02 December 2011
New York, NY (UCCA) – On November 30, Columbia University’s Harriman Institute hosted a discussion with Alexander Popov. Speaking on the topic of “Kyiv, A European City: Past, Present and Future,” the acting Mayor of Kyiv largely focused on the history, as well as, the future prospects for development of the capital of Ukraine.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Popov commented that over the years Kyiv has produced an enormous amount of scholars, professors, scientist, musicians, and the like – such distinguished individuals as the great composer Berezovsky, the father of helicopters Igor Sikorsky, a genius developer Antonov, who created a whole set of airplanes -- all call Kyiv their home. It was due to this education, spirituality and the achievements in science that Kyiv was once known as the second Jerusalem. Moreover, Popov remarked that during the 9th and 10th centuries, when Ukraine accepted Christianity, Kyiv was living through its golden age.
Following independence, Ukraine experienced its share of economic and political challenges, but as Popov underscored, “Ukraine is now in the position to prosper.” Although Kyiv, a large city with a population of roughly two and a half million, is a fairly developed city with an adequate infrastructure, it is still not up to par with other European metropolises. But as Mr. Popov stated, a strategic plan entitled “Kyiv- 2025” has been developed with the intent of doubling the economic strength of the city and turning it into the business center of Eastern Europe. He explained that leading professionals from all over the world were engaged in the creation of the 15-year development endeavor that would stimulate the growth and global competitiveness of Kyiv. He also acknowledged that the citizens of Kyiv played a large role in the project by submitting over 7,000 suggestions, many of which were considered.
The project would include reforms in every aspect of urban living, including the: improvement of the business climate; expansion of electronic/internet access; elimination of corruption and unnecessary bureaucracy; construction and renovation of hotels, as well as , air and ground transportation. Kyiv has a comparative advantage over other international cities, especially considering its historic, cultural and architectural splendor. According to the plan, the city will be renovated and modernized while the beauty and integrity of its historical buildings will be preserved.
A major goal of this strategic revitalization is to increase the influx of tourists from 1 million to approximately 2.6 million by 2025. To reach this goal, the city administration is negotiating with its long-term partner EBRD to fund a number of the stated projects such as the building of hotels, renovation of airports, roads, etc.
Mr. Popov concluded his remarks by stating that the Kyiv City development project is not a stand alone effort, but part of an overall development plan for Ukraine, which the President and Prime Minister are committed to implement.
