The Deputy Chairman of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Bureau of Europe and Eurasia Margo Ellis and the head of the USAID mission Susan Fritz have arrived in Mariupol. During the visit, they, with Deputy Mayor Sergei Orlov went on a tour in the city center.
Natalya Kapustnikova, Director of the Museum of Local Lore, showed the Drama Theater, Theater Square, the water tower and the remains of the Church of Mary Magdalene to foreign guests. I acquainted the participants of the excursion with the history of Mariupol and told about the reconstruction of the city.
‘I see that the city is changing and there is a lot of positive energy here. The city has new features. One of them is the transition from metallurgical, industrial production to lighter industry, green energy and information technology. This will allow you to become a part of the global economy,’ Margo Ellis said.
Sergey Orlov noted that Mariupol together with USAID is implementing two new large projects. The first is aimed at economic development and the second one is at democratic governance. USAID offices have already been opened in Mariupol in these areas.
‘We have agreed on USAID support for the Small and Medium Business Development Program. Mariupol entrepreneurs can receive grants to start their own business. The Agency will also help us in equipping the Multicenter and training staff,’ the deputy mayor said.
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