President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a meeting with President of the MEDEF Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux, Chairman of the MEDEF International France-Ukraine Business Council, CEO of Egis Laurent Germain, Vice President of Alstom Philippe Delleur who are visiting Ukraine and heading the delegation of big French companies. The interlocutors discussed the possibilities of implementing joint projects.
The President noted that the visit of such a level of French business is taking place for the first time and is very important for Ukraine.
"I pay considerable attention to the development of favorable conditions for investment and infrastructure projects in Ukraine. Your visit demonstrates interest in business projects in Ukraine and opens new opportunities," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy, adding that despite the COVID-19 pandemic, French business cares about expanding and establishing cooperation.
"I am glad that despite COVID-19, representatives of different countries meet and talk about the economy. It is very important. This indicates that life goes on, that there is a real interest in the development of business relations, investment projects," said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The Head of State stressed that the delegation would hold many meetings today, including with representatives of the Ukrainian government. He wished these meetings to result in the implementation of specific projects as soon as possible.
In particular, the President drew the attention of investors to the implementation of the Large Construction National Program, within which more than 4 thousand km of roads were built last year and the same number is planned to be built this year. He called on French business to join the modernization of Ukraine's road infrastructure in the framework of public-private partnership projects.
Among the large-scale investment projects, Volodymyr Zelenskyy also mentioned the railway connection, IT sphere, modernization and management of ports, airports, construction of the metro and underground tunnels, etc. At the same time, the Head of State stressed the need to localize production in Ukraine.
French entrepreneurs confirmed their interest in cooperating in these areas. In some of them cooperation has already begun. In particular, a contract was signed with Alstom for the supply of 120 locomotives for the Ukrainian railways with partial localization of production in Ukraine (in the amount of 35%). In total, intergovernmental agreements worth more than 1.3 billion euros have recently been signed between Ukraine and France.
The participants of the meeting paid special attention to the issue of establishing a national Ukrainian air carrier. Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Airbus, with which our state already has a contract for the supply of helicopters, to consider the possibility of participating in this project and to study the issue of Ukraine's involvement in the company's production.
According to Airbus representatives, they are currently studying the feasibility study of the project and considering the possibility of creating a concept and business plan. The company is also studying the technical capabilities of Ukrainian companies in order to use them as a production site.
Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux, for his part, said: MEDEF International has more than 170 members and represents 75% of French business and is interested in Ukraine. Despite the rather high level of cooperation, our countries have the potential to develop business relations, he is convinced.
"Today, France is the sixth largest investor in Ukraine. Not a bad figure, we can be pleased. But we understand that it is not the best and we can do much more," said the President of MEDEF.
The MEDEF delegation, which arrived in Ukraine, includes representatives of 20 large French companies from many sectors. In particular, two probably most active companies in Ukraine - Airbus and Alstom - were represented at the meeting with the President.