Speakers at the 3rd annual Ukrainian Financial Forum praised the scale of reform that has been accomplished over the past three years in Ukraine. However, all agreed it is crucial to accelerate the implementation of reforms, to spur economic growth, and pave the way for official membership of the EU.
ICU, an independent asset management firm specialising in Central and Eastern Europe, gathered leaders from Ukraine’s political, financial, and business worlds, alongside international decision makers at its annual forum to discuss the progress of reform in Ukraine. Speakers included Yanis Varoufakis, economist and former finance minister of Greece, Ukraine’s Finance Minister Oleksandr Danylyuk, and Jonathan David Ostry, Deputy Director of Research at the IMF.
Makar Paseniuk, Managing Partner at ICU, said:
“Ukraine needs foreign direct investment, it is crucial for the country’s future prosperity. We need to create a healthier backdrop and a more positive agenda if we are going to generate interest and build confidence from foreign investors that Ukraine is an emerging market that they should not ignore.
Ukraine has made remarkable progress in a short period of time, however it still has a long way to go. It is important that the government forges ahead and accelerates the reform process. This will be a powerful signal to the investors waiting on the sidelines nervous about corruption, transparency and legal protection.”
A series of panel discussions, and presentations, from experienced industry experts provided unique insights into the most pertinent themes surrounding reform in Ukraine.
On the pace of the reform agenda:
On anti-corruption measures:
On land reform:
On the privatization of state owned assets:
The Ukrainian Financial Forum was held in Odessa, Ukraine from 21 – 22 September.