Viana do Castelo Strategic Plan 2009-2013 take account of a prospective analysis of several local dynamics and its background conditions, including the way as the macroeconomic and social trends induce the future and the strategic mains objectives of Viana do Castelo development. The diagnostic exercise has been able to identify the key critical issues of the local development process. Supported on the strategic analysis, the study outline a vision and the strategic goals for Viana do Castelo in the next years, 2009-2013. It also delineates the different lines of action which structure the Action Plan, divided in nine thematic domains: Strategic Economic Clusters and Ranks and Other Economic Sectors; Rural Milieu; Employment and Training; Social Cohesion; Culture, Identity and Creativity; Internal and External Connectivity; Coast and River Waterfronts; Urban Revitalization and Vibrancy; Cooperation and Governance.

The study methodology allows the Local Authority Team and the Technical Consultancy Team to design together the crucial elements of the Plan Proposals and Actions. During all the planning process has been called to participate several stakeholders, including local and regional institutions and the main Department Heads of Câmara Municipal de Viana do Castelo. They all contribute for identifying the mains local challenges and the way that the Local Authority can, proactively, optimize the main advantages and reduce local strengths. A last allusion for the effort made by Technical Team in order to articulate the Strategic Plan with a Local Marketing Plan, which was also in course at the same time.