BOC signs cooperation memorandum with Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources

On June 07, 2016, The Business Ombudsman Council signed a Memorandum of Cooperation and Information Exchange with the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources with the aim of improving collaboration between government agencies and private enterprises operating in the sphere of environmental protection.
 The provisions of the Memorandum call for the Council to provide information to the Ministry that reflects possible violations of the rights of business in the utilization of natural resources, air quality, water quality and the management of water resources, waste management, climate change, and the natural reserve funds.
 “In the first quarter of 2016, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources was one of the top three government agencies against whom businesses filed complaints,” notes Business Ombudsman Algirdas Semeta. “I’m glad that, as of today, we have officially stated our intention to cooperate to remove problems and I anticipate that working with the Ministry will be effective.”
 Environment and Natural Resources Minister Ostap Semerak says: “We signed this Memorandum to join forces in reducing the level of corruption and prevent ill-spirited behavior towards business entities in Ukraine. I’m confident that eliminating corruption will help improve the investment climate here, and will spur economic growth and further reforms.”
 The two sides have agreed to hold working visits, exchange information that is of mutual interest, and assist each other in organizing and holding seminars, conferences and business get-togethers.
 Prior to this, the Business Ombudsman Council signed Memoranda of Cooperation with the State Fiscal Service, the State Regulatory Service, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau.
 Memorandum on Partnership and Cooperation