5.5. Collaboration The recognition of the importance of local economic development in contributing to economic growth, employment generation and equity by the IDC underpins its policy to partner with provincial and municipal development agencies. The Committee commends this endeavour. However, it would have liked to learn more about the challenges and success stories in this endeavour. Furthermore, the question arose as to whether the provincial and municipal agencies were not better placed to deal with the lower-end of the market.