities ahead."

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