President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of the country's leading business associations and urged them to join government programs for large investors.
The Head of State thanked the participants of the meeting for their presence in Ukraine - not only business activity, but also active participation in the life of the country.
"My team and I personally are ready to fight for each of you, for every kopeck you invest in Ukraine," the President said.
He expressed conviction that there is great potential for development and growth in Ukraine now, as there are many reforms ahead, including judicial reform. However, before its completion, the state is ready to stand up for investors.
«Why do we come up with investment programs? To make you feel safe in Ukraine right now, to keep your business secure,” the Head of State said.
The President recalled the government program for large investors “Investment Nanny” and exemption from income tax for 5 years for those who will participate in the privatization of objects worth $ 10 million or more. Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the participants to actively use these programs.
The Head of State also noted that he and his team were open to cooperation with business and were ready to listen to all proposals, in particular, on legislative changes that would improve the business climate and would be aimed at the growth of economy and welfare of citizens.
“Every day we do everything to make the country more attractive. More attractive for business. We are doing everything right now - we are doing things that the President and government simply do not do in a modern European country. But now we "clean" Ukraine from all the dirt, and there is too much dirt. However, you can help us by opening new offices and projects,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The Head of State also suggested holding such meetings on a monthly basis.
Speaking to business representatives, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Yulia Kovaliv stressed the need to maintain constant dialogue and receive feedback from business representatives.
“In order to achieve the result, we need to understand what laws do not work or are not implemented properly in practice. Let's be in direct contact to solve problematic issues together,” she said.
President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine Andy Hunder noted that the meeting was attended by the largest investors who had already raised tens of billions of dollars for the Ukrainian economy and were ready to invest further.
"88% of US companies already operating in Ukraine report an increase in their revenues, 65% are ready to continue investing," he said.
Andy Hunder also endorsed the President's proposal on regular meetings, as, in his opinion, dialogue is important for fruitful cooperation.
“We are optimistic and ready to work together. Only by joining forces will we be able to achieve our common goal,” he summarized.
Executive Director of the European Business Association Anna Derevyanko commended the recent steps taken to improve the investment climate, including the launch of the reformed State Customs Service.
She also noted the demonopolization of Ukrspirt, the promotion of land reform, the preservation of the National Bank’s independence, the launch of micro-enterprise loans, etc.
At the same time, the Executive Director of the European Business Association stressed the need for judicial reform, "so that everyone has a level playing field".
The Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs noted the positive work on the new Labor Code and the reduction of the NBU base rate. It also touched upon problematic issues for business, emphasizing that entrepreneurs need simplification to work effectively.
In general, investors have been supportive of recent steps and noted the courage in the implementation of key reforms.
