KIEV, UKRAINE — During the first Investment Conference of Ukraine, Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of, Oleksiy Pavlenko had a series of meetings with the U.S. government and business representatives.

"The U.S. has always been a reliable business partner of Ukraine and one of the largest foreign investors in the economy of our state, particularly in the agricultural sector,” Pavlenko said. “We appreciate your support in these difficult times for us and understand the importance of the agricultural sector for our economy. We will do our best for urgent economic reforms, creating a transparent and predictable business climate and favorable investment conditions in Ukraine.”

The priority is for direct reform in the country and the industry.

"Our priority at this time is covering issues such as tax reform, protection of private property and guarantee intellectual property rights and the fight against corruption, deregulation and promoting economic growth." Pavlenko said.
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o protect foreign investors earlier this year the National Investment Council was created. It should intensify the investment potential of Ukraine, increase foreign investment, improve the investment climate and ensure the protection of investors. Ukraine will remain a reliable partner and a leader in the field of global food security, Pavlenko said.

"We hope to continue the development of mutually beneficial partnership with U.S. agricultural companies and opening of joint ventures and attracting U.S. investment in manufacturing facilities and modern technology," said Pavlenko. "At the same time, we would like to draw your attention to the complexity of the situation in the Ukrainian agricultural sector due to extremely high cost loans and loss of foreign markets for Ukrainian agricultural products. This also affects the American companies operating on the Ukrainian market for a long time.”