Zelensky, Cargill CEO discuss lending to Ukrainian farmers, Ukrzaliznytsia reform

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday, January 22, the press service of the head of state reported.

"We will be glad to cooperate with Cargill Financial [Services International] on the launch of tools of lending to farmers to increase yields and acquire state-of-the-art agricultural technology," Zelensky said, recalling that Ukraine is launching land reform, which, he said, "will be the engine of growth for the agricultural sector and the economy as a whole."

In addition, Zelensky noted that Ukraine wants to see more investments by Cargill in processing agricultural products.

"We really want to fight for every investor, especially investors who stay in Ukraine on a permanent basis. We are ready to help as much as we can. We want to increase investments, and we are preparing new programs," Zelensky said.

The parties also discussed rail reform, according to the Office of the President.

Zelensky said that the reform of Ukrzaliznytsia is ongoing and that Ukraine will move towards transparency in this area.

"In December 2019, the Cabinet of Ministers has already approved the launch of a pilot project on the admission of private locomotives to separate routes," he said.

MacLennan, in turn, recalled that Cargill Inc. has invested more than half a billion U.S. dollars in Ukraine and said appreciates the changes that have occurred with the automation of investor relations. He also added that investors applaud Ukraine's movement towards transparency and active cooperation.

The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is taking place in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21-24.

op