Ukraine should pay attention to investment in human capital – World Bank official

KYIV. Sept 13 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Investment in physical capital and infrastructure without sufficient investment in human capital may not give Ukraine the expected dividends, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Anna Bjerde has said in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine.

Bjerde welcomed the fact that policymakers have identified priority areas and recognized the need to mobilize investment. She said this, commenting on the government’s intention to stimulate investment in "growth points" – priority sectors.

She emphasized one important aspect that has not been particularly highlighted in the government’s plans – the importance of human capital. Education, skills, experience, innovation and public health together is, according to a study, the most important resource for sustainable economic growth. This is glue that brings together other factors of production, including physical capital and infrastructure, she added.

As reported, the government has identified five priority clusters that can have the highest multiplier effect for Ukraine: technological production, energy security, life safety, transport and the City of Craftsmen, or the development of local, unique industries. According to the government, stimulating these "growth points" with investments in the amount of $1 billion will give the highest multiplier effect and will lead to economic growth by 1-2% of GDP.