REUTERS
EBA has called on president to continue anti-corruption efforts, ensure the proper functioning of judiciary, and introduce clear rules of the game for businesses.
The European Business Association, a Ukrainian-based non-profit, has evaluated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's first year in office.
The organization has called on president to continue anti-corruption efforts, ensure the proper functioning of judiciary, and introduce clear rules of the game for businesses, its press service reports.
"Fundamental issues remain relevant – creating an effective foundation for a real fight against corruption, proper functioning of the judicial branch, and fair rules of the game," the statement reads.
The EBA also put forward a number of proposals related to industrial development.
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"It's important to finally adopt modern labor legislation, ensure a reasonable tax burden (for example, by simplifying tax administration, reducing the burden on the payroll fund, etc.), accelerate harmonization of Ukrainian legislation with EU standards, and ensure further development of the energy sector, including alternative energy sources, in order to overcome the crisis in the industry," the EBA wrote.
Also, the Association proposes to focus on the development of infrastructure by stimulating the development of rivers and ports, raising the level of services rendered by Ukrzaliznytsia railway operator, and so on.
The EBA noted that the year with Volodymyr Zelensky in top office saw a number of areas in which positive dynamics was being observed.
The first positive point is the preservation of macroeconomic stability by supporting the independence of the National Bank and a low budget deficit policy, although the current economic situation is forcing adjustments onto the budget process.
The second point is a number of unpopular decisions on opening the land market and demonopolizing the Ukrspirt alcohol giant.
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Third, it's continued structural reform (in the field of health care, pension system, and education), the launch of the new customs service and reformatting the tax agency.
The fourth is ensuring the independence of market regulators.
Fifth, it's major digitalization.
UNIAN memo. The European Business Association is a Ukrainian-based non-profit organization of international businesses operating in the country, founded in 1999. It consists of more than 900 European, Ukrainian and international companies.