Germany has always been and remains one of the principal partners of Ukraine, and our country was and will be a reliable partner of Germany in the South-Eastern Europe and in the post-Soviet space. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman made this statement during a meeting with representatives of leading German companies operating in Ukraine. The meeting took place on the eve of the working visit of the Head of Ukrainian Government to the Federal Republic of Germany.

"We praise the contribution of German business to the development of the national economy, we appreciate Germany's leadership in our internal reforms as well as in issues pertaining to our territorial integrity. We commend that Germany is a reliable partner of Ukraine, and we are keen on developing bilateral relations", stressed the Prime Minister.

In turn, representatives of German business circles noted that the Government of Ukraine has managed to overcome the economic crisis, and this increases the optimism of business. Thus, last year the volume of mutual trade increased by 21.5%, and the trade accents have changed towards consumer goods and food industries. No less interesting for investors is the construction industry.

According to Ernst Reichel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Germany to Ukraine, the reputation of Ukraine as an investment platform is of paramount importance. "To this end, we also pay considerable attention to Ukraine's achievements in combating corruption, judicial reform and cooperation with international financial institutions, and etc. But I want to assure: The German government will support Ukraine", the diplomatic official emphasized

The Prime Minister thanked for the words of support  and placed an emphasis on to the fact that issues of economic development and creation of a favorable business environment are top priorities for the Cabinet of Ministers. The steps taken in 2017 had proved it. In this context Volodymyr Groysman underlined the Government of Ukraine is an assistant and leader of groundbreaking ideas and actions of the modern world business.

" I want to recall that we have launched a system of electronic VAT refund. The said step enabled  us to remove from the agenda the issue of abusive practice in this sector. We paid off tax debts accumulated over the past few years and did not accept a practice of paying in anticipation. We are moving on the issue of customs reform. We have taken a course towards a large-scale deregulation, and here we are striving to enter the TOP-40 in Doing Business rating. This year we will retrofit the system of state supervision and control, so that no official could have an impact on business", the Head of Ukrainian Government claimed.

In the course of the meeting, the attendees tackled a number of issues and problems experienced by German business persons in Ukraine, as well as determined promising areas for further cooperation. Thus, on the proposal of the German side, questions related to the preparation of personnel in Ukraine in the most demanded professions according to German standards were included into the agenda of the bilateral relations. In this context, Volodymyr Groysman aired an proposal to single out the most burning priorities of the joint work and to further cooperate on specific directions and projects. The Prime Minister is assured that such an approach will strengthen the cooperation between Kyiv and Berlin both at the official level and at the level of business circles.

Background

Germany is among the five major  investors in Ukraine, two thirds of investment flows from German companies are invested in industrial projects. According to the data released by the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, German investors are interested in developing cooperation in the light and food industries as well as in agriculture sector.