This was emphasized by Roman Kalinin, the Head of Korosten Town Organization of Oppositional Block Roman Kalinin during the festive events, dedicated to the Independence Day in Korosten.
At the time of declaration of independence Ukraine had potential, which could be compared to the leading European states, was among top three largest rocket-and-space countries of the world (together with USA and Russia), owned the third largest nuclear potential, belonged within the “Big Four” world leaders on aircraft engineering and was one of seven countries, capable of building the through-deck cruisers. The fourth of global black soil reserves is concentrated in Ukraine, the mineral resources of the country have more than 9000 deposit fields of subsoil resources, the market value of which is about USD 15 tln.
However, Ukraine is also one of few countries of the world, where the continuous GDP statistics is produced for last 25 years, which demonstrates negative annual economic growth rates. For the years of independence GDP per capita decreased by 22.3%, while the population decreased by 17.3%.
“Currently the country’s economy in general and in Zhytomyr region in particular is in deep recession. If we remember, from which positions in the field of technology, complex productions, quality of social system and human capital our country started 25 years ago, the conclusions will be very dismal. For 25 years of independence, this whole potential was lost. Ukraine lost 41.7% of its economy. As per the World Bank data, this is the worst result in the world among more than 160 countries, on which there is a full statistics since 1991. With such negative growth rates there is no question about the narrowing the gap in living standards between Ukraine and EU, and over time it will just increase”, Roman Kalinin noted.
According to the politician, the current investments in the economy are insufficient for maintaining sustainable economic growth, because the necessary level of investments to GDP should be not less than 20-25%, but not 15.3%, which we have for today. The strong confirmation of this is the general situation in Korosten and Zhytomyr region, the enterprises of which are badly in need of investment support.
“Since the beginning of this year in Zhytomyr region the production of the most important types of industrial products decreased by 25%, and the processing industry decreased to 40%”.
Despite the fact that Ukraine is the agricultural state, for 25 years the share of agriculture in GDP structure reduced from 22.8% to 14%. In particular, in Zhytomyr region the production of major agricultural crops significantly reduced. Versus the previous year, the wheat production reduced by 34%, barley – by 24%, rape – by 35%, fruit and berries – by almost 20%. The production of potatoes by agricultural enterprises of the region decreased almost twice. For the years of independence the livestock of all types of cattle and poultry also decreased”, - Roman Kalinin noted.
It is his strong belief that the government’s policy gives no hope for a rapid change of situation. The price of war and economic experiments of the authorities are exorbitant for the country.
“There is no surprise that the level of confidence of people to the government is dropping. The increasing number of people think that the country moves in wrong direction. The course of movement of the country is wrong, and people are disappointed in the future. Thus, the country faces the crisis of prospects. Under such terms, to speak about the achievement will be one more lie”.
That’s why there is no sense to coin new slogans, the society will not understand it. We need to change the course of state policy. Ukraine needs a new comprehensive policy and we need to speak about it today. In fact, Ukraine needs a new strategy of independence. This is what today the oppositional block offers to the Ukrainian society”, - Roman Kalinin summarized.
Source: press-office of the Oppositional Block.
