Investment, “state in smartphone”: Zelensky meets with members of American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine

The head of state said he was pleased to have the opportunity to hold the meeting, the president’s press service reports.

"I’d like to thank you all for your work in Ukraine, for the jobs created and taxes paid, as well as for the fact that you are always pro-active in putting forward proposals for further improvement of the business climate in the country," said the president.

Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that a “very important process” of deoligarchization has been launched in Ukraine, aiming to ensure the real transformation of the country in the interests of the whole society and the implementation of the country's strategic course towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

The president noted that in Ukraine, the fundamental judicial reform was unblocked after the laws on resetting the High Council of Justice and resuming the work of the High Qualifications Commission of Judges were adopted, and the reform of the prosecutor's office was launched “in line with the best international standards.”

Zelensky noted that, that in order to stimulate the development of the “digital state,” the “Diia City” legal regime will be introduced, while favorable conditions are being created for doing innovative business and developing digital infrastructure.

President of the American Chamber of Commerce Andy Hunder stressed that trust is key for the member companies, and this meeting with the president of Ukraine testified to such trust being built at the highest level.

He recalled that the members of the American Chamber of Commerce had invested in Ukraine more than $50 billion and continue to do so, having already created more than 400,000 jobs.

According to Andy Hunder, for these companies’ successful operation, security, rule of law, judicial reform and macroeconomic stability are required, as well as fair and predictable tax policy, fight against shadow economy, digitalization, protection of investments and property rights, equal rules of the game without individual preferences, and transparent privatization.

Olena Kosharna, Chair of the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce, Founder and CEO Horizon Capital, said that the main vision of the association is to help make Ukraine attractive for investment, innovation, and job creation.

CEO McDonald’s in Ukraine, Yulia Badritdinov, stressed that for the company, Ukraine is one of the most attractive potential markets for development in Europe.

"McDonald's believes in change, is ready to invest, and believes in Ukraine's investment attractiveness," she said.

For his part, Neville Robert Stansfield Bisse, CEO Qterminals, Qatari port operator, reminded that within the concession agreement for the Ukrainian port of Olvia, the company undertook to invest significant funds in the facility.

He added that the company hopes to expand its business in Ukraine, feeling a huge potential.

For business, predictability is important, he concluded.

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