PrivatBank, which launched the purchase and sale of domestic government bonds (OVDP) in the Privat24 web app a year ago, has expanded this service to its mobile app.
“The new functionality allows you not only to invest, but also to fully control your portfolio: view securities balances, transaction history, coupon receipts, and redemption payments,” the bank said in a statement on its Telegram channel on Thursday.
According to the message, a new investment section called “Bonds” has been opened, where customers can buy and sell government bonds and manage their securities.
PrivatBank reminded that you can invest in government bonds in Privat24 starting from UAH 1,000. According to the message, the section offers a wide selection of bonds in hryvnia, dollars, and euros without tax fees and without additional purchase commissions. To get started, simply select the desired OVDP issue, fill in the details, and sign the documents via SmartID. Purchase and sale applications are accepted 24/7.
According to the bank, its customers are actively investing in OVDPs: since the beginning of 2025 alone, they have invested over UAH 21 billion in government securities. The most popular remain six-month and one-year hryvnia bonds, as well as US dollar-denominated securities. Most clients who receive redemption payments immediately reinvest them in new issues of the Ministry of Finance, the report says.
As reported, PrivatBank topped the Ministry of Finance’s rating of primary dealers in the OVDP market in 2024. As of early September 2025, it owned OVDPs worth UAH 344.51 billion, or 39% of the total bank OVDP portfolio.
According to the Settlement Center for Servicing Contracts on Financial Markets (RC, Kyiv), last year the number of registered investors in Ukraine increased from 166,120 to 197,790, and as of November 1, it reached 216,680.
As of October 2025, PrivatBank’s active customer base consisted of 18.1 million individuals, which is 220,000 fewer than at the end of 2024, and the number of users of the Privat24 mobile app decreased by 150,000 to 13.61 million people. On the other hand, the number of business clients increased by 20,000 during this period, to 930,000.
The Agro-Region agricultural holding has created a mobile application for working with land lease agreements, according to a Facebook post by the holding’s press service.
The land department of Agro-Region noted that daily work with a large number of contracts required a solution that would reduce the time spent searching for and processing them.
“We had to ensure quick access to contracts in the field and synchronization with the ERP system. This became a key task during development. The application was created by the company’s internal specialists. During the work, we used artificial intelligence tools, in particular JetBrains AI Assistant. AI accelerated some of the processes, but the architectural solutions and logic were formed in accordance with business requirements. This allowed us to obtain a simple and reliable tool,” explained Vadym Yanchuk, CIO of the Agro-Region group of companies, whose words are quoted in the report.
The application allows you to work offline, conduct contract inventory, transfer and accept contracts between employees, automatically generate transfer acts in ERP, scan QR codes on contracts for instant access, search for contracts by name, cadastral number, or other parameters, according to the release.
“The application has become part of the digital transformation of the land department. Its implementation has reduced operational time costs, increased the accuracy of contract processing, and optimized interaction between departments,” the agricultural holding noted.
Agro-Region agricultural holding owns a land bank of 39,000 hectares in the Kyiv, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, and Khmelnytskyi regions. It specializes in crop production. It consists of 11 companies, which are united into four crop clusters. It has two elevators: Boryspil with a capacity of 73,000 tons and Myropil with a capacity of 52,000 tons.
Agro-Region’s annual harvest of grain and oilseeds is 200,000 tons.
In April 2021, the Swedish company Lobiu Sala AB, owned by former Ukrainian Economy Minister Aivaras Abromavičius, received permission from the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine to purchase the Swedish company Agro Region Stockholm Holding, which manages the Agro-Region group of companies in Ukraine.
A talent visa is a special residence and work permit designed to attract foreign professionals with exceptional skills or achievements. It is used by countries to strengthen their scientific, cultural, technological, sporting, or business sectors. In the context of growing competition for talent and capital, such programs are becoming part of economic and innovation promotion strategies, helping countries become “talent magnets.”
Professionals in science, technology, business, education, or sports, entrepreneurs and start-ups, investors with a plan to create jobs, as well as creative professionals — artists, musicians, actors, designers, and fashion designers — can apply for a talent visa. Often, graduates of prestigious universities, students with outstanding academic achievements, and public figures fall into the “talent” category. Higher education is not always required: it is more important to have evidence of achievements — publications, participation in conferences, mentions in the media, and letters of recommendation.
In different countries, the visa program for talents has its own name and different requirements. In the US, it is called O-1A or O-1B and is intended for people recognized in the arts, sciences, sports, business, or cinema. The visa is issued for three years with the possibility of extension, and approval is given by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
France has a Passeport Talent program that covers investors, professionals, artists, scientists, and athletes. Recently, the income requirements have been reduced to €39,500 per year. Those who have obtained a visa can live and work in France with their families for up to four years, with the possibility of extension.
The UK offers a Global Talent Visa, which allows you to live for up to five years, bring family members, and does not require a high level of English. Confirmation of merit by a relevant British organization is required. Germany has a pan-European program called the Blue Card, which is designed for highly skilled professionals from countries outside the European Union with a university degree or at least three years of work experience and an invitation from a German employer.
Canada uses the Global Talent Stream program, which is aimed at specialists in critical technology sectors. Candidates must have a job offer from a Canadian company and confirm their qualifications. In Australia, a similar program is called the National Innovation Visa. It is aimed at attracting foreigners with outstanding abilities, but the visa application process is long and expensive.
In New Zealand, the talent visa is intended for representatives of the arts, culture, and sports. It is valid for up to 30 months, after which you can apply for a residence permit. In Thailand, the talent visa is part of the Smart Visa program, designed for professionals in science and technology. A minimum one-year contract with an income of at least 100,000 baht per month is required.
The United Arab Emirates has a Golden Visa program that provides professionals, artists, medical professionals, and investors with a five- or ten-year residence permit. Hong Kong has a Top Talent Pass Scheme program designed for wealthy professionals or graduates of prestigious universities. In China, high-level specialists can obtain an R visa for up to ten years. Malaysia has a Residence Pass Talent program for skilled workers with at least five years of experience.
In September 2025, South Korea launched a new K-Star program for leading global experts in science and technology. It provides a fast track to permanent residence and will be fully operational in 2026.
Serbia also has a simplified talent visa option. To obtain it, you only need to confirm your diploma, pay a fee of about €95, and wait up to 90 days. The visa is issued for one year with the possibility of extension and subsequent transition to permanent residence. Language skills are not required.
Experts note that such programs have become a strategic tool for attracting knowledge and capital. Each of them is part of the formula “talent – innovation – economic growth.” Despite similar goals, the requirements vary significantly: in some cases, the process is strict and multi-stage, while in others, it is a fairly simple procedure for confirming competencies. The successful implementation of such programs strengthens the country’s reputation as a center of attraction for talent and investment.
However, it is important to remember the risks. Without transparent selection and integration mechanisms, such visas can become a burden on social and migration systems rather than a driver of development. For Ukraine, such initiatives open up opportunities for professional growth and entry into global markets, and for host countries, they are a way to strengthen their innovative potential.
Overall, Experts Club experts believe that the future of the global economy largely depends on how effectively countries can compete for human capital. Talent visa programs are becoming one of the main tools in this new “battle for minds.”
Pharmacy sales in Ukraine in January-September 2025 grew by 13.14% in monetary terms compared to the same period in 2024, reaching almost UAH 159.728 billion, while in real terms they decreased by 2% to 845.012 million packages, according to data from a study conducted by Business Credit and reported to Interfax-Ukraine.
According to the data, the weighted average price of goods in the pharmacy basket for January-September was UAH 189.02 per package, which is 15.51% more than in the same period last year.
At the same time, pharmacy sales of medicines in January-September 2025 increased in monetary terms by 11.76% to almost UAH 123.677 billion, while in real terms they decreased by 0.88% to almost UAH 597.193 million.
The weighted average retail price of medicines for the nine months was UAH 207.1 per package, which is almost 12.75% more than a year ago.
Pharmacy sales of dietary supplements in January-September increased by 27.9% in monetary terms compared to the same period in 2024, to almost UAH 18.385 billion, and in real terms increased by 1.06% to 72.858 million packages. The weighted average price in this segment increased by 26.56% to UAH 252.34 per unit.
As reported, pharmacy sales in Ukraine in the first half of 2025 increased by 11% in monetary terms compared to the same period in 2024, to UAH 105.214 billion, while in real terms they decreased by 2.78% to 567.02 million packages. The weighted average price of goods in the pharmacy basket at the end of the first half of the year was UAH 185.56 per package, which is 14.17% more than in the same period last year.
At the same time, pharmacy sales of medicines in January-June 2025 increased in monetary terms by 10.33% to almost UAH 81.929 billion, while in real terms they decreased by 2.32% to almost UAH 399.292 million. The weighted average retail price of medicines at the end of the first half of the year was UAH 205.19 per package, which is almost 13% more than a year ago.
Pharmacy sales of dietary supplements in January-June increased by 17.67% in monetary terms compared to the same period in 2024, to almost UAH 11.679 billion, and decreased by 1.5% in real terms, to 49.479 million packages. The weighted average price in this segment increased by 19.5% to UAH 236.03 per unit.
Ukraine Investment Fund, established under the management of Norwegian state investment fund Norfund, is investing approximately NOK 100 million (EUR8.5 million) in the expansion of the M10 industrial park in Lviv, according to a press release from Dragon Capital.
“An important part of Ukraine’s sustainability is supporting the economy. The Investment Fund’s first investment in Ukraine is a good example of how the fund will contribute to this by investing in sustainable businesses and infrastructure projects,” said Norwegian Minister of International Development Osmund Okrust, whose words are quoted in the press release.
According to Norfund CEO Tellef Torleifsson, the investment in M10 will create several thousand jobs.
The Ukraine Investment Fund was established in December 2024 and is managed by the Norwegian investment fund Norfund. The fund intends to support sustainable business and create jobs in Ukraine with a focus on risky projects involving private capital.
As reported, the first building of M10 Lviv Industrial Park in Lviv, which is being implemented by Dragon Capital in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), has received the international EDGE certificate.
The M10 industrial park is being built in the industrial zone of the Riasne-2 microdistrict in Lviv, 60 km from the border with Poland. The total area of the site is 23.5 hectares, which allows for the construction of six phases of production, warehouse, and office buildings in accordance with international standards of sustainable development.
The EBRD is a 35% shareholder in the project, and its total investment could reach $24.5 million.
In September 2023, the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) provided M10 Lviv Industrial Park with 10-year insurance against military risks.
The first phase of the industrial park, a 14,400 sq m Class A warehouse complex, was completed and commissioned in February 2024. The facility was fully leased by Aurora, one of the leading national retail chains.
Dragon Capital is one of the largest groups of companies in Ukraine, which has been operating in the field of investment and financial services since 2000 and provides a full range of investment banking and brokerage services, direct investments, and asset management.
Dragon Capital Property Management is the management team that manages the company’s commercial real estate portfolio. It manages 25 properties (business centers, shopping and entertainment centers, and logistics complexes) with a total area of 560,000 square meters, making the company one of the largest players in the real estate market in Ukraine.
INDUSTRIAL PARK, Norwegian fund, Ukraine Investment Fund, М10
In October this year, Ukrainians purchased 3,114 thousand passenger cars imported from China, which is 2.6 times more than in the same month last year, according to UkrAvtoprom on its Telegram channel.
It is noted that most of the passenger cars purchased from China were new — 2,512 units, which is 2.6 times more than last year. Demand for used cars also increased more than 2.6 times — 602 units were imported.
The vast majority of passenger cars from China were electric vehicles – 92%.
The most popular models of new passenger cars of Chinese origin were Volkswagen ID.UNYX – 441 units; BYD Song Plus – 391 units; BYD Leopard 3 – 261 units; Zeekr 7X – 169 units; BYD Sea Lion 07 – 150 units.
The most frequently purchased used cars were Zeekr 001 – 57 units; BYD Sea Lion 07 – 45 units; Volkswagen ID.UNYX – 36 units; Zeekr 7X – 33 units; and Audi Q4 – 30 units.
As reported, in January-October of this year, China was among the top three countries from which Ukraine imported passenger cars after Germany and the United States, with a share of 13.8% of total imports or $663 million, while in the same period of 2024, it was not among the top three.
In 2024, Ukrainians purchased about 14,400 cars imported from China, which is 18% more than in 2023. Demand for new cars grew by 37% to 11,000 units, while demand for used cars fell by 20% to 3,300 units.
In addition, according to UkrAvtoprom, in October 2025, Ukrainians purchased more than 5,800 used cars imported from the United States, which is 2.2 times more than in the same period of 2024.
The largest share of this number (49%) was electric cars, while gasoline cars accounted for 36%, hybrids – 8%, diesel cars – 4%, and cars with LPG systems – 3%.
The average age of the used American cars that joined the Ukrainian car fleet in October was 5.2 years.
The five most popular used cars manufactured in the US were Tesla Model Y – 900 units; Tesla Model 3 – 841 units; Ford Escape – 408 units; Nissan Rogue – 273 units; Tesla Model S – 270 units.
