Ukrainian MPs discuss bills with IMF representatives

Members of the Economy.NOW inter-factional group met with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and discussed priorities in economic reforms.

"Members of the Economy.NOW inter-factorial group, led by co-chairs Olha Belkova and Yaroslav Zheleznyak, met with representatives of the International Monetary Fund in Ukraine and discussed priorities in economic reforms," the press service of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine reports.

As noted, the IMF's primary focus is on changes in the tax system, improvements in tax administration and customs clearance procedures.

“It’s a point of tax administration, not rates. A risk-oriented and customer-centered approach to taxation should be introduced,” said IMF Resident Representative in Ukraine Gösta Ljungman.

Banking and financial sectors are also among priority bills for the IMF. In particular, two bills that are already being finalized by the relevant committee – bill No. 2284 on capital market and derivatives, and bill No. 2179 on counteraction to laundering of the proceeds of crime.

In addition, the IMF expects the bills on reform of the National Securities and Stock Market Commission, the Deposit Guarantee Fund, and introduction of risk management in banking.

"In addition, the Fund pays considerable attention to the issues of monetary, anti-corruption policies, the development of the energy and agricultural sectors of the economy, as well as the strengthening of the role of supervisory boards in state-owned enterprises and the implementation of genuine judicial reform," the statement reads.

Ukrainian lawmakers, in turn, raised the issues of potential tax amnesty, expediency of introducing the exit capital tax and basic principles of the Financial Investigation Bureau.

According to the Verkhovna Rada's press service, the inter-factional group members were also interested in the issue of taxation of sole proprietors, regulation of tariffs in the electricity market, and industry support opportunities.

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