Zelensky, EBRD President discuss Ukraine’s needs for investment in infrastructure and agriculture

“It is very important to support infrastructure projects in Ukraine, because high-quality roads, bridges and social infrastructure are important for every Ukrainian. Thanks to infrastructure projects, we have created 190,000 jobs at a time when many people have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a meeting with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso on March 22, the press service of the Head of State informs.

The President noted that Ukraine planned to develop a public-private partnership in the road sector. The parties also discussed the development of the Ukrainian agriculture sector.

“Ukraine needs a lot of investment in modernizing its irrigation infrastructure. Its reconstruction will be a powerful step in the development of agriculture and Ukraine as a player in the international agricultural market," Volodymyr Zelensky stressed.

The parties touched upon the reform of law enforcement agencies, restoration of the architecture of anti-corruption bodies, energy issues. Zelensky said that the energy minister should be an independent figure and work to implement sectoral reforms.

Ukraine is interested in creating market conditions in all sectors of the economy, the President noted.

EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso pays a visit to Ukraine on March 22-23.

Ukraine is one of the three main areas of EBRD investment activity. Over the past two years alone, the bank has allocated EUR 2 billion to support the country's economy. Investments are combined with support for policies towards combating corruption, implementing good governance, structural reforms and creating a more transparent business environment.

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