I am now back in Stockholm from a couple of interesting days in a sunny (!) Belfast. The NILGA (Northern Ireland Local Government Association) seminar was held in the very nice Riddel Hall. I made a presentation of how local government finance is connected to growth and gave an overview of the trend to create Municipal Bond Agencies in Europe and elsewhere.
Among other good presentations, it was, in particular, interesting for me to hear Andrew Dickson, when he spoke about the East/West Scotland Investment Fund. This is an entity, owned by Scottish Local Authorities, which ensures that SMEs have access to finance. This is an example that could be replicated in other countries.
Lars M Andersson
