Several processes are taking place in Ukraine in parallel. Firstly, the Government’s actions are aimed at developing Ukrainian business, even though the war is ongoing. Secondly, the Government invites business to join the development of models of what Ukraine will look like after the war in terms of post-war reconstruction.

The urgent problems of business and the progress of legislative initiatives were discussed by First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko, Deputy Minister – Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister Oleksii Sobolev, and representatives of the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs today, on March 16.

“It is very important for the Government to understand the problems and needs of business so that we can solve them together and at the same time think about a new economic constitution of Ukraine in terms of post-war reconstruction. We need to understand our strengths. Our strategic goal is to focus on processing, because from an economic point of view, we see potential in this. This is what we emphasize when it comes to support programs and foreign investment,” stressed Yuliia Svyrydenko.

Moreover, as the First Deputy Prime Minister noted, a new niche has emerged in Ukraine, given the big problem of farmers – demining. The common task of the state and business is to develop this market, because security is the number one issue of any economic strategy.

Representatives of the Ministry of Economy discussed with Ukrainian entrepreneurs tools that could simplify doing business. In particular, they emphasized legislative deregulation processes and reducing pressure on entrepreneurs from regulatory authorities. They also focused on the support programs offered by the Government to business and the involvement of international financial institutions. In particular, these include the expansion of relocated enterprises, financing of small and medium-sized businesses through the Export Credit Agency, and war risk insurance.

Deputy Minister Taras Kachka emphasized that the Ministry of Economy aimed to start negotiations on EU accession as soon as possible – in the second half of this year.

“The interests of Ukrainian business should be taken into account in all aspects of integration with the EU. Obviously, our goal is to get closer and fulfill all the requirements as quickly as possible. At the same time, in some areas, such as roaming, digital services, energy, customs procedures, we are already talking about simplifying procedures without waiting for accession,” said Taras Kachka.