President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of Ukrainian businesses – retail chains. Among them were the owners, executives, and directors of the largest grocery and home improvement supermarkets, hypermarkets, and marketplaces.
The Head of State stressed the importance of maintaining systematic communication with representatives of businesses affected by Russian strikes in order to overcome all current challenges as quickly as possible.
“I received signals that we need to talk to logistics companies and representatives of the relevant businesses because of the strikes that are taking place. I think this is the right and positive thing to do – to hear each other out. We understand what is happening and what the new tactics used by the Russian Federation to employ long-range weapons against our country are all about. I think it will also be useful for you to understand this,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The President proposed holding regular conference calls with business representatives, with government officials taking part. Every week, businesses’ needs will also be identified, and the issues that arise will be addressed, including updating decisions and regulations and making the necessary changes to procedures to ensure normal supplies to cities and communities.
The main focus was on how the state can support businesses that play an important role in logistics as Russian strikes continue. The Ministers of Finance and Economy, together with the National Bank and the team of the Office of the President, are expected to prepare decisions on expanding support programs for businesses in the near future. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should help secure the necessary agreements with partners to keep businesses operating in Ukraine and maintain the necessary level of economic activity. The relevant tasks have been defined.
At the proposal of businesses, a separate center will be established at the Ministry of Economy and Environment to receive operational information about business problems.
Businesses also proposed establishing customs warehouses in the territories of neighboring European partner countries to store goods that will be brought into Ukraine. In addition, to support businesses, the procedure for leasing warehouse facilities owned by municipalities and the state is to be simplified, and a clear list of logistics hubs is to be compiled.
NSDC Secretary Ihor Klymenko noted that the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Economy and Environment should work on protecting logistics hubs that are critically important to the economy, as well as reserving drivers working at logistics centers.
Minister of Economy and Environment Oleksandr Kravchenko noted that the Government plans to expand the scope of the preferential loan program for large businesses affected by the strikes, as large retail companies currently do not qualify under its terms.
Business representatives also raised the problems they face because of Russian strikes and the constant aerial threats. In particular, they discussed working conditions during air raid alerts. Among other things, they spoke about the new approach to warnings developed today by the Government together with the military and representatives of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine.
Special attention was paid to deregulating the restoration of distribution facilities, as well as labor shortages caused by the decentralization of warehouses and the growing complexity of logistics. Businesses are to develop relevant proposals for consideration at the next meetings.
“I thank everyone who continues to work in Ukraine, supports people, and keeps the economy going despite all the risks and Russia’s constant attacks. I thank everyone who cares about people's lives and about people!” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Business representatives thanked the President for his attention to all the issues they are facing.