The city of Kolomyia first appears in history in the Galytsko-Volynsky chronicle in 1241; however, historians believe the city was founded even earlier as it is thought that the origins of the city’s name can be found in Sanskrit. The city of Kolomyia is also associated with one of the most ancient and famous genres of Ukrainian folk songs as well as a national verse style – kolomyika. Visitors are always impressed by Kolomyian architecture as its preserved and restored buildings date from the middle of 19th and first half of 20th centuries. Among the 17 churches found in Kolomyia, the most outstanding is the Church of Annunciation, a model of Ukrainian wooden architecture of the 16th century.

In 1991 the citizens of Kolomyia greeted the declaration of independence of Ukraine with delight. Since then much has been done for local self-government development, economic growth, implementation of market reforms, cultural and educational development as well as spiritual revival. Now the city is visited by many tourists and business and cultural delegations from former republics of the USSR and other European countries. Moreover, during the first nine months of 2003, 3.5 million USD of direct foreign investment (DFI) was pumped into the city’s economy and DFI continues to grow consistently. Capital was received from non-residents in form of movables and mortgage.

The balance of external trade was positive at 4.3 million of USD. From 1992 to 1998 Kolomyia suffered a slump in industrial production, but growth in the volume of output was recorded for the first time in 1999–2002. Then in 2001 and 2002 another slight recession occurred, with decreases in output of 3.6% and 17.3% recorded, respectively. This negative trend persisted in 2003 because of a decrease in the volume of output in the food and processing industry. However, by the end of 2003, the negative trend was reversed and the budget deficit was eliminated due to the earnings of small and medium businesses.

A major portion of city’s economy is comprised of small and medium businesses, which together are responsible for approximately 60% of the revenues of the municipal budget and almost 50% of the rayon budget. As of January 1, 2004, the number of registered entrepreneurs in the city was almost 6000 (4784 were individuals and 939 were legal entities). In the rayon, over 2000 entrepreneurs were registered (1642 were individuals, 428 were legal entities, and 77 were agricultural enterprises).

Local authorities provide support to entrepreneurs by renting out unoccupied production premises, land for permanent exploitation, and non-residential premises for shops and by supporting the establishment of a network of private wholesale and small wholesale warehouses, markets, etc. The first step towards overcoming the administrative and bureaucratic obstacles found in the business registration system has been taken. A Registration Chamber where entrepreneurs can complete all required forms at the same place and at the same time has been successfully established.

In order to foster partnerships between governmental, cultural, educational and business entities, local authorities actively promote amicable relations with other cities in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Specifically, Kolomyia is a twin city of Artemivsk, Mukacheve, Mariupol, Kremenchuk, and Illichivsk in Ukraine, as well as of Nyssa and Adrykhov in Poland. Business relations have also been established with Drokia in Moldova and Siguet-Marmatsiya and Radivtsi in Romania.

Contact information of Kolomyia city council:

City major: Yuriy OVCHARENKO
Address: Hrushevsky St., 1, Kolomyia 78200, Ukraine
Telephone: +38 (03433) 2-39-32
E-mail: tower@base.km.if.ua
URL: www.ko.if.ua