During a working trip to the Kirovohrad region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the presentation of measures to implement the Development Strategy of the Kirovohrad Region for 2021-2027.
"The Kirovograd region has a favorable geographical location, and therefore - a good transport potential. It has very fertile lands and mineral resources. It has a future in the food industry, mechanical engineering, instrument making and IT. It is these strengths of the region that should be relied on," the President said.
In his opinion, these advantages should be used by local and central authorities to move the region and the whole country forward.
"We are building a new and strong Ukraine together with you. Where local self-government and the success of each region will be a solid foundation for development. Where every inhabitant of the community will understand - I am not an outside observer, but a direct participant in the events. And it depends on my actions, my position, my participation in the life of the region, what it and our beautiful country will be like," the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy pointed out that in the Kirovohrad region there is an urban-type settlement Dobrovelychkivka, which is considered to be the geographical center of Ukraine.
"I sincerely wish your region to be not only a geographical center, but also a center of prosperity, success and welfare," the Head of State stressed.
The Kirovohrad region is a real transport hub, where new roads are being built and infrastructure is being actively developed. It is planned to put into operation 370 km of new highways.
The Kirovohrad region has 390 mineral deposits and 2 million hectares of agricultural land.
Among the problematic issues of the region are deterioration of assets, insufficient level of housing construction, inadequate condition of transport and social infrastructure facilities, weak development of tourist potential, difficult demographic situation, problems with the development of education and the outflow of young people.
Therefore, the priorities for the near future should be the development of an innovative economy, providing a favorable climate for investment, the creation and development of new enterprises and jobs, improving the quality of medicine and more.
Presenting the Development Strategy of the Kirovohrad region, MP Mykyta Poturayev noted that special attention should be paid to investors who develop high-tech production, invest in the IT sector. Therefore, the priority is also the development of modern information and telecommunications infrastructure, the creation of smart city projects and electronic platforms for the provision of administrative services.
The development of the food industry and mechanical engineering is also promising. And the restoration of roads and infrastructure will also contribute to the development of the tourist potential of the region, in particular the construction of modern hotels and hotel and restaurant complexes.
In terms of improving social security, the recent increase in the minimum wage will be just the beginning. It is also important to ensure funding and improve rehabilitation of veterans, improve social work with large families, develop a system of assistance to the victims of violence.
The people's deputy named five main promising projects in the region: Flycity 4.0 Technopark based on the Flight Academy, the international airport, Oleksandriya Industrial Park, a clinical oncology center and a cultural and sports environment.
Summing up the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged not to delay the implementation of these ambitious projects.
"Today, with the "Great Construction" program, we show everyone that roads are really being built - ten times more, and in some regions - a thousand percent more than in any other year. I am very proud of that. You just have to take projects, implement them. And the people will love you," the President said.