President calls on French business to join modernization of Ukraine's road infrastructure
As the President's press service reports, Zelensky met with MEDEF President Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux, Chairman of the MEDEF International France-Ukraine Business Council, CEO of Egis Laurent Germain, and Alstom Senior Vice President Philippe Delleur on June 24.
As noted, the businessmen visit Ukraine, heading the delegation of big French companies.
The meeting participants discussed the possibilities of implementing joint projects.
The President noted that the visit of such a level of French business was taking place for the first time and was very important for Ukraine.
"I pay considerable attention to the development of favorable conditions for investment and infrastructure projects in Ukraine. Your visit demonstrates interest in business projects in Ukraine and opens up new opportunities," Zelensky said, adding that French business cares about expanding and establishing cooperation despite the coronavirus pandemic.
"I am glad that, despite COVID-19, representatives of different countries meet and talk about the economy. It is very important. This shows that life goes on, that there is a real interest in the development of business relations, investment projects," Zelensky said.
In particular, the President drew the attention of investors to the implementation of the Great Construction national program, within which more than 4,000 km of roads were built last year and just as many are planned to be built this year. He called on French business to join the modernization of Ukraine's road infrastructure within the framework of public-private partnership projects.
Among the large-scale investment projects, Zelensky also mentioned railway transportation service, IT, modernization and management of ports, airports, construction of subway and underground tunnels, etc. He stressed the need to localize production in Ukraine.
French entrepreneurs confirmed their interest in cooperating in these areas. In some of them, cooperation has already begun. In particular, a contract was signed with Alstom for the supply of 120 locomotives for the Ukrainian Railways with partial (35%) localization of production in Ukraine. In total, intergovernmental agreements worth more than EUR 1.3 billion were recently signed between Ukraine and France.
The meeting participants paid special attention to the creation of a national Ukrainian air carrier.
Zelensky suggested that Airbus, which already has a contract for the supply of helicopters, should consider participating in the project and examine Ukraine's involvement in the company's production.
According to Airbus representatives, they are currently examining the feasibility study of the project and considering the possibility of creating a concept and business plan. The company is also studying the technical capabilities of Ukrainian companies in order to use them as a production site.
According to Geoffroy Roux de Bézieux, MEDEF International has more than 170 members and represents 75% of French business and is interested in Ukraine. Despite the relatively high level of cooperation, both countries have the potential to develop business relations, he said.
"To date, France is the sixth largest investor in Ukraine. Not a bad figure but we understand that it is not the best one and we can do much more," said the MEDEF President.
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