This paper introduces a framework for discussing impediments to sustainable economic growth and development. The challenges to regional development can be broadly characterised under: Macroeconomic, Productivity and Competitiveness, Human Development, and Environmental. These issues persist against a backdrop of an ambitious, yet stagnant, regional integration agenda and other implementation gaps that further restrict governments' ability to achieve economic growth and development objectives.
This paper presents a vision for regional economic transformation, underpinned by specific strategies with achievable objectives. The effectiveness of these strategies depends on recognition of the importance of building resilience in all aspects of development.