The problems of Crimean separatism or radical Islamism have been stricken from the political agenda, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Vasyl Dzharty told KW in an exclusive interview, according to KyivWeekly. He believes it became possible only after the Party of Regions won the majority in local parliament and councils. “At the last election to the Supreme Council of Crimea the republican chapter of the Party of Regions which I am the head of won 80 seats out of one hundred. Over the entire history of the autonomy not a single political power garnered such support,” the head of the government said.
Dzharty attributed the successes of the autonomy’s economy to the generous support of the President. “Last year 500 million hryvnia were allocated to the state budget of Crimea for socio-economic development. This year 900 million hryvnia were allocated,” he said. “We inject this money into creation of new jobs, modernization of the transport infrastructure and the restoration of cultural monuments.”
When asked which sectors of Crimea’s economy are the most promising for investment, Mr Dzharyt said. ”First and foremost, this is the sanatorium, resort and tourism industry. At the end of the 1980s nearly 10 million people vacationed in Crimea every year. Today, we receive six million tourists, though there is great potential for growth.” He also mentioned agricultural industry, horticulture and winegrowing as most suitable for the Crimean climate.
Foreign capital can participate in these tenders on equal grounds with Ukrainian capital, the official said. “I am confident that the quicker western business expresses its interest in Crimean tourism, the more benefits this will bring to our region and to those companies that get their foot in the door first,” Vasyl Dzharty stressed.
