OREANDA-NEWS. September 20, 2010. President Viktor Yanukovych has met with Jean Lemierre, former President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

"Ukraine has opened a new chapter in its development today," he said.

"We see investors returning to Ukraine today. And our duty is to create appropriate conditions for them,” Viktor Yanukovych added.

In this context, the President emphasized the efforts, which the government is making to attract investment to Ukraine. "We have already done much and will do everything so that Ukraine became an attractive partner for investors," he said. Today, Viktor Yanukovych noted, the systemic reforms have begun, and the government is consolidated as never before in Ukraine.

The President highlighted the reduction of the number of various permits and licenses needed to do business in Ukraine. "Fighting the bureaucracy is not easy. Certainly, those officials of different levels, who were abusing the permit system, are trying to prevent the reform. But we understand that the old system, still existing in Ukraine, has no future," he said.

These days, Viktor Yanukovych noted, a program of reforms is being implemented in Ukraine. It will enable investors to work effectively, it will be based on the up-to-date legislation and create favorable conditions for their business.The President called adoption of the new Tax Code one of such important steps. "I believe that this fall the Tax Code will be adopted. And, of course, it will be a step forward," he said.

The President also noted positive developments in the national economy in the first half of 2010, namely the GDP and industrial production growth, substantial decrease in the budget deficit.

“Experience people assumed office, who are able to work efficiently,” Viktor Yanukovych marked.The President also drew particular attention to the effective work of the Committee on Economic Reforms, and National Bank of Ukraine. "Current National Bank’s policy allows keeping the national currency stable," he said.

The President pointed to the beginning of development of a multistage system of national investment agencies in Ukraine, both for implementation of large-scale nation-wide projects and regional programs.

“For the time being we are carefully both exploring and ushering in world standards of legislation that ensures protection of investments,” Viktor Yanukovych mentioned. In this view the President reminded of the Council of Investors set up under the patronage of President and composed of major investors from all over the world.

"There is every reason to believe that 2011 will be a year of successful investments in Ukraine," Viktor Yanukovych said, adding that preparation of many investment projects has already begun, and it often directly involves potential investors.

The President expressed hope that Jean Lemierre’s experience and his image at international financial institutions would contribute to the work of making Ukraine more attractive for investors.

From his part, the former EBRD President praised positive developments that have taken place in Ukraine's economy in the context of overcoming the consequences of the global financial crisis.

"You have done an impressive job this year, because the crisis in Ukraine was harsh," Jean Lemierre said.