January 2, 2012
Non-governmental Organisations Become Active Local Government Partners

On 2 January 2012, CEMEX Opportunity Fund launched a project of active operation of non-governmental organisations aimed at facilitating participation of the latter in the decision-making processes and the provision of public services in local authorities.

“The aim of the project is to make the non-governmental sector of Saldus and Brocēni counties a more active partner for local governments for representing the interests of residents. NGO representatives will have an opportunity to visit a number of the European Union member states that will let them study more effective engagement of residents, participation in planning of the future development of the local authority and provision of public services, for example, social services,” related Ilga Ķuze, the head of CEMEX Opportunity Fund.

The project includes the development of a publicly available regional NGO database, exchange of best practices and experiences between Latvian and foreign organisations and the creation of organisation awareness in local authorities. At the end of the project a report on practices that can be used to improve the cooperation between NGOs and local governments will be presented to the local governments.

The project Activation of Non-governmental Organisations in Saldus and Brocēni Counties covers more than 130 non-governmental organisations. The project is administered by the Latvian Society Integration Foundation within the framework of the European Social Fund Programme and it is implemented by the Association for the Development of Saldus District in cooperation with the CEMEX Opportunity Fund until the end of the year 2012 with an aim to facilitate the development of Saldus and Brocēni Counties.

Additional information:
The CEMEX Opportunity Fund is an initiative founded in 2007 by the limited liability company SIA CEMEX with an aim to support the development of Saldus and Brocēni counties by allowing the residents themselves to decide upon the priorities of development. The project evaluation commission consists of four representatives of the society and three representatives of the company. In total, 134 projects have already been implemented through project competitions, presently to be joined by 15 new projects.

CEMEX is one of the world leaders in the production of construction materials. CEMEX started its business in Latvia in 2005 by acquiring the cement production plant in Brocēni. In July 2007, in Brocēni, CEMEX officially launched the construction of the most advanced cement plant in Europe. CEMEX has invested more than 275 million euro in the development of the new cement plant in Brocēni, which is the largest investment in the Latvian industry since regaining independence. In 2011, CEMEX became the best Latvian export company, gaining the 1st place of the Export and Innovation Award with the nomination for “Best Exporter”. More information about the company available at www.cemex.lv

Additional information:
Ilga Ķuze
Head of CEMEX Opportunity Fund
Tel. +371 67033520;
Mob. +371 26311363;
Email: ilga.kuze@ext.cemex.com