Several processes are taking place in Ukraine in parallel. Firstly, the Government's actions are aimed at developing Ukrainian business, even as the war continues. Secondly, the Government invites business to join the development of models of what Ukraine will look like after the war in terms of post-war reconstruction.

Today, 16 March – the First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko, Deputy Minister - Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka, Deputy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev and representatives of the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs discussed the pressing business issues and the progress of legislative initiatives.

"It is very important that the government has an understanding of the problems and needs of business so that we can solve them together and at the same time think about a new economic constitution of Ukraine in terms of post-war rebuilding. We need to understand our special strengths. Our strategic goal is to focus on processing, because from an economic point of view, we see potential in this. This is what we emphasise when it comes to support programmes and foreign investment," said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

In addition, as the First Vice Prime Minister noted, a new niche has emerged in Ukraine, given the big problem of farmers – demining. The common task of the state and business is now to develop this market, because security is the number one issue of any economic strategy.

Representatives of the Ministry of Economy discussed with Ukrainian entrepreneurs the tools that simplify business operations. In particular, they focused on legislative deregulation processes and reducing pressure on entrepreneurs from the regulatory authorities. They specifically focused on the support programmes offered by the state to businesses and the involvement of international financial institutions. In particular, these include the expansion of relocated enterprises, financing of small and medium-sized businesses through the Export Credit Agency, and war risk insurance.

Deputy Minister Taras Kachka emphasised that the Ministry of Economy aims to start negotiations on EU accession as soon as possible – in the second half of this year.

"The interests of Ukrainian business should be taken into account in all aspects of integration with the EU. Obviously, our goal is to approach and fulfil all the requirements as quickly as possible. At the same time, in some areas, such as roaming, digital services, the energy sector, and customs procedures, we are already talking about simplifying procedures without waiting for accession," Taras Kachka noted.