Regional Development Strategy 2020 approved

On Nov. 21, 2013, the Cabinet passed a resolution which approved the National regional development strategy 2020, the Information-Analytical Bulletin of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine informs.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, along with other central executive bodies, Council of Ministers of Autonomous Republic of Crimea, regional administrations, Kyiv and Sevastopol city administrations were tasked with preparing Regional Development Strategy Implementation Plans within a six-month period.

"The document is very important, as the strategy should create conditions for dynamic and balanced development of Ukrainian regions, to ensure the social and economic unity, raie the living standards, and create conditions so that Ukrainian citizens irrespective of their residence get high-quality social services," Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said at the government meeting. .

Government analysts say the Regional Development Strategy is adopted pursuant to National Action Plan 2013 to implement the Economic Reform Program for 2010-2014 "Prosperous Society, Competitive Economy, and Efficient State." Tthe document reflects the new approach to the state regional policy considering the development trends of Ukrainian economy and experience of the European Union countries.

According to the adopted Strategy, the country will do a lot to improve the living standards of people in different regions, develop infrastructure of Ukrainian towns and villages, and increase availability of different services to people in rural areas. Thus, purpose of the Strategy, in particular, is to comply with government-guaranteed social standards for every citizen, regardless of his/her place of residence, experts say. 

The governments of the EU and other countries of the world are increasingly focused on principles of partnership and coordination, strategic planning, and target channeling of funds, including those for hybrid policy tools (grants and loans). Meanwhile, funding of regional policy in those countries is permanently growing, as well as the control over its use; the deep analysis is carried out of impact caused by specific actions and tools to improve policy in the future. Ukraine can learn a lot from this pool of practice and approach, based, of course, on local context and specific development of regions in Ukraine.