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A democratic state is determined by its ability to delegate authority and financial resources to local communities and civil society. Greater cooperation of such public organizations as the Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (ULIE) and the Association of Small Cities of Ukraine (AMMU), to strengthen their dialogue with the government and make it more efficient and effective is particularly timely.
This opinion was expressed by ULIE President Anatoliy Kinakh at a meeting with AMMU head Pavlo Kozyrev. Today, the ULIE and the AMMU signed a memorandum of cooperation, which envisages cooperation in the development of local communities, assistance in the fulfillment of programs of local social and economic development, introduction of new legislation on local self-government, development of recommendations for sustainable cities and the operation of their housing and utilities sectors. The memorandum prioritizes joint efforts to promote and protect small- and medium-sized businesses, introduce new energy saving technologies, water supply etc., and enhance communications with the European Union. Kinakh and Kozyryev expressed the view that the social and economic crisis, which has affected both the small cities and the country generally as well, can only be overcome through the interaction of local governments, NGOs and the business community. The ULIE President informed the AMMU about the activities of the Anti-Crisis Council of NGOs and the anti-crisis program of joint actions of the government and business prepared by it. Kinakh also invited the Association to join the program.
The sides also touched on the work of the ULIE's representative office in the European Union, experience in assisting businesses in adaptation to European standards, and searching for new sales markets. Representatives of small- and medium-sized cities in Ukraine, according to Kinakh, have the opportunity to address the representative office and the Export Support Center at the ULIE for advice and assistance in preparing for the free trade zone with the EU. AMMU head and mayor of the town of Ukrayinka Pavlo Kozyrev outlined the problematic issues where he relies on the ULIE's support. In his words, decentralization reform, which is currently under way in the country, doesn't give proper attention to small cities and towns. Attracting investment to the regional economy and public-private partnership mechanisms have not been worked out at national level. Energy efficiency and the search for alternative sources of energy and investment in energy saving technologies remains very painful, he added. Kinakh and Kozyrev agreed to add a list of priority questions to the memorandum soon to jointly resolve them and make contacts between the two organizations regular.