President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych met in Berlin with representatives of business circles of Germany, presidential press office reported.
Addressing the audience, the Head of State stressed that most of them
have the experience of work in Ukraine, so are well aware of the
current situation in our country. In particular – they surely have seen
the negative influence of global financial crisis and unprofessionalism
of previous government on the Ukrainian economy and business climate.
"I am confident that the business climate in Ukraine needs to improve significantly," Viktor Yanukovych said.
The President stressed that the new Ukrainian government aims to
correct the situation, reform and modernize the economy. He expressed
confidence that the process provides new opportunities for German
investors.
"We all know well that there were no reforms in Ukraine but talks of
them, struggle for power, collisions, sorting relationship during last
twenty years. Now, Ukraine must be quickly reformed for the future," he
said.
One of the urgent tasks President Yanukovych named reforming the tax
system and adopting a new Tax Code as soon as possible. The President
said that the draft Tax Code is being finalized after public hearings
and that the Government will set clear, transparent rules for relations
between the state and business.
According to him, legislative measures to protect lenders and
investors will be taken already this year. Intensifying investment
policy and improving business climate will be top priorities. "We are
determined to reduce the number of existing permits and licenses,
significantly reduce the number of regulatory bodies," said Viktor
Yanukovych.
Besides, according to the Head of State, the government will simplify
the process of registering investments and elaborate the mechanism of
their involvement in the areas identified as priority for modernizing
the country. Among such areas Viktor Yanukovych named fuel and energy
complex, transport industry, agriculture, infrastructure development,
innovation sector, social services and so on.
Undoubtedly, said the President, the projects related to preparation
for hosting Euro 2012 in Ukraine are also promising for investors.
President Yanukovych said that each region of Ukraine is working out
regional development programs that focus on creating a favorable
investment climate, competitive development of modern industries, and
involvement of regions in transnational programs. First of all, these
programs focus on attracting investment to the development of new
technologies and creating new industries.
"So we invite you to examine the potential and opportunities in the Ukrainian regions more carefully," said Viktor Yanukovych.
In his speech President Yanukovych also mentioned that conditions for
doing business in Ukraine are improving due to the process of
approximation of Ukrainian legislation to EU standards. Besides, the new
government dedicates much attention to fighting corruption, so legal
climate in Ukraine is also improving gradually.
He said Ukraine soon hopes to complete negotiations on the
Association Agreement, Free Trade Agreement, and visa-free travel
between Ukraine and EU.
"Only real demonstration of intentions in the area of European
integration and reforms will help today to overcome the existing
stereotypes in the EU regarding Ukraine. This is a goal of my team, and
we aim all our actions at reaching it,” said Viktor Yanukovych.
