Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a meeting with representatives of Ukrainian businesses.
He expressed gratitude to entrepreneurs for everything they are doing for the country and emphasized that there can be no strong state without a strong business sector.
Andriy Yermak spoke about the meeting in Istanbul and Ukraine’s further diplomatic efforts to achieve a just and enduring peace.
He also announced that a new-format meeting between the President of Ukraine and business representatives is expected to take place soon.
"The President sees our Council primarily as the foundation for shaping the country’s economic policy and strategy – together with the Head of State and the government," Andriy Yermak emphasized.
According to him, once the war ends, Ukrainian businesses and citizens must have a clear understanding of how the country will move toward a new economic development strategy.
"The President and the government remain committed to the concept of maximum deregulation of business and maximum privatization – with the exception of enterprises of strategic importance to the national economy," he stated.
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko added that, at the President’s initiative, sectoral and regional directions were added to the discussions on government initiatives to improve the business climate, as well as to the earlier developments with the Council for Entrepreneurship Support.
"We believe there should be privatization of everything that can be privatized, a special regime for investment in the defense industry, and certainly a special regime for frontline territories – recognizing that recovery won’t be very fast. The government is now working on all the necessary mechanisms and tools," she noted.
Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office Yuriy Katsion reported that an expanded list of Council members has already been formed. It will include over 75 qualified representatives from all sectors and various regions of Ukraine. More than 10 thematic and sectoral committees have been established to ensure effective and professional work on addressing all issues raised by the business community. In addition, several meetings between government officials and representatives of business associations have already taken place.
"This effectively marks the beginning of the Council’s work in its expanded composition. Key issues troubling businesses across various sectors have been identified. These issues are already being addressed at the level of ministries and agencies, and relevant draft laws are being prepared," he added.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President Viktor Mykyta emphasized that a national platform called “Dialogue Between Government and Business” operates in Ukraine, within which all heads of regional military administrations meet weekly with business representatives. Thanks to this platform, more than 100,000 responses have been collected, providing a clear understanding of the challenges faced in each region.
According to him, in the first quarter of this year, local budget revenues grew by 19% compared to the same period last year.
"Each region now has a range of business support programs funded through regional budgets. To date, businesses in the crop and livestock sectors, as well as relocated enterprises, have already received over one billion hryvnias in support," Viktor Mykyta stated.