Oleksandr Korniienko visits Zhytomyr region: business and veterans support in spotlight

Oleksandr Korniienko, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, had a working visit to Zhytomyr region, in particular to Korostyshiv. The trip was attended by Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Cooperation Arsenii Pushkarenko, Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Partnership and Cooperation on the Implementation of Anti-Corruption Policy in the Financial, Agricultural and Energy Sectors of the Committee on Anti-Corruption Policy Ivan Shynkarenko, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Climate Change and Air Protection of the Committee on Environmental Policy and Nature Management Lesia Vasylenko, and member of the Committee on Agrarian Policy and Natural Resources.

As part of his working visit to Zhytomyr region, Oleksandr Kornienko firstly honoured the memory of the fallen soldiers by laying flowers on the Alley of Heroes. During the delegation, a number of events were held to support the development of local business and economy. Oleksandr Kornienko and his colleagues visited several enterprises, met with representatives of business, local authorities and international organisations to discuss important aspects of developing the economic potential of the region. In addition, particular attention was paid to social initiatives, support for veterans and the creation of new jobs.

In particular, the First Deputy Speaker visited the Gronis stone factory. «We spoke with the management, learned in detail about the production stages, discussed the biggest challenges faced by the business and how certain issues can be resolved by law,» he said.

A special attention was drawn by the business founded by veteran Oleh Los and his wife Natalia. Their catering establishment, Eclipse, is the result of government grants and microgrants. «This is a successful example of developing your own business and creating new jobs,» said Oleksandr Kornienko.

The trip also included the opening of the sixth office of the Made in Ukraine programme initiated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. «This is an important programme that we are constantly talking about. It was launched in difficult times for business and enterprises. Significant resources are allocated to the development of small and medium-sized businesses and job creation. It is important to combine all available opportunities - from the 5-7-9 programme to specialised initiatives, creating hubs where entrepreneurs can get advice and support,’ the First Vice Speaker noted, adding that the Made in Ukraine programme pays special attention to veteran policy: the range and methods of interaction with veterans are being expanded.

Oleksandr Korniienko held a meeting with the heads of the employment centre, expressing his gratitude to each employee for their hard work. He highlighted that cooperation with people shapes citizens' impression of the state, and trust in state institutions depends on how duties are performed. In addition, the First Vice Speaker stressed the importance of developing services and facilities as a key area requiring active efforts.

Oleksandr Kornienko also noted that Ukraine is currently facing three main challenges in the labour market: the demographic crisis, the consequences of the war and European integration. He underlined that the war has changed the economy, with many people losing their jobs and requiring assistance with employment or starting their own business. «There are changes in economic sectors due to the loss of capacity as a result of Russia's military actions. Many people who lost their jobs because of the war now need help from the Employment Service, either in finding a job or starting their own business’, the First Vice Speaker said. In his words, special attention should be paid to the employment of veterans, people with disabilities and those with mental health problems.

As for European integration, Ukraine will adapt the vast number of European directives, which will help improve labour relations and the social sphere in Ukraine. «In the European Union, labour relations and the social sphere are much more regulated than in Ukraine, and employees' rights are protected to the maximum extent possible. Therefore, we will adapt many European directives. The Ukrainian Service should become a hope for citizens in terms of implementing new social standards, protecting the rights of employers and employees, and supporting entrepreneurs,' Oleksandr Kornienko noted, adding that the state will be an active participant in the process of creating and implementing economic development projects in communities.

During a meeting with business representatives, Oleksandr Korniienko expressed his gratitude to entrepreneurs for honest tax payments, job creation and decent wages. He underlined that it is the business that ensures employment and develops the economy, which, in turn, supports the Ukrainian army. «The role of business in this process is enormous, and its needs should be in the focus of attention at the highest level,» the First Vice Speaker said.

Oleksandr Kornienko also emphasised the importance of the 5-7-9 programme, which was defended before the IMF, as it is important for businessmen. The initiative of the President of Ukraine Made in Ukraine promotes business support, job creation and economic growth. «Economic diplomacy is also developing - the world's largest embassies have economic advisers who help entrepreneurs find new markets and organise negotiations. The Ministry of Economy also has a programme called Outward that facilitates the introduction of Ukrainian goods to international markets,' Oleksandr Kornienko pointed out. All of these measures were discussed with entrepreneurs in the context of addressing current issues and ways to further develop their business.

Oleksandr Korniienko met with UNICEF representatives, including a programme officer and a specialist in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene section, to discuss water treatment and water supply in the community. The modernisation of water utilities and the construction of wastewater treatment plants was defined as one of the priority tasks.

Oleksandr Kornienko also visited Brusyliv in the Zhytomyr region, where he got acquainted with the activities of the Papyrus stationery factory. The company produces goods under its own brands and works for both Ukrainian and European customers. He went through all the stages of production - from manufacturing to packaging. The First Vice Speaker emphasised the importance of knowing the process from the inside and understanding what happens before the goods reach the store shelves. This enables effective changes and decisions to be made to improve conditions.

He also visited the Brusyliv Historical Museum named after Ivan Ohienko, a prominent historian, linguist and literary scholar, and translator of the Bible into Ukrainian. «In the Church of the Resurrection, we prayed for Ukraine and its people in this difficult time for all of us,» he added.

Concluding his working visit, the First Vice-Speaker expressed his gratitude to the people working, seeking and finding solutions for development, and supporting the economy. «Together we are able to meet all the challenges and build a successful and strong state,» Oleksandr Kornienko emphasised.