The purpose of local economic development is to build the economic competitiveness of a local area to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all.

The purpose of local economic development is to build the economic competitiveness of a local area to improve its economic future and the quality of life for all.

Local economic development is a process by which public, business and the non-governmental sector work collectively to create better conditions for economic growth and employment generation.

It stimulates the local economy to grow, compete and create more jobs.

Local economic development also aims at improving an area's infrastructure, enhancing access to business development services and training workers.

It also helps enhance some of the less obvious elements like business savvy and seeks to make better use of locally available resources. - From the Local Economic Development Network on www.led.co.za.