3 September 2009
City of London encourages economic reform in Ukraine
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Ian Luder, is
visiting Ukraine to strengthen business and economic links with the
UK. The Lord Mayor arrives in Kyiv on Thursday 3 September and
departs on Sunday 6 September.
While in Ukraine, the Lord Mayor, who also acts as the global
ambassador for UK-based financial services, plans to meet with
Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko; Leonid Chernovetskyi, Mayor of
Kyiv; Ihor Umanskiy, Acting Minister of Finance; Bohdan Danylyshyn,
Minister of Economy and Anatoliy Shapovalov, acting Governor of the
National Bank.
One of the main aims of the visit is to highlight the City of
London as the global financial centre of choice for Ukrainian
companies seeking international finance and consultancy services.
Banking sector reform, tax and fiscal policy are key areas of focus
for the Ukrainian government so the visit demonstrates the UK’s
support for Ukraine’s commitment to the IMF Programme as well as
encouragement for ongoing economic reform.
Lord Mayor, Alderman Ian Luder said:
“The UK is a key investor in Ukraine. Although the Ukrainian
financial sector is currently relatively immature, it is at a
turning point. Ukrainian companies and institutions are coming to
the UK and UK companies are going there so we are entering a period
of great opportunity but economic reform is crucial to stimulate
this growth.
“To ensure its future as a vibrant democracy Ukraine needs a
period of stability to push through reforms. Ukraine’s long term
attainable business future depends on its further progress.”
During his time in Ukraine the Lord Mayor will make the opening
speech at a seminar on banking reform and tax/fiscal policy hosted
by European Business Association on Friday 4 September. He will
also visit the Kyiv Mohyla Business School.
After his visit to Ukraine, the Lord Mayor travels to Russia and
then returns to the UK on Sunday 13 September.
Ends
Notes for editors
About the Lord Mayor of the City of London
The Lord Mayor is elected for one year and the position is
unpaid and apolitical. It is an exceptionally demanding role. The
Lord Mayor spends some 90 days abroad and addresses some 10,000
people face-to-face each month (making around 800 speeches a
year).
The Lord Mayor listens to City businesses and helps the City
Corporation advise the Government of the day on what is needed to
help the financial services sector to function well. The Lord Mayor
frequently travels to represent the City; and travels overseas with
the status of a Cabinet Minister. On average, the Lord Mayor will
meet one head of state a month and will meet a prime minister or
finance minister each week to discuss financial services, often in
conjunction with senior City business representatives. The Lord
Mayor, who is unpaid, lives in the Mansion House for the
Mayoral year.
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About the City of London Corporation
The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse
organisation. It supports and promotes the City as the world leader
in international finance and business services and provides local
services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting
the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the
nation. These include the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall School
of Music & Drama; the Guildhall Library and Art Gallery and
London Metropolitan Archive; a range of education provision
(including three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including
Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge); the Central Criminal Court
at Old Bailey; over 10,000 acres of open spaces (including
Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food
markets. It is also London’s Port Health Authority and runs the
Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow. It works in partnership with
neighbouring boroughs on the regeneration of surrounding areas and
the City Bridge Trust, which it oversees, donates more than £15m to
charity annually.
Press contacts
Kristina Blissett, Press Office, City of London
Corporation
T: 020 7332 3451 / M: 07795 290040
Email:
kristina.blissett@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Lesya Tymoshenko, Head of Press and Public Affairs Section,
British Embassy Kyiv
Tel: +380 44 490 36 60
Email:
lesya.tymoshenko@fco.gov.uk