STATEMENT BY CONGRESSMAN JIM GERLACH (R-PA)
1st Annual International Forum on the Economic Development of Ukraine
Newseum, Washington, D.C., Thursday, October 15, 2009

I would like to thank the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine; the Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States; SigmaBleyzer; the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) and its over 100 members; the Ukrainian Foreign Investment Agency; The Bleyzer Foundation; and the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council Foundation (USUBCF) for their hard-work in bringing all these key groups together to discuss the financial and economic crisis that hit Ukraine in the fall of 2008 and continues to this day.
 
I would love to be with you at this important forum. Unfortunately, due to prior scheduling commitments, I am unable to be there in person today. Nonetheless, throughout my career in the United States Congress, I have worked toward fostering closer ties between the United States and Ukraine and this relationship must be one that is continually fostered and strengthened, both politically and economically.
 
Please know that I support the goals and objectives of this important forum. It is my hope that through this dialogue, we will reach a better understanding of the financial crisis in Ukraine and the steps that must be taken to rapidly accelerate Ukraine’s economic growth and development. I stand ready to provide whatever future assistance and support is needed to accomplish that task. Thank you for your kind invitation.