The Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Federation

The working part of the conference began on the morning of July 13. The first event was key note speaker Desmond Gray on the EBRD Financial assistance program for Ukraine.

• 1) Foster transition to market economies
• 2) Promote private entrepreneurial initiatives.

After Mr Gray answered questions from the participants the conference then engaged in two workshops:

• U.C.P.B.F. and Community relations
• U.C.P.B.F. and Canadian Government relations

The afternoon keynote speaker was "Debbie White" from the Forum For International Trade Training(FITT). Ms. White gave a superb presentation on International Trade as it relates to Canada and Canadians who would like to do business in Ukraine.

Ms. Debbie White

The main points in Ms. White's talk was that Exporting and promoting Tourism are key elements for the economic prosperity of any country. Two important messages were outlined for any person, organization or country that wants to engage in international trade:

• 1) Find a partner in the foreign country that understands and is successful in that market
• 2) Do research of the country that you want to do business with.

Some of the conference participants listening to Ms. White's presentation.

After the Ms. White's presentation, the conference separated into two workshops:

• U.C.P.B.F. and Canada and our relations with Ukrainian American professional organizations
• U.C.P.B.F. and our relations with Ukraine.

The four conference workshops were designed as a "think tank" sessions. A separate report will be made of the workshops and this report will be used as a reference for the Western Canada Conference in the autumn and at next years National Conference in Calgary, Alberta. A copy will also be available on the UCPBF Home Page.

The participants in the UCPBF-Ukraine relations workshop.

At 6:30 pm I took the conference participants on a walking tour of Ottawa from the Ottawa Carleton Centre to Polonus Restaurant. Then at 7:30 pm we had dinner at Polonus Restaurant . Fine dining was followed by Ukrainian songs and dancing. Afterwards some people went to a bar for more Ukrainian singing while some others went to the Hull Casino.

On Sunday, July 14, summaries of the four workshops were presented to the delegates by the workshop facilitators. The confernence concluded with an Internet demonstration of the UCPBF Home Page, the Ukrainian section of the National Capital Freenet and Internet Relay Chat.

Those who did attend the conference appeared to enjoy themselves as well as having participated in helping to formulate the direction of the UCPBF. Those who are involved in international trade also obtained valuable information. The keynote speakers presented information that will be used to help form what direction and role the UCPBF will take in regard to Professional and Business development and involvement between Canada and Ukraine

Special thanks must be mentioned Iris Bradley and Gordon Andreiuk who provided much need assistance to the conference.

Home page construction by Michael Kostiuk

Last update:May 27, 1997.

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