President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the launch of a new economic platform, Made in Ukraine, which will become a venue for continuous direct dialogue between the state and entrepreneurs.
He made the announcement at an event of the same name in Kyiv, attended by about 400 guests, including representatives of Ukrainian business, heads of regional military administrations, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and foreign guests.
"I am pleased to announce today the launch of our new economic platform, and thus a new economic policy – the Made in Ukraine policy," the President said, addressing the audience.
First of all, the Head of State thanked all entrepreneurs and business representatives who work in Ukraine, create jobs, produce goods and provide services, all those who provide the economic basis for the life of society and the resistance of our warriors.
"We have to win, and this is a matter of survival. And for Ukraine to have all the resources it needs to win, Ukrainian goods, Ukrainian services, Ukrainian consumption and Ukrainian exports, that is, Ukrainian entrepreneurs, must also win. Everyone must now remember that we have only one front, and it is our warriors who are bearing the brunt of it. But for the frontline to be effective, the whole of Ukraine must be effective and strong – everyone who works for the sake of the state and people," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
According to him, significant steps have already been taken to modernize and simplify the work of state institutions so that they contribute to the efficiency of the economy. Now it is time to add other tools.
"This platform – Made in Ukraine – should become a venue for continuous direct dialogue between the state and our entrepreneurs. It should represent the interests of everyone who works in Ukraine, who works transparently and for the sake of Ukraine, that is, pays taxes in Ukraine and does not work in Russia," the Head of State said.
According to the President, all the necessary representatives of the executive and legislative branches of government will participate in the activities of the Made in Ukraine platform, and a dialogue has already begun on many issues of concern to business.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also believes that it is necessary to agree on a modern moral contract between society and business, between the state and business.
"The entrepreneurial success of one person should be part of the public success and common strength of the whole of Ukraine. This is only possible if the business operates in a transparent way, pays taxes in Ukraine, tries to create decent jobs for our citizens, and does not work in Russia or help the war against Ukraine. These are absolutely clear moral rules. Everyone who follows these rules should receive full support from the state and all institutions," the Head of State emphasized.
In addition, the President said that work with partners is underway to insure all investments in Ukraine against war risks, as well as to preserve and expand opportunities for Ukrainian exports.
"We are working on changes in our institutions to give more confidence to business. In particular, the Verkhovna Rada needs to reform the Economic Security Bureau of Ukraine. Any opportunities for state bodies to exert pressure on business must be eliminated," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said and called on the parliament to adopt the law on the ESB in the near future.
He said that the Ukrainian government has prepared proposals to resolve problematic issues on the border with Poland. They have already been submitted to the European Commission and presented to Polish representatives.
"Now we need to do everything to resolve the situation. It should be resolved calmly and in a pragmatic manner. The relevant proposals should be implemented," the President is convinced.
The Head of State noted that other systemic proposals to support business would be announced today.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said that this year UAH 45 billion has been allocated for business support programs, and the restoration and development of entrepreneurship is one of the priorities of the government's action plan.
"At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's initiative brings the interaction between the state and business to a new level. The All-Ukrainian Economic Platform "Made in Ukraine" is a fundamentally new mechanism of communication with entrepreneurs. It is about dialogue and action. The dialogue will result in the best solutions that will be implemented in the near future," the Prime Minister said.
Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy of Ukraine, noted that the new policy of supporting domestic producers "Made in Ukraine" is a comprehensive approach to continue economic growth.
"This policy is another result of the new format of the dialogue between business and government. We have taken into account the requests and wishes of entrepreneurs," she said.
In her video address to the participants of the meeting, U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Recovery Penny Pritzker noted that the Made in Ukraine brand is not only about quality and innovation, but also symbolizes the courage, resilience, and creativity of the Ukrainian people.
"Ukrainians demonstrate these qualities every day, defending their country both on the front line and at the production line," she emphasized.
According to Penny Pritzker, despite all Russia's attacks on the country's production facilities and on our country's position in international markets, Ukraine continues to produce everything from consumer goods to food and high-tech drones.
"President Biden's administration has pledged $230 million to support the Ukrainian private sector to save jobs, boost domestic and foreign demand, and spur tax revenues," said the U.S. Special Representative.
She also added that USAID provides loans, assistance and grants for various sectors of Ukraine's economy.
In a video message, Italian Minister of Enterprises and Production Adolfo Urso noted that Ukraine has a large developed aerospace industry, information and digital technologies, good light industry, and a well-developed machine tool industry.
The minister emphasized that Italy is ready to help Ukraine with specific initiatives to develop and market its products, to ensure that the Made in Ukraine brand impresses the global consumer and encourages them to buy Ukrainian products.