President: We must begin local government reform

President Viktor Yanukovych points out the importance of local government reform that aims to enhance the development of regions of Ukraine, he sad during today’s International Municipal Hearings "The Development of Effective Governance at Local and Regional Level" in Kyiv . "This is the requirement of time. This is what is needed today to give a new boost to the economy, regional development," he said.

Viktor Yanukovych urged regional leaders to actively participate in the implementation of local government reform. "You are close to your people know their needs and our capabilities, both at regional and state level. Our task is to do our best to gradually decentralize and transfer certain powers to the regions. We must make the regions self-sufficient and regional economy balanced," he said.