The objective of the project is to contribute to the development of IMC in Macedonia in support of the achievement of one of the main objectives of decentralization i.e. the efficient provision of affordable and quality public services to citizens and to ensure the institutional and professional capacities needed. Ultimately, the project seeks to establish an effective and sustainable system for supporting IMC in Macedonia which would be adopted and expended by the government through its own policies and resources

The overall strategy of the project is to create the necessary human and institutional capacities for implementation of IMC and develop financial scheme that will enable implementation of IMC on a national scale. More specifically, the project will focus on activities aimed at:

1) building a critical mass of knowledge and capacity for replication of existing IMC practices and implementation of new models of IMC in the areas of municipal competences;

2) establishing an effective financial mechanism to support municipalities identify IMC opportunities, initiate and implement IMC activities;

3) establishing an IMC knowledge management system that collects, systematize and disseminate information on IMC as a means to raise awareness, knowledge and capacities on an ongoing basis and stimulate the replication of good practices;

4) facilitating an ongoing policy dialogue between central government, municipalities, donor communities, financial institutions and private sector for coordinated strategic approach and national policies in support of IMC.

The central government, local authorities and local administration are the strategic counterparts and beneficiaries of the project. Through training and exchange of experience and technical and financial assistance municipalities will acquire knowledge and skills to identify and implement IMC initiatives for optimization of administrative procedures and management structures for joint provision of services to citizens.

Central governments will be supported to develop policies and to define financial incentives to stimulate the process of IMC in the country.