On September 21, the first day of the Regional Economic Forum was opened by Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Economy of Ukraine. The framework of the Forum included a Strategic Session to develop proposals for the country’s economic recovery with the participation of representatives of central and local authorities. In total, the event was attended by over 200 representatives of local authorities, including those who had escaped the occupation and continued to run local governments in new cities.
“Supporting entrepreneurial initiatives during the war, returning Ukrainians who have fled, creating new jobs, attracting investment – all these issues are on the agenda of both the Government and local authorities. There should be high-quality cooperation between central and local authorities. So, together we are creating the conditions for business to develop in the regions and for Ukraine to become a country where even the most ambitious business dreams can be realised,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.
In particular, the participants discussed issues such as creating new jobs, returning people who have moved abroad, developing small and medium-sized businesses, attracting foreign investment, supporting veteran entrepreneurship, increasing the capacity to formulate and implement recovery projects and improving interaction with central authorities.
“For our country, the most critical task is to win the war. At present, all macro-financial assistance from international partners is used to cover the budget deficit and provide social benefits. Our other needs, including the Armed Forces and the purchase of weapons, are financed by taxes and fees paid to the budget. Therefore, it is essential that business operates and develops. The Government, together with the regions, is developing even more business support mechanisms, working on a strategy for the return of Ukrainians from abroad, economic development and post-war reconstruction,” the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine added. (Government portal/Business World Magazine)