On September 11, Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, met with a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) led by Matteo Patrone, Vice President of the Bank.
The parties discussed expanding the EBRD’s investments in energy and infrastructure projects, as well as the bank’s involvement in financing of mine action.
‘The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is one of Ukraine’s most important partners. I would like to thank it for supporting Ukrainian state-owned banks in implementing new energy programs. With the help of the EBRD, we hope to unlock private investment in renewable energy projects,’ said Yuliia Svyrydenko.
The meeting discussed support for specific investment projects and progress in implementing the support for Ukraine agreed at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Berlin – agreements with banks that will strengthen the ability to provide new loans and expand access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses.
The Ministry of Economy is also currently working on a step-by-step guide for businesses that will help them attract available financial instruments. EBRD experts have been invited to join the development of this document.
During the meeting, they discussed the possibility of wider involvement of EBRD experts in the program to support public financial management in Ukraine. In particular, they talked about improving public investment management and creating a single portfolio of investment projects for international financial institutions. In this context, they discussed the importance of the work of the Strategic Investment Council, which was established in May this year.
It was also discussed the possibility of involving the EBRD in mine action. Currently, it is planned to conduct a feasibility study on the integration of the bank’s programs to support the agricultural sector in the field of demining. The parties also discussed the possibility of providing support to mine action equipment manufacturers.
‘It is important for us to make Ukrainian land safe as soon as possible so that farmers can start cultivating it. That is why we offered the EBRD to join the cooperation to increase the number of demining machines, sappers and mine action operators,’ emphasized Yuliia Svyrydenko.
Another point of discussion was the development of human capital. Through cooperation with the EBRD, the Government hopes to improve the situation on the labor market and create conditions for the return of Ukrainians.
At the end of the meeting, the parties raised the issue of involving the EBRD in financing the state Affordable Mortgage Programme ‘yeOselia’.
Ministry of Economy of Ukraine
