The general presentation of the Dnipropetrovsk region was held in the conference hall of the Committee of the Regions of the European Union in Brussels on 12 April 2012.
The event aimed at presenting investment and economic advantages of Dnipropetrovsk as the most competitive and economically developed region of Ukraine.
In the welcoming address to the participants of the event, Representative of Ukraine to the EU Kostiantyn Yelisieiev stressed that the European development of Ukraine, in particular its economic integration with the EU, depends on successful regional development. “I believe that the heart of the European integration beats in the regions. If the regions are successful, integration to the EU will be successful too”, he said.
The Ambassador noted the importance of the Association agreement including deep and comprehensive free trade area and of introduction of visa free regime between Ukraine and the EU for facilitation of people-to-people and business contacts and for further economic growth of Dnipropetrovsk and other regions of Ukraine. “I am very pleased that for the first time we hold this presentation in the central premises of the Committee of the Regions. This is a very good sign as before presentations of such a level were held only by EU regions. Therefore, I believe we can speak about a breakthrough in the regional dimension of the cooperation with the EU”, he added.
During the presentation Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Administration Oleksandr Vilkul noted that success of huge transformations initiated in Ukraine on effective cooperation of the authorities with business, investors, and civil society. In this sense he believes that Dnipropetrovsk region is a good example of successful regional governance in Ukraine. It is proved by growing direct foreign investments, positive trade balance, and high international credit ratings of the region.
O.Vilkul informed about main projects in transport, construction, energy efficiency, environment protection including waste management, and agriculture that are already implemented or are planned in near future. He called on the EU business to come to Dnipropetrovsk and assured of the readiness of the Dnipropetrovsk authorities to study in detail every proposal.
Commenting to Ukrainian journalists on Dnipropetrovsk expectations from international presentation of the region, O.Vilkul said: “We presented both the potential of the region and those positive changes that are already taking place in the region. This is the reform of the administrative bureaucracy, licensing procedures, deregulation and the changes that take place in social sector, such as health and education reforms”. He informed about plans to hold presentations in key European and world investment centres in order to get contacts and attract investments to create new jobs and modernize the region.
The event was attended by Secretary General of the Committee of the Regions G.Stahl, heads of directorates of the European Commission, members of the European Parliament. Separate presentations were held by Chairman of the Dnipropetrvosk Regional Council Y.Udod, Deputy Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration A.Muksimov, Director of Dnipropetrovsk Investment Agency A.Komirnoy.