On January 21, the Minister of Finance of Ukraine, Viktor Pynzenyk, paid a working visit to Volyn Oblast. He met with the head of the oblast state administration, Volodymyr Bondar, and together with him held a press conference on the topic "General Characteristics of the 2005 Budget." The Minister of Finance answered questions from media representatives regarding the granting of benefits to children of war, the reduction of bank interest rates, financing of social and cultural sectors, and others.
Characterizing the 2005 budget process, Viktor Pynzenyk noted: "Last year we fulfilled not only extremely high social obligations but also achieved significant growth in the real incomes of the population. This is evidenced at least by the fact that citizens' bank deposits grew more than twofold."
In addition, the Minister of Finance visited Lesya Ukrainka Volyn State University, where he delivered a lecture on the topic: "Peculiarities of the Budget Process and the Strategy for Reforming the Tax System in Ukraine."
On the same day, a meeting was held with the main administrators of budget funds, heads of district state administrations, and heads of financial departments "On the Main Directions of Budget Policy in 2006." Communicating with the participants of the meeting, Viktor Pynzenyk answered all questions from those present. Among them: completion of construction and reconstruction of certain social and cultural facilities in the oblast, raising wages and social assistance, further reform of tax legislation, increasing financing of healthcare, culture, and other sectors.