Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko expects Ukraine to be among the first 50 countries in the World Bank’s ease of doing business ranking (Doing Business).
“The head of state expressed confidence that Ukraine will achieve even better results and will be among the first 50 countries in the Doing Business rating,” the presidential press service reported on Thursday, January 25, after Poroshenko’s speech at the investor event of the Ukrainian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (UVCA) at the Ukraine House in Davos, where the 48th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is taking place.
“In a short period of time we will be in the first 50. That is absolutely realistic,” he said.
Poroshenko noted the role of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), international financial institutions and others in supporting reforms.
“Today we had a discussion – whether the glass is half full or empty. I have a new version and I hope Mr. President [EBRD President Suma Chakrabarti] will support me – it isn’t half anymore, we already have more. And this is an important message – please, do not waste time waiting for June-July-August or autumn. This is the right time and place to be here today in the Ukraine House Davos. We are waiting for you, for investors,” he said.
In this context, he noted that much had been done to improve the investment climate.
“Ukraine is different now. You can come and we’ll show you that,” Poroshenko said.
According to him, this year more than 80 companies – world leaders requested a meeting with the Ukrainian president.
“This is a good indicator how popular Ukraine is among the investors and how confident they are about our success,” Poroshenko added.
He also provided examples of changes in Ukraine in the recent period. According to him, it was possible to achieve macro-financial stability, clean up the banking system, adopt education reform, healthcare reform, judicial and pension reforms, as well as important steps in cybersecurity and rural medicine. Poroshenko recalled that a new law on privatization had been adopted.
“When I was elected president, Ukraine didn’t have 3G connection because of corruption. Shortly, we will open the envelope for 4G connection. We have many companies ready to invest in that,” he said.
