BOC’s Šemeta meets with Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko

At a 16 May meeting with the Kyiv City State Administration, the Business Ombudsman reported on the results of his Office’s efforts to protect business interests before government authorities after nearly a year of activity in Ukraine. Algirdas Šemeta and Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko also discussed further areas of cooperation.
“As of May 1, 2016, the largest share of complaints, 42%, has come to us from Kyiv businesses,” said Business Ombudsman Algirdas Šemeta. “Mostly Kyiv businesses complained about the way legislation was being adopted or amended, tax issues, and the behavior of regulators and law enforcement agencies. 10% of all complaints mention local authorities in Kyiv.” 
The Mayor said that 20% of Ukraine’s small and medium enterprises are concentrated in Kyiv and that SMEs contribute over 70% of taxes to the country’s budget. The Mayor added that his administration was aware of the importance of a favorable business environment in Kyiv and protection for legitimate business interests.
“I understand how important cooperating with the Council is, especially today, when the country needs quick and effective changes,” said Mayor Klitschko. “We must not lose the pace of reforms but rather establish a transparent and understandable business environment in Kyiv, so that the growth of SMEs can drive the revival of Ukraine’s economy. We’re grateful for the initiative of the Business Ombudsman to establish an effective approach to respond and remove the obstacles businesses face in their operations.” 
During the meeting, the two agreed to further areas of cooperation, including preparing and signing a Memorandum on Cooperation between the Kyiv Administration and the Business Ombudsman Council. Finally, Mr. Klitschko invited Mr. Šemeta to become a member of Mayor’s Anti-Corruption Council.