Italy has been a good partner for Ukraine, and Kyiv is ready to deepen and comprehensively develop bilateral relations in political and economic areas, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said at a meeting with Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano.
“Italy is our traditional partner, we have much in common, and there is an opportunity to build a good common future,” the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine quoted Groysman as saying.
The Ukrainian prime minister thanked the Italian government for the constant support of Ukraine in protecting its territorial integrity and counteracting Russian aggression. This issue acquires special significance in the context of Italy’s chairmanship of the OSCE in 2018, Groysman said.
Italy keeps an eye on the situation in Ukraine, notes the macroeconomic progress in Ukraine, sees the challenges Ukraine state is facing, and is ready to help in every possible way, Alfano said.
During the meeting, the two officials discussed the results of the reforms in Ukraine and the government’s economic plans for this year, including large-scale privatization under the new legislation. Groysman invited Italian companies to participate in the sale of assets, and also offered to assess the prospects for joint implementation of projects in industry and energy. The energy sector, could be attractive for Italian companies both in terms of general modernization of the Ukrainian gas transportation system, and in terms of the participation of Italian business in gas production projects in Ukraine, the PM said.
“The economy is growing and will grow, and we invite the Italian side to cooperate,” Groysman said.
In turn, Alfano said Italian exports to Ukraine have grown recently by 20%, and those of Ukraine to Italy by 24%. “These are good indicators, and at this rate, our partnership will quickly become strategic,” the minister said, adding that they looked forward to cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and innovation.”
The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMC) estimates the share of PJSC Myronivsky Hliboproduct of the poultry market at 38%, and that of Agromars Complex LLC at 12%, the press service of the agency has reported.
“During the period from 2015 to 2017, more than 100 business entities were engaged in production of chicken meat. According to the preliminary results of research, the share of the largest poultry producers PJSC Myronivsky Hliboproduct was 38%, Agromars some 12%, and Agro-Oven some 6%,” the agency said.
According to the AMC, according to the preliminary results of the study of the poultry market, the agency is considering two possible violations of the legislation on economic competition protection: abuse of a monopolistic dominant position by one of the largest chicken producers or the anticompetitive concerted actions of the largest producers in terms of price policy coordination.
“After receiving information from the market participants, analyzing and clarifying it, the committee will draw conclusions about the presence or absence of signs of violations of the law on protection of economic competition,” the AMC said.
Ukrainian Energy and Coal Industry Minister Ihor Nasalyk and representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have discussed holding a tender for the positions of independent members of the supervisory board of Ukrenergo, the ministry’s press service has reported.
“The issues of corporatization of state-owned companies and the formation of the independent supervisory board of Ukrenergo are among the most topical issues in reforming the energy sector,” the minister said.
The sides also discussed the development of renewable energy in the country. EBRD representatives suggested further discussing the possibilities of legislative regulation and financing renewable energy projects in Ukraine taking into account international experience.
Nasalyk noted the expediency of considering the issue of introduction of energy storage devices, which will make it possible to use additional renewable energy power.
“The introduction of energy storage will make it possible to gradually reduce the use of TPPs and fulfill Ukraine’s obligations to reduce emissions,” the minister said.
As reported, Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry announced a tender to select four independent members for the supervisory board of Ukrenergo. Applications and documents for participation in the tender are accepted until March 2, 2018.
Roshen this year will invest UAH 90 million in creating public space in the territory of the Kyiv confectionery factory Roshen located in the center of the capital, the company’s press service has told Interfax-Ukraine.
“Roshen Plaza is the conditional name of the reconstruction and improvement of the territory of the Kyiv confectionery factory Roshen. The factory does not cease existing, but its capacities are reduced,” the corporation said.
In particular, Roshen noted that the Kyivsky Tort cake will continue to be produced at the Kyiv confectionery factory.
“Part of production premises will remain in the territory of the factory, while the company’s office, as well as public facilities will be located in one of the buildings,” the corporation said.
According to the report, in late spring a demonstration center with a chocolate production line will be opened in the territory of the factory, where one can see the details and peculiarities of making sweets, and by the end of the year the first stage of the area improvement will be completed and a free seasonal ice rink with an area of more than 2,000 square meters will open.
The second stage of the project will be completed in 2019. It provides for the establishment of a dynamic fountain and the creation of a technical complex for video projection and a light musical show, Roshen said.
The corporation noted the concept of public space is in the process of finalization, and reconstruction work is expected to be completed by 2020.
Average retail prices for petrol and diesel fuel in Ukraine in the period from December 29, 2017 to January 29, 2018 grew by 7.1-8.2% (by UAH 2.1 per liter), for LPG by 3.1% (by UAH 0.4/liter), according to data from A-95 Consulting Group (Kyiv).
Last week, from January 22 to January 29, 2018 average retail prices rose by 2.1-2.7%, while those for LPG by 0.9%.
Earlier A-95 Consulting Group Director Serhiy Kuyun noted that the increase in prices for petroleum products in Ukraine is associated with the increase in oil prices in the world and the depreciation of the hryvnia exchange rate, since fuel excises are euro-denominated.
As reported, average retail prices for petrol in Ukraine for 2017 increased by 19.2-20.1% (by UAH 4.61-4.76/liter), for diesel fuel by 22.6% (by UAH 4.84/liter). At the same time, average prices for liquefied petroleum gas, despite a sharp increase in August due to a deficit, showed an increase of a mere 2.9% for the year (by UAH 0.36/liter).
