Denys Shmyhal told about key areas of diplomatic work to strengthen Ukraine's internal capacity
Macro-financial support, attracting assistance for the energy sector, stimulating and insuring investments and promoting Ukrainian goods to world markets are key areas of diplomatic work aimed to boost Ukraine's internal capacity. This was emphasized by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in his speech during the Conference of Ambassadors of Ukraine "War and New Horizons in the World" held in Kyiv on December 23.
According to the Head of Government, this year Ukraine has collected USD 31.5 billion of macro-financial assistance. Next year our state needs about USD 38 billion to cover the budget deficit. In addition, another USD 17 billion is needed for the implementation of rapid reconstruction projects.
"EUR 18 billion of macro-financial assistance is promised by the European Union. About USD 13 billion - by the United States. We are working fruitfully with the IMF. By the end of the first quarter we expect to launch a large program to finance Ukraine," Denys Shmyhal noted.
According to the Prime Minister, in fact 50% of the energy infrastructure of Ukraine is damaged. Therefore, diplomats should also work towards the supply of energy equipment. According to him, assistance in this direction is already provided by Poland, Great Britain, Lithuania, Latvia, France, Germany, Switzerland, the USA, Canada, Azerbaijan, Japan and the Netherlands.
Denys Shmyhal also emphasized the importance of stimulating foreign investment and insurance of military risks.
"In the next 5-10 years all investors will take into account the military risks of our country. We should develop an appropriate tool in those countries that take care of their business through export and insurance agencies," the Prime Minister said.
As the Head of Government noted, according to the World Bank, Ukraine needed about USD 700 billion for reconstruction and recovery over the next 10 years. According to him, these funds can be attracted in the form of public-private partnership projects, confiscated russian assets, direct financing of international financial organizations, special programs, etc.
Among other things, the Prime Minister stressed the need for the diplomatic corps to work to expand Ukrainian exports. According to him, due to the destruction of production facilities and blocking of Ukrainian ports, exports have decreased by more than 30%.
"Now we are expanding logistics, working on the expansion of the "grain corridor". It is also crucial to work on opening new markets for exporters and strengthening our positions in the countries where we are already present", said Denys Shmyhal.
In particular, according to him, it is necessary to strengthen work in traditional export markets, as well as to expand the geography of trade and economic cooperation with the countries of the African region and Latin America.
During his speech, the Prime Minister thanked the diplomats for the efforts they make for the victory of Ukraine and congratulated them on their professional holiday.