The participation of international companies in the management of Ukraine’s gas transportation system (GTS) can improve its competitiveness, German Ambassador to Ukraine Ernst Reichel has stated. “Specifically, on the gas transmission system, we do believe that the participation and investment of foreign companies could play a big, positive role in order to make the gas transmission system more competitive. We are entering a phase where it is likely that there will be more competition for the Ukrainian gas transmission system, and so it needs initiatives to make it more viable and cost effective. International investment and participation in the management can play a major role. Also the European Commission is making proposals in this direction,” he said in a joint interview with French Ambassador Isabelle Dumont to Interfax-Ukraine.
Dumont, in turn, noted that the compulsory conditions for significant investments on the part of European companies in Ukraine’s GTS are clear and transparent working conditions and a favorable business climate.
“In principle, everything is possible. What will make them go or not go will be confidence in Ukrainian institutions, confidence in the business climate, confidence in any privatization offered, transparency and the understanding of what is on the table,” she said.
