During a working trip to the Chernivtsi region, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and local business representatives discussed the pressing problems that exist in their industries.
Representatives of light industry told the Head of State that after the beginning of the coronavirus epidemic they reoriented their production from sewing wedding dresses and textiles to the production of protective masks and other personal protective equipment. But since the state does not buy the entire volume of their products, the question of allowing the sale of these products abroad again became relevant.
"You probably understand why we did so (introduced a ban on the export of medical masks - ed.). We needed to fill hospitals and pharmacies. As for the hospitals that treat patients with COVID-19, everything is fine with the filling, I think it's not bad for pharmacies either. We will look at this situation, see all the stocks. Maybe it's time (to lift the ban on the export of medical masks - ed.)," the President noted.
At the same time, he noted that Ukraine should be confident in the reserves of personal protective equipment in case of the beginning of the second wave of coronavirus infection.
Chief medical officer of Ukraine, Deputy Minister of Health of Ukraine Viktor Lyashko said that medical institutions will soon provide plans for the purchase of personal protective equipment.
"As soon as they provide, we, together with the Ministry of Economy, will evaluate our production, and, perhaps, in the near future we will allow the quota principle of export of masks," Viktor Lyashko said.
The President clarified that by the end of the week it will have become clear whether there are risks in lifting the ban on exports of these products.
"You are right: if the state does not make an order for you, it should open an opportunity for you," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Also the parties emphasized the need to involve business in the development of medical tourism in the Chernivtsi region. In particular, it will help stop the outflow of medical personnel abroad. Entrepreneurs stressed that many people come to them from Ukraine and other countries for medical services, which are valued for their high quality and relatively low price.
Representatives of the medical industry called on the President to simplify tax reporting procedures for the provision of medical services and to introduce mechanisms of preferential loans for the purchase of medical equipment.
In addition, businessmen drew Volodymyr Zelenskyy's attention to the need to improve export opportunities and asked to build roads.
"We will build roads," the Head of State assured.
