On January 12, 2017, the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko arrived to Odessa with a working visit to introduce the new Governor of Odessa region Maxim Stepanov.
President Petro Poroshenko gave specific tasks to the new head of Odessa State Administration and noted the need of repair and construction of roads. The President also noted the efficiency of the experiment, according to which all funds received for the account of an overfulfillment of the plan for the customs, returned to the region for road repairs and noted the need of using this mechanism of additional financing

Petro Poroshenko paid the attention to the importance of the finishing the construction of Odessa airport: «Not only the building of the airport must be finished, but also reconstruction of a strip has to be begun this year. The strip has to be at the level of all international standards». The head of state reported that he had discussed the questions with the Minister of Infrastructure of the finishing the construction of Odessa airport and had given the assignment to work it together with the Minister of Finance.

«The best policy – serve the state honestly» - Petro Poroshenko said.
«I am sure that the resolute reforms will be continued first of all in the economic sphere in 2017. The new investors will be attracted including to Odessa region »- Petro Poroshenko said.