President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the launch of a new economic platform called "Made in Ukraine," which will serve as a platform for ongoing direct dialogue between the state and entrepreneurs.
He made the announcement at an event in Kyiv attended by approximately 400 invitees, including representatives of Ukrainian businesses, regional administration heads, members of the diplomatic corps, and foreign guests.
"I am pleased to announce today the start of our new economic platform, and thus, a new economic policy – the policy of Made in Ukraine," the President addressed the audience.
The head of state first thanked all entrepreneurs and business representatives working in Ukraine, creating jobs, manufacturing goods, and providing services, all of whom provide the economic foundation for society and support our soldiers in their resistance.
"We must win, and this is a matter of survival. To ensure Ukraine has all the necessary resources for its victory, Ukrainian goods, services, consumption, and exports must also be victorious, in other words, Ukrainian entrepreneurs. Everyone must now remember: we have only one front, and our soldiers bear it. But for the front to be effective, all of Ukraine must be effective and strong – everyone working for the state and its people," emphasized Volodymyr Zelensky.
He noted that significant steps had already been taken to modernize and streamline the work of state institutions to promote economic efficiency. Now is the time to add other tools.
"This platform – Made in Ukraine – should become a platform for ongoing direct dialogue between the state and our entrepreneurs. Here, the interests of everyone working in Ukraine, working transparently and for Ukraine – paying taxes in Ukraine and not working in Russia – should be represented," said the Head of State.
President Zelensky stressed that all necessary representatives of the executive and legislative branches of government would participate in the activities of the Made in Ukraine platform, and dialogue had already begun on many issues of concern to the business community.
He also emphasized the need to establish a modern moral contract between society and business, between the state and business.
"The entrepreneurial successes of individuals must be part of the societal success and collective strength of all Ukraine. This is only possible if businesses operate cleanly – transparently, pay taxes in Ukraine, strive to create decent jobs for our citizens, and do not work in Russia or aid the war against Ukraine. These are absolutely understandable moral rules. Everyone who adheres to such rules should receive full support from the state and all institutions," emphasized the Head of State.
Furthermore, the President announced that work is underway with partners to insure against the military risks of all investments in Ukraine, as well as to preserve and expand Ukrainian export opportunities.
"We are working on changes in our institutions to provide more confidence to the business community. In particular, the Verkhovna Rada needs to reform the Bureau of Economic Security of Ukraine. Any opportunities for state bodies to pressure businesses should be closed," noted Volodymyr Zelensky, urging the parliament to pass a law on the Bureau of Economic Security soon.
He disclosed that the Ukrainian government had prepared proposals to address problematic issues on the border with Poland. These proposals have already been submitted to the European Commission and presented to Polish representatives.
"We need to do everything now to resolve the situation. Resolved calmly, pragmatically. And for the relevant proposals to work," the President affirmed.
The head of state mentioned that other systemic proposals to support businesses would be announced today.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal informed that this year, 45 billion UAH is allocated for business support programs, and the restoration and development of entrepreneurship are among the priorities of the government's action plan.
"At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelensky's initiative elevates the interaction between the state and business to a new level. The All-Ukrainian economic platform 'Made in Ukraine' is a fundamentally new mechanism for communication with entrepreneurs. It's about dialogue and action. The best solutions will be developed in dialogue and implemented in the very near future," said the head of government.
First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko noted that the new policy to support domestic producers "Made in Ukraine" is a comprehensive approach aimed at continuing economic growth.
"This policy is another result of the new format of dialogue between business and government. We took into account the requests and wishes of entrepreneurs," she noted.
Special Representative of the U.S. President for Ukraine Negotiations Penny Pritzker, in a video address to the meeting participants, remarked that the "Made in Ukraine" brand is not only about quality and innovation; it also symbolizes the courage, resilience, and creativity of the Ukrainian people.
"Ukrainians demonstrate these qualities every day, defending their country both on the front lines and on the production line," she emphasized.
According to Penny Pritzker, despite all of Russia's attacks on industrial facilities in the country and on our state's positions in international markets, Ukraine continues to produce everything, from consumer goods to food and high-tech drones.
"The Biden Administration has committed to providing $230 million to support the Ukrainian private sector in preserving jobs, increasing domestic and international demand, and stimulating tax revenues," the U.S. Special Representative explained.
She also added that USAID provides loans, assistance, and grants for various sectors of Ukraine's economy.
Italian Minister of Enterprises and Production Adolfo Urso, in a video address, noted that Ukraine has a highly developed aerospace industry, information and digital technologies, a good light industry, and a well-developed machinery industry.
The minister emphasized that Italy is ready to help Ukraine with concrete initiatives regarding the formation and sale of its products, to ensure that the "Made in Ukraine" brand captures the global consumer and encourages them to buy Ukrainian products.
