PM Volodymyr Groysman and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble discussed German support of Ukrainian reforms in such areas as customs, energy efficiency and privatization
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Prime Minister of
Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman and
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble
met on Tuesday, June 28, to discuss the support from that the German Government
can possibly provide to the reforms planned by the Ukrainian Government in such
areas as customs, energy efficiency and privatization.
"We are committed
to carry on with reforms," emphasized Volodymyr Groysman at the beginning of the meeting. He
noted that the new Government launched the privatization of state enterprises,
in particular, decided to privatize one of the largest Ukrainian enterprises, Odesa Portside Plant. Moreover,
the Government has deregulated prices in the markets for gas, pharmaceuticals and
launched the customs reform, said the Prime Minister.
Volodymyr Groysman underlined the Government"s desire to attract
German investment in the Ukrainian economy. He
pointed out that yesterday he had a meeting with German business representatives
who noted some improvements in the investment climate and willingness to
intensify their activities in Ukraine.
During the
meeting the sides discussed issues regarding the cooperation in the field of
energy efficiency, including the issue of the German support for the creation and
operation of the State Fund for Energy Efficiency, maintenance of its transparent
and efficient operation.
The interlocutors
also discussed the support that Germany can offer regarding the reform of the
Customs Service of Ukraine and its technical re-equipment.
Finance Minister
Wolfgang Schäuble expressed readiness to
provide consultative support to the privatization process in Ukraine. "We
are ready to assist, advise, share our experience in privatization," he
said.
Volodymyr Groysman said that the Government of Ukraine would designate
persons in charge of interaction with the German side in such areas of
cooperation as energy efficiency, reform of the Ukrainian customs and
privatization.
In turn, Wolfgang
Schäuble said that Germany is ready to
support Ukraine and the Government on the path toward reforms. "You
are facing an enormous challenge and we will give you support," said the German
Finance Minister.
