The
great and the good were all out at the 9th Lviv International
Economic Forum in Lviv, Ukraine - Lyssiemay Annoh reports
The
Forum was organised by the Lviv Regional State Administration
and Lviv Regional Council, in collaboration with the fDiIntelligence/Financial
Times Ltd, the Institute for Economic Research and Policy
Consulting and PRP Ukraine PlaceID and Regional Initiatives.
The topic was Investment, Innovation and Competitiveness.
The idea was to reinvigorate Ukrainian regions against a
backdrop of global economic crisis. While welcoming visitors
to the forum, Mykola Kmit, Head of the Lviv Regional State
Administration and Head of the Advisory Board to the 9th
Lviv International Economic forum invited participants and
delegates on to an open platform for a high level discussion
of key challenges and prospect for revamping and strengthening
of the Ukrainian regions to achieve a breakthrough in the
national economy.
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The
Forum offered an opportunity for businesses to:
• Get hands on insight into the country’s
regional economic trends, business environment, projects,
locations and people;
• To learn about attractive opportunities for
business development
• To have direct contact with key government
& business decision-makers who shape Ukraine’s
economy on the ground
For the authorities, the Forum offered an opportunity
to:
• Exchange experiences regarding regional economic
development and implementing anti-crisis policies
on the ground;
• To look at current economic challenges through
a wider regional competitiveness and sustainable development
perspective;
• To learn about the practical promotion of
investment. Place marketing and other economic tools
that work under current economic and legislative conditions
• To find partners with the business, diplomatic
and expert community
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Lviv
is also co-host to the UEFA-Euro 2012. Within two years,
Ukraine and Poland have been actively preparing for the
2012 UEFA European Football Championship. The two countries
are witnessing works in full swing at the main infrastructure
objects, with progress being confirmed by UEFA experts.
The Ukrainian and Polish officials are sharing experience
in the run-up and welcome the success of each other. The
host cities are also establishing active cooperation.
During
his welcome speech, Victor Yushchenko, President
of Ukaine initially addressed all the foreign investors
and assured them that they were taking an absolutely
right and considered step by being in Ukraine and
visiting this Forum, by appreciating economic perspectives
of Ukraine, particularly those of the western region.
With 2 billion worth of foreign investments this
year alone in Ukraine, despite the crisis shows
that we have partners adequately evaluating economic
perspectives of Ukraine, which are really unique”.He
added that Ukrainian possibilities were being reviewed
and Ukrainian executive
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authorities
– represented at the Forum were at their service for
the crucial dialogue and was especially grateful that Ukraine
occupies such an important place in their interests and
hearts.
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There
were various parallel sessions including discussions
and investment opportunities for business, destination
and tourism. The highlight of the final day was
a round table session with regional leaders led
by Yulia Tymoshenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine.
The aim of the session was to discuss tool for social
and economic development of the regions.
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko said: “…today
I would like to step a little bit away from crisis
theme and talk about regions development, because
regional development should in crisis environment
must be of a tactical importance. She added that
the creation of an adequate investment climate on
the territory of each community by joint efforts
of central and local authorities. She implored her
regional representative to see that the future of
the
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economy
and economic structural changes of Ukraine is about maximum
simplification of all procedures, investment climate improvement,
deregulation, transparent and understandable for investors
land treatment. She said that without that, “we won`t
do anything, we won`t be able to strengthen each region
economy”.
She
has subsequently announced that Lviv will additionally receive
UAH 28 million from the Stabilization fund of the state
budget to finance the construction of the runway at the
Lviv airport.
The Premier underlined that the funds for the UEFA Euro-2012
objects in the region will be transferred in due time. “I
have posed the question today and they answered there are
no problems in this regard”, Tymoshenko explained.
She informed that she is satisfied with the course of construction
of the new terminal in the Lviv airport. Moreover, the works
are being performed ahead of schedule.
The Prime Minister also assured the media that UEFA had
highly appreciated Ukraine’s run-up to the Championship.
The head of state is convinced that UEFA Euro-2012 is the
subject able to unite Ukraine and become its pride.
“Today I can say for sure that Ukraine will be
successfully prepared for the 2012 UEFA European Football
Championship”, Tymoshenko underscored. She added
that the government controls the preparation issues on a
daily basis.
Head of the Lviv regional state administration noted that
Lviv region is thankful to the government for the regions’
great progress in respect of Lviv’s gearing up to
the 2012 soccer competition as well as timely funding of
the airport and stadium construction. “We do everything
possible and impossible for the works to be implemented
on schedule. I am sure that our joint activity is brining
fruits”.
He underlined that Lviv is witnessing considerable progress
in terms of the Championship preparations. “Despite
critics, Lviv region is demonstrating excellent dynamics.
Now we are confident everything will be done”.
Lviv
– the destination
Lviv
is the largest city and cultural centre of western
Ukraine, with around 800,000 inhabitants
(see map). The sense of arriving in a
city with its own life starts from the airport, which
cannot be compared to any other Western European airport;
especially if you changed planes from Vienna! You
will definitely sense differences in security culture
and international hospitality. |
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The
city itself has beautiful architecture and a landscape fit
for a King! It is evident that Lviv has been part of some
five or so different countries over the past 120 years.
The city has a noticeably historic centre and wide variety
of churches and chemists. There is even a chemist museum.
You will find numerous groups of Polish tourists roaming
but always seem to retreat back to the nearby border by
night-time to save money on accommodation.
Rynok square in the Old town has 44 houses, with their unique
history; there is the town Hall with endless stairs to the
top and at last real satisfaction from the panorama of the
city as you climb up the park to the top of the hill. Other
highlights also include Opera theatre, theatre of Maria
Zankovecka and a picture gallery.
Getting
to Lviv
Lviv has a very modest international airport with connections
to the rest of the world, which is several kilometres away
from the city. There is a tourist information bureau nearby
where you can book a hotel room, city and regional tours,
and receive free informational materials from friendly ladies.
However, please note that English is not widely spoken so
ensure that you let them know so that you can be assisted
by an English speaking person.
Lviv has a beautiful railway station is very well connected
with Kiev and other cities by railway. Buses connect Lviv
with surrounding countries but are invariably uncomfortable
for longer trips.
What to expect
of Lviv
Language is your first barrier and English is not widely
spoken perhaps because they are not the principal visitors.
Car rental is available but at present, all road signs are
in Ukrainian so unless you can navigate through them, leave
the driving to the locals.
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Mykola Kmit, Head of the Lviv Regional State Administration
and Head of the Advisory Board to the 9th Lviv International
Economic forum assured the media in private talks
that these signs will soon be upgraded to include
English. |
He
added that his administration was doing everything its power
to make the destination as visitor-friendly as possible.
At the airport you will have fend your way through departure
as there no departure desks and queuing is not a habit.
As is often the case in Ukraine, travel advertising tends
to paint the city as a "tourist Mecca." Nevertheless,
if you arm yourself with a decent guide, Lviv is probably
a very well-developed tourist centre, with a sizable historic
centre and decent tourism infrastructure. The residents
are also used to seeing groups of foreign tourists all the
time.
The city’s uneven cobblestone roads in the downtown,
pit-holed streets, elegant architecture and historic buildings
have its unique attraction. Weddings appeared to be the
biggest past time for the locals. It is very interested
to see the bridal parties carry their wedding cakes and
compete with each other as they posed for photographs in
some of the City’s historic buildings. However, as
you stroll through Lviv's quiet and quaint old town and
explore its many churches, wooded hills, cafes, and coffee
shops, it is business as usual within the city of several
churches. A few hours spent in the old town are more than
enough to make you forget about any of Lviv's shortcomings.
Not to mention the people themselves — friendly and
open and polite to strangers.
Where to stay in Lviv
The Forum was held at the luxurious Rixos-Prykarpattya Resort,
Truskavets, in the Lviv region. The resort is diagnostic
medical treatment and rehabilitation resort complex "Rixos-Prykarpattya"
is located near to the centre of Truskavets – the
world’s famous balneal resort, famous by the underground
sources of mineral waters, transparent air of Carpathian
Mountains and picturesque vicinities.
However, Lviv itself has its own collection of hotels such
as the:
Leopolis Hotel
Situated in the very heart of Lviv - Teatralna Street, 16.
The central location makes it ideal both for business travellers
and tourists. The Hotel offers 40 guest rooms and 3 suites
where a relaxing home like environment is combined with
the most modern technologies. All rooms are equipped with
flat screen TVs, satellite channels and Internet connection.
Bathrooms are decorated with natural stone, some of them
have showers and some have baths with magnificent accessories.
The Grand hotel
Situated in the very centre of the city at Svobody Ave 13.
There are 62 rooms (including 8 suites and 1 luxury suite),
telephone, cable TV, mini-bar, air-conditioning, fitness
centre, business centre. 24 hours Guarded parking facilities.
Nevertheless, there are other many modest hotels offering
bed and breakfast facilities.
Where to eat
Lviv centre has restaurants and eateries at almost every
corner.
Doing business in Lviv
Business-wise Lviv seems to be several years behind and
it is hoped that the Forum will encourage investors to develop
the destination prior to it hosting the 2012 UEFA European
Football Championship. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian economy
is an emerging free market, with a GDP that has experienced
rapid growth in recent years. Formerly a major component
of the economy of the Soviet Union, country's economy was
constantly growing since 2000. In 2007 the economy posted
real GDP growth of 7%. Ukraine was hit heavy by the economic
crisis in autumn 2008 when the Ukrainian currency lost significant
part of its value.
For foreign businesses starting a venture in Ukraine is
always a combination of great opportunities for growth,
and annoyances connected with remains of old corrupt routines,
and numerous inefficiencies. However, hopefully, with further
forums, things will slowly change for the better.
A winter weekend
in Tallinn, Estonia
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