The development of regional development strategies that would take into account the fundamental directions of the country's reforms and best practices in the management of the territories is an important element of the overall vision of the state's development, forms the agenda for the dialogue between the central government and local self-government, and also meets two complex goals: creation of an environment for economic growth and correct conversion of economic results into people’s lives, said Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman during his speech at the XIV Ukrainian Municipal Forum.

“The presence of strategies – where we are, where we are going to and what result we want to get – is an important element of our cooperation,” noted Volodymyr Groysman. “For many years, local self-government suffered from a lack of powers and resources. But if we analyse the situation from 2006 to 2018, we will see enormous progress in terms of opportunities and resources of local self-government. This gives rise to new tasks and responsibilities.”

The Head of Government stressed that today in Ukraine there is a good dynamics of local budgets’ increase, while there is a balance between state and local budgets. That is why it's time to talk about how to increase the available resources, effectively use financial instruments, create an attractive investment climate for honest business, which creates legal enterprises and workplaces. “The task is to develop the local economy and enable people to stay at home and have high-quality work and a high-quality environment for their own lives,” the Prime Minister said.

In his opinion, the key things people expect from the authorities, primarily local authorities, include high-quality education, healthcare, infrastructure, energy efficiency, and culture development. “All that concerns the interests of a person must be built by your hands. Therefore, development strategies should not be elaborated artificially, but inclusively – from the point of view of hromada’s participation,” the Head of Government added.

He reminded that Ukraine is reaching the election period, including at the local level. “I would like everyone to come out with the result and get a mandate for a new term. If people work for several tenures, they can provide sustainability and efficiency,” said Volodymyr Groysman. “We are carriers of our managerial experience. We have interesting practices in hromada management. And here the maximum creation of tools for dialogue with the hromada is extremely important.”

The Prime Minister assured that the state has every chance to build a strong economy with a well-developed infrastructure within 3-5 years. And this can be done in a direct dialogue between the central and local authorities. “I am an unwavering supporter of local authorities. And our success should be converted into the well-being of citizens,” the Head of Government underscored.