REUTERS
The independence and efficiency of the country's central bank is essential for its sustainable economic development.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) says Ukraine is waiting for the delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ukraine's key lender, to reach an agreement on a new cooperation program after a new government is formed following the parliamentary elections.
"We look forward to upcoming negotiations with the IMF on a new cooperation program. We are waiting for the IMF delegation in Kyiv to reach a working agreement on a new program after the formation of a new government," the regulator's press service said on July 3.
The statement was delivered following the meeting of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and NBU Governor Yakiv Smolii with IMF First Deputy Managing Director David Lipton during the Ukrainian delegation's visit to Toronto.
Read alsoConsultations with IMF on new program may start after parliamentary elections: NBU
As reported, the Ukrainian government has announced its intention to continue cooperation with the IMF and, with the new parliament, implement the structural reforms embodied in the current cooperation program. In particular, this refers to reforms in Ukraine's energy sector and land market.
"The independence and efficiency of the country's central bank are essential for its sustainable economic development. During a meeting with the IMF [official], the Ukrainian President guaranteed the independence of the National Bank of Ukraine," the press service added.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the IMF mission was working in Ukraine to assess the fulfillment of the conditions for disbursing another US$1.3 billion under the current Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) and to consider the issue to ensure criminal liability for illegal enrichment introduced within the previous program, but canceled by the Constitutional Court of Ukraine in February 2019.
Volodymyr Zelensky officially became President of Ukraine on May 20, 2019. During his swearing-in speech, he announced the dissolution of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, and called on the Ukrainian government to resign.
The presidential decree on the dissolution of parliament entered into force on May 23. The early elections are scheduled for July 21.
Following an IMF mission visit to Kyiv in May 2019, the IMF said it would resume negotiations on further cooperation with Ukraine after the parliamentary elections and the formation of a new Cabinet of Ministers.