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“The dedication of Chamber Members, your experience, professionalism and unfailing trust in Ukraine have helped us achieve strategic breakthroughs, which will undoubtedly lead to a healthier economy, wealthier society and, ultimately, a stronger brand of Ukraine on a global scale.”
With my sincere best wishes,
Andy Hunder
President
American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine
Introduction
Dear Members and Friends,
In 2017 the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine will mark its silver anniversary - 25 years of serving members to improve the business environment in the country. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank you all for being part of our story.
The Dedication of Chamber Members, your experience, professionalism and unfailing trust in Ukraine have helped us achieve strategic breakthroughs, which will undoubtedly lead to a healthier economy, wealthier society and, ultimately, a stronger brand of Ukraine on a global scale. No Chamber success would ever be possible without your readiness to share concerns, eagerness to invest time and resources into revising Draft Laws, forming position papers or drafting expert columns on issues that are of high importance for active and prospective investors.
I would also like to extend my most sincere gratitude to Ukrainian state officials for their willingness to support the business community, ability to listen and react to the needs of people who keep Ukrainian economy afloat by producing goods, offering services, creating jobs and paying taxes. Here, at the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, we noticed how communication with the Government has changed for better over the last couple of years. Representatives of state bodies are open to new ideas and proposals, receptive to problems businesses face and truly enthusiastic about making a difference.
2016 was highly productive for the Chamber. We achieved over 50 policy wins and progresses, welcomed more than 15,000 guests at our 800+ events.
In terms of initiatives, 2016 saw the launch of the Aerospace and Technology Committee, Mobile Telecom Committee, Working Group on Healthcare Hardware and Medical Devices Manufacturers as well as IPR Committee. Increased visibility, which this year amounts to 4200+ media references, signifies consistency and effectiveness of Chamber communications with relevant stakeholders.
In 2016 the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine was elected to the National Reforms Council, a special consultative body to the President of Ukraine established for elaboration and implementation of much-needed reforms. The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine and the National Reform Council share a number of common priorities: anti-corruption, judicial, tax, state property management and procurement reforms, further deregulation, growth of entrepreneurship, achievement of energy independence as well as rapid development of particular sectors. I’m convinced that together with the National Reform Council we can achieve even more, because we are united by professionalism, passion and genuine concern for the future of Ukraine.
The past year was also full of challenges for the country. The biggest obstacle still to overcome is the fight against corruption. By acting professionally and decisively, the Ukrainian Government, business community and civil society will lay a strong foundation for comprehensive recovery of the state. The American Chamber of Commerce remains optimistic about Ukraine’s future and will do what it takes to help the country reach a qualitatively new level of economic development.
With my sincere best wishes,
Andy Hunder
President
American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine -
“2016 proved to be an important landmark in Ukraine's path forward. Economic growth has resumed and reforms manifest themselves.”
With best regards,
Steven Fisher
Chairman of the Chamber 2016 Board of Directors CEO and Chairman of the Board, PJSC Citibank Ukraine
Introduction
Dear Readers:
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the pages of the Chamber's Annual Report 2016. Herein, we proudly present the outstanding results of our joint work with you this year. The American Chamber of Commerce represents the most important investors, large and small, operating in Ukraine. We develop and support the required effective dialogue between business and the Government of Ukraine. In this regard, we continue our important mission in Ukraine as the country progresses in its developmental path towards complete European integration.
2016 proved to be an important landmark in Ukraine's path forward. Economic growth has resumed and reforms manifest themselves. Much has been accomplished with regards to national reforms, cooperation with the IMF and the international donor community and the economic-fiscal situation of the country. Many impressive firsts have been achieved in the ongoing cooperation between business and the Ukrainian government.
At the same time, there are still many challenges to tackle. The Chamber believes it is critical for the government to take additional steps to increase the pace and size of foreign direct investment into Ukraine. This is needed to accelerate economic growth and create the conditions for a deep and sustainable economic recovery.
The Chamber in April this year posited the request to the Government in a meeting with President Poroshenko and Prime Minister Groysman to implement 5 immediate actions to support a sustainable economic recovery. Certain milestones have been achieved but at the time of this letter's writing, not all 5 actions have been accomplished.
We note one new significant step forward in this direction with the recently launched Investment Promotion Office which we expect will define a clear strategy to attract and facilitate investment into Ukraine. The Investment Promotion Office should not only focus on new foreign investment but also should support the flourishing of already existing business activity.
We trust that our more than 600 member companies view the American Chamber of Commerce as a reliable and essential business partner in Ukraine. We must work together to see the reform, anti-corruption agenda for Ukraine succeed. With this goal in mind, we remain fully dedicated to each member's success and future contribution to our vibrant community.
With best regards,
Steven Fisher
Chairman of the Chamber 2016 Board of Directors CEO and Chairman of the Board, PJSC Citibank Ukraine
