Ukrainian Reforms Switched to Higher Gear

KYIV, Ukraine, January 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- "We still consider Ukraine a very important strategic partner and are ready to continue the investment policy at a high level," said Thomas Mirow, EBRD President during his meeting with Viktor Yanukovych, Ukrainian President at the World Economic Forum in Davos yesterday.

The EBRD President expressed satisfaction with the stabilization of the political and economic situation in Ukraine. He particularly praised the fact that cooperation between Ukraine, IMF and other partners have resumed.

The Ukrainian leader also pointed out that restoring collaboration with the IMF has positively influenced the national economy. Such bilateral relations also raised Ukraine's positive image among other countries of the world, according to the President.

Viktor Yanukovych also stressed that "Ukraine highly appreciates its cooperation with the EBRD and is ready to develop it further."

Viktor Yanukovych noted that the EBRD had so far contributed to the implementation of about 200 investment projects in Ukraine with the total worth over 1 billion USD. "Thanks to your cooperation, we are gradually restoring the stability of the Ukrainian financial system," said Viktor Yanukovych in his conversation with Thomas Mirow. He also stressed that Ukrainian people started to gain confidence in Ukrainian financial establishments, and that the current number and volume of deposits into Ukrainian banks shows a steady growth.

President Yanukovych highlighted that currently Ukraine is undertaking fiscal, administrative, judicial and other reforms. "In 2011, we will continue to modernize the economy and other vital areas of life of our country. We will launch reforms in 21 different directions," said Viktor Yanukovych.

The Ukrainian President also mentioned that Ukraine is hoping to continue the Shelter program. "Ukrainian side is eager to discuss increasing the Shelter Fund", he said. Yanukovych noted that new donors could be invited to this process and relevant work could have been done more effectively during the International Conference dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. In response Thomas Mirow confirmed his intention to participate in the conference. "I will personally supervise the preparations on our side," he said.

During his visit to Davos World Economic Forum on January 27-28, the Ukrainian President also plans to meet with the President of Azerbaijan, Aliyev, and the President of Poland, Komorowski. Viktor Yanukovych has already had a meeting with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.