Not only is the Alchevsk Steel Mill one of the best companies
in the Lugansk region but it can also serve as a good example for the rest of
the country, Victor Yushchenko said in Alchevsk, president's press office reported.
“The Alchevsk Steel Mill has shown in the past couple of years
that it is possible to change things when there is an ambitious strategy and
clear investment policy,” he said.
The President praised its management for introducing new
technologies, boosting competitiveness, creating new jobs and taking steps to
improve the local environment. He said they adopted the best international
standards.
Yushchenko was, however, quite critical when assessing the
development of metallurgy in Ukraine.
“The processes in the industry are ambiguous. The raw material
market looks pretty pessimistic,” he said. “Ukraine’s unique natural resources
are managed improperly and with numerous violations.”
He insisted that the country must promote energy efficiency and
cut production costs to be among the world’s leading steel producers.
The President said the experience of the Alchevsk Steel Mill
could be used as an example to follow, particularly its constructive relations
with the city’s authorities. He said the mill had invested funds in the local
heating infrastructure.
