Mar 28, 2006. /Lesprom Network/. An international workshop entitled Politics Promoting Investment and Innovation in Rural Development opened on Monday in Slovakian village of Sielnica, near Zvolen (Banska Bystrica region), TASR reported. There are over 80 politicians, economists and scientists in attendance from 20 countries that are involved in matters of investment, innovation and rural development. "It is paramount for us to sustain rural development along with the essential development of forests (management), which are closely related areas," said Slovak agriculture minister Zsolt Simon. Conclusions to be adopted by politicians during the drafting and implementation of environmental and forest management laws will be important, Simon said. The three-day workshop is aimed at discussing investment and innovation in forest harvesting in order to bolster the competitiveness and economic efficiency of rural development. On the last day (Wednesday) of the event, its organizer from Zvolen, the National Forestry Centre, will run excursions to near by Cierny Balog, Brezno and Vydrovska Dolina to present forestry as one of the key elements in reducing unemployment in the hilly areas.