Zelensky discusses land reform, development of agriculture, support in other sectors with World Bank President

KYIV. Sept 1 (Interfax-Ukraine) – President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has discussed land reform, irrigation and agricultural development with World Bank President David Malpass.

"We discussed land reform, irrigation and the development of the agricultural sector, which the World Bank is ready to support, with David Milpass," the Ukrainian head of state said on Twitter.

Zelensky welcomed the readiness of the World Bank to participate in the transformation of Ukraine, in particular in infrastructure projects, energy programs, and improvement of the banking sector.

The head of state noted the timely support of Ukraine from the World Bank in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, which helped pass the difficult stages of the crisis, Zelensky’s press center said on Wednesday.

Zelensky and Malpass positively assessed the successful interaction, as evidenced by the receipt of record amounts of funding from the World Bank.

"I am grateful for the attention that you personally pay to Ukraine and Ukrainian projects. We are a country that is confidently following the path of reforms, introducing EU and NATO standards. On this path, we have good cooperation with the World Bank," the President of Ukraine said.

Considerable attention was given to the progress that has been achieved in recent years. Zelensky briefed the World Bank delegation on land reform in Ukraine, discussed the development of the agricultural sector, which the bank is ready to support as much as possible.

Zelensky also invited the World Bank to take part in the implementation of the plan for the transformation of Ukraine.

Separately, the importance of the bank’s participation in projects to finance the construction and reconstruction of highways in Ukraine was noted.

"Within the framework of the Big Construction Program, we are implementing a number of large-scale investment projects. In 2020-2021, 9,500 kilometers of roads have been laid throughout Ukraine," the Head of State said.

Zelensky presented an ambitious plan for the "green" transformation of Ukraine and expressed hope for its support from the World Bank.

"We want to work together with the EU on the Green Deal, decarbonization of the economy, energy efficiency, adaptation to climate change," the President of Ukraine said.

According to him, Ukraine is also interested in improving the banking sector, transformation and privatization of state-owned banks.

In addition, Zelensky noted Ukraine’s readiness to actively participate in the preparation of the new Partnership Framework with the World Bank institutions for 2022-2026.