During a working trip to the Vinnytsia region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the National Council of Reforms outlining a number of changes that need to be implemented in Ukraine as a matter of priority to improve the business climate.
"This format of regional meetings of the National Council of Reforms or meetings of our deputies, or government meetings in the regions of Ukraine suggests that the reforms are not taking place on Bankova Street, in the Verkhovna Rada or in the Cabinet of Ministers. They are primarily for people. That is why I am very pleased that we have chosen such a regional format,” the Head of State said at the beginning of the meeting.
The President spoke in favor of continuing the practice of holding meetings of the National Council of Reforms in various regions of Ukraine.
"People will be involved in our work and will understand why and for whom we are doing it," he added.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that before this meeting of the National Council of Reforms he had a meaningful conversation with students of Vinnytsia National Technical University.
"Important bills should be the result of our National Council of Reforms. And then - most importantly. To vote for this or that law is one thing, and to implement it and really reform our country for the sake of such students, for their future is completely different," the President said.
The participants of the meeting focused on the discussion of three reforms: the State Architectural and Construction Inspectorate, subsoil use and connection of consumers to the power grid.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stressed that the three reforms proposed for consideration are extremely important for improving the economic situation and attracting investment to Ukraine.
"Each of these reforms creates conditions for regional competition, which will help each community in attracting investors to its territory," the Prime Minister said.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President Yulia Kovaliv stressed that permits for construction and connection to power grids will have a direct impact on job creation and industrial potential.
"Each of these things, if adopted, will simplify, add a few percent of economic growth and make life easier for ordinary people, as well as for market participants," Chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Council of Reforms of Ukraine Mikheil Saakashvili said.
This is the second meeting of the National Council of Reforms. As a result of the first, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the bill "On state support of investment projects with substantial investments" and the relevant amendments to the Tax and Customs Codes. The Verkhovna Rada has already considered it in the first reading, and the draft law is currently being considered by the committee before the second reading.
Yulia Kovaliv noted that during the next session week the Verkhovna Rada is to consider the bill on "investment nannies", and from January 1, 2021 this document will come into full force.
"Despite the difficulties and challenges of today, we see unprecedented opportunities for the development of a new, open, European-efficient state and the strengthening of the economy. We must not avoid problems, but try to solve them, no matter how difficult it may be. And the projects put forward at the National Council of Reforms show that it is possible to change a lot, to gradually make life easier for business - entrepreneurs who create the state economy,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.