REUTERS
The president also said the citizens are the main competitive advantage of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has compared Ukraine to a diamond that requires polishing in the form of internal reform and external investment to become a real precious stone.
"Today, Ukraine is a diamond that requires polishing in the form of internal reform and external investment to become a real precious stone not only in the heart of Europe, but throughout the world. And I, as president, guarantee that I'm ready to protect every investment you make, every penny that you invest in every Ukrainian," he said at the opening of the Kyiv International Economic Forum.
The president also said the citizens are the main competitive advantage of Ukraine.
"It is people who are our biggest capital, this is exactly that 'made in Ukraine' thing we're proud of, which gives us a competitive advantage because a modern global economy is actually an economy of talent. Economic growth across the world is taking place mainly due to innovation, and historical examples show that Ukrainians are ready to become pioneers, Ukrainians are able to look into the future and understand the needs of tomorrow," he said, urging investment in Ukrainians and startups.
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At the same time, Zelensky noted the new government understands what it must do to create more favorable conditions for businesses. Among other things, he called equal rules of the game for businesses, cleansing of judiciary, overcoming corruption, digitalization of processes, reform of education in accordance with the challenges of the 21st century, and the passing of laws that are important for the economy.
Zelensky went on to say that Ukraine is "one of the most interesting and attractive startups on planet Earth."
"They have been imitating important reform and building a shadowy opaque system for 28 years. We know that. As a result, Ukraine has become an economic underdog. But the new Ukrainian government is too ambitious to put up with such an unattractive status. And when they say that our chances are low, when they underestimate us, this gives us more adrenaline, determination and strength for a powerful economic leap," Zelensky said.