President opens business forum in Kyiv

President Victor Yushchenko opened a business forum in Kyiv on Monday and said in his speech Ukrainian business people should form a group to draft laws aimed at improving the country’s business climate, according to the President`s press-office. He said he was ready to propose their package as soon as Ukraine reelected its parliament. “We are formulating an action plan which could become a list of urgent measures for the government and parliament,” he said.

      The forum is expected to focus on how to improve permit and license procedures, remove technical barriers for business and reform the national tax system.

      Yushchenko said business was becoming “immune to political collisions in Ukraine” and added that the national economy was robust despite the country’s long-lasting political crisis. However, there quite a few problems preventing Ukrainian business people from using their potential, he said. “It is very important to see the logic of economic process and the basics of an economic strategy that would be welcomed by different political forces alike,” he said.

      Yushchenko expressed hopes Ukraine would soon have a new democratic majority which would adopt a 2008 economic development plan. “I am convinced we will have serious progress in this direction,” he said.

      The president asked those present to concentrate on practical measures aimed at improving the business climate in Ukraine. “I would like us to mobilize today and propose those legal changes which can radically change the situation in 2008 and help us to achieve economic results next year.”