The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has defined operational and strategic priorities in Ukraine for the next five years: privatization and improved governance in the public sector, energy security and energy efficiency, as well as strengthening the banking sector and developing capital markets. “The EBRD will pay special attention to projects that will integrate investment and policy engagement in areas such as privatization, energy security and efficiency, the financial sector, trade and infrastructure,” the bank said in a statement in connection with the adoption of a new strategy for Ukraine.
“The EBRD will help stimulate private sector participation across sectors and further commercialization of public sector firms. The bank will continue to support the implementation of modern public sector procurement as well as the introduction of proper public governance,” a bank press release reads.
“The EBRD’s operational and strategic priorities in Ukraine will rest on the following five pillars: promoting privatization and commercialization in the public sector to increase competitiveness and good governance; promoting the rule of law, fair competition in the private sector and support of companies that use best practice; strengthening energy security through effective regulation, market liberalization, diversified and increased production and energy efficiency; enhancing the resilience of the financial system by strengthening Ukraine’s banking sector, and by developing capital markets and non-bank finance; and improving integration by facilitating trade and investment, expanding infrastructure links, and supporting convergence with EU standards,” the document states.
“The EBRD will foster competition and support anti-corruption efforts. Special attention will be paid to improved skills and to the employability of disadvantaged groups. The bank will pledge more resources to create a market structure for sustainable energy and improved energy connectivity. It will assist in the creation of increased resource efficiency and will help promote renewable energy,” it says.
“The EBRD will promote a stable and efficient banking sector, a greater variety of non-banking financial channels and the use thereof. The bank will invest in improvements to connectivity through better infrastructure. It will also help facilitate increased trade and investment flows,” the bank added.
