Source: Economic Development Association
On October 27, 2016, Kolomyia Economic Development Association hosted a working meeting of PLEDDG experts with Kolomyia entrepreneurs. The meeting was attended by about twenty business representatives, who managed to find a slot in their tight schedules and come share their experience and problems they encounter in their daily business activity. Among the participants, there were also media representatives and members of AEDK.
During an active and lively discussion, participants raised a number of issues, including tax assessment for small and medium enterprises; necessity to introduce a tax break for first-time entrepreneurs (as is the case in neighboring European countries); possibility to start environmentally-friendly production and business in the city based on solid waste processing. They also discussed various problems and factors that might have a negative impact on local economic development, in particular the tourism industry.
PLEDDG consultants Nadiya Yeremenko and Iryna Kovra presented a program developed for Kolomyia jointly with Kolomyia local government. The main focus of the program is on improving the business climate.
According to Nadiya Yeremenko, this program will include a combination of resources and practices that proved to be successful, such as administrative services, regulatory environment, development of top-priority and attractive trends of SME development.
Iryna Kovra emphasized the significant potential of Kolomyia entrepreneurs and the city itself. All ideas and initiatives from local residents are often scattered and not united by a single idea that could help transform Kolomyia into a powerful regional center of economic and tourism development. The city development strategy, which is in the process of elaboration, will take into account all shortcomings and problems, which will allow for improving the business environment and local economic development. In order to redefine the image and role of Kolomyia and bring it to the next level, it’s necessary to unite the governmental, business and public sectors as well as the unique potential of active citizens. Support for all ideas and initiatives of the community related to economic development should become systemic and continual following timely developed methods, events and activities.
According to Vitaliy Halaychuk, executive director of Kolomyia Economic Development Association which cooperates with both PLEDDG and the City Council, such working meetings help develop materials for SME Program in Kolomyia region. He also expressed hopes that the Program will become an impulse for improving Kolomyia’s economic situation and development.