The meeting with the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Minister of Economy Yulia Sviridenko discussed the priorities of the G7 Ambassadors Group for supporting Ukraine in 2024, cooperation with Italian export credit agencies, investment protection, strengthening Ukrainian exports, and other The issue was discussed. February 16th, Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Ukraine Pier Francesco Zazo. Deputy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev and Igor Bezkaravaini also attended the event.
“The Government of Ukraine is embarking on a path to increase the self-sufficiency of the national economy, and industrial recovery, business support, risk reduction and attracting private investment are national policy priorities. Our vision for economic recovery is as our partners and financial institutions seek to invest in sectors and businesses that generate additional GDP, stimulate exports and develop infrastructure. It is reflected in the strategic document, which is currently in the final stages of coordination with partners: Italian partners and the G7 Ambassadors Group to improve the capacity of the Ukrainian economy.” Yulia Sviridenko pointed out:
The parties discussed issues related to attracting business investment and risk mitigation. The Government has already launched a marine insurance program in collaboration with several insurance companies led by Marsh McLennan and ASCOT. The next step is to increase investment through cargo insurance and other insurance products.
The Ukrainian side called on Italy’s export credit agency SACE to strengthen cooperation with Ukraine and expand the types of risks covered. In particular, Italy’s SACE will allocate €1.5 billion to support trade and financial operations, including in the health and infrastructure sectors. In addition, the export credit agency SIMEST will support Italian companies investing in Ukraine, providing export credits, preferential financing and direct investments.
The First Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine’s small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of the national economy. The government supports entrepreneurs through accessible financing programs and start-up and business development grant programs. The government also expects to strengthen cooperation with the Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation (AICS) to promote local economic development, job creation and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
In addition, the parties also discussed issues regarding the return of Ukrainians. Providing housing for Ukrainians remains important. The government has introduced the eOselya affordable housing loan program, which is available to representatives of certain professions and citizens who do not own a home or wish to improve their housing conditions. Yulia Sviridenko expressed her gratitude to the Italian side for its active participation in the reconstruction of Odessa and the Odessa region.