29. To ensure that they both benefit persons belonging to national minorities and promote friendly relations and economic co-operation between States, bilateral or cross-border investments in areas inhabited by minorities should be undertaken by mutual agreement and in accordance with international law. The relevant communities should be included in the design of such projects. National minorities are often concentrated in border regions and sometimes form long-standing, cross-border communities with significant social, economic and cultural links spanning neighbouring States. The central authorities may overlook the needs of border regions, and their peripheral situation may be associated with a less well-developed infrastructure. At the same time, a great deal of economic potential exists in promoting and supporting cross-border investments and trade and encouraging local authorities in border regions to intensify exchanges and collaboration to develop and exploit the untapped economic potential of these areas, including by providing institutional, administrative and economic support and tools. Agreements to strengthen cross-border co-operation and encourage investments in areas inhabited by national minorities may have a significant positive impact on these communities, as well as everyone else living in such areas, and may also contribute to prosperity and friendly relations on both sides.156 States should ensure that persons belonging to national minorities are actively involved in the development and implementation of such initiatives, share equitably in their benefits and are able to establish and maintain free and peaceful contacts and develop cultural and economic links across borders.157 Unilateral cross-border investment initiatives undertaken without consultation, and on an ethnic rather than on a territorial basis, may cause tensions. Even when agreed by all parties involved, cross-border investment by one State to benefit a locality or region in a neighbouring State does not absolve the State of residence of its responsibility to protect and promote the rights of national minorities, including their social and economic rights. Bilateral or cross-border investments which involve all sides of a border, and where national minorities are also consulted and involved in the design of such projects, are more likely to benefit all parties concerned and promote friendly relations between and within States. 156 Bolzano/Bozen Recommendations, Recommendations 16 and 17; and FCNM, article 18. 157 Bolzano/Bozen Recommendations, Recommendation 8; and Ljubljana Guidelines, Guideline 40. Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Social and Economic Life 59