OREANDA-NEWS. February 14, 2011. In Kherson, President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych has visited the Palada State Plant, where he took part in a ceremony of laying the foundation of the first section of one of the largest composite floating docks of the company.

Congratulating the workers of the plant on this occasion, President Yanukovych noted that for many years their company has been one of the global leaders in manufacturing floating docks, many of which are unique.

"The fact that you managed to keep the plant afloat in the direct and figurative sense both, is your great merit," he said. Today's event, he believes, also demonstrates that Ukraine is able to face the future with confidence. "As President, I will do everything possible for the shipbuilding to take a worthy place in the national economy," Viktor Yanukovych said.

"Our main goal is not to sell basic or processed raw materials, but to make products with the high added value," President Yanukovych said, adding that the Program of Economic Reforms, which had started working in 2010, provides, among other things, for development of such plants as the Palada.

In his speech, the President also reminded about the country's economic achievements last year, particularly of the 4% GDP growth and 11% industrial production growth.

"We achieved that thanks to political stability, coordination of government actions, and careful management of resources," he said.

Making comments on the modernization of the state, President Yanukovych stressed that many important projects are currently being implemented in preparation for EURO 2012, reminding also that in 2010, Ukraine managed to catch up with its schedule.

The President stressed that 99% of the EURO 2012 infrastructure will be completed in 2011.