Zelensky calls on U.S. businesses to invest in Ukraine

KYIV. Sept 2 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with representatives of the U.S. business community on the second day of his visit to the United States and called for investing in the Ukrainian economy.

Opening the meeting, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova noted that financial and energy companies, as well as firms working in the agricultural sector, infrastructure, and defense, were represented at the meeting, the Ukrainian presidential website said.

Zelensky told these U.S. business people about the Plan to Transform Ukraine, which is aimed at attracting about $300 billion into the Ukrainian economy.

"We can do these reforms ourselves, but it will take approximately 20-25 years; so we need good support from big companies, and we’ll be happy to welcome them," he said.

Ukraine is now taking real steps to support business, Zelensky said, adding that the country is interested in investments for irrigation development.

Separately, Zelensky focused on infrastructure reforms in the country and the Big Construction program. He also recalled the important bill on concession and the fact that foreign investors have entered the Kherson and Olvia seaports.

The Ukrainian president mentioned banking reform, readiness to privatize PrivatBank, and the reform of Ukroboronprom, the state defense industry corporation. He also referred to energy projects and the green course.

Apart from this, Zelensky talked about the Ukrainian law on so-called investment nannies, which envisages a situation in which a person investing 20 million euros or more in the Ukrainian economy will enjoy special support from the Ukrainian government.

"There a many reforms, many steps. We’re in a hurry, we have no time for [empty] talk," Zelensky said, calling on American businesses to invest in Ukraine.