IMF representative predicts Ukraine's economy may grow by 3%-3.5% in 2018

The Ukrainian government expects 3% economic growth in 2018.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UAA1 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative in Ukraine Goesta Ljungman says the IMF estimates the growth of Ukraine's economy in 2017 at 2% and forecasts an increase by 3%-3.5% in 2018.

Read alsoUkraine's finance minister says new program with IMF possible only if reforms successful

Ljungman said at a press conference on Thursday, February 1, that there was a definite resumption of economic growth. "Last year, it was 2%. In 2018, it will increase by about 3%-3.5%," he said.

Yet, Ljungman says, it will not allow Ukraine to catch up with European countries and improve the living standards of Ukrainians.

The IMF official says inflation needs to be reduced along with the market formation of forex rates to let the economy grow.

As UNIAN reported earlier, the government expects economic growth in 2018 at 3%. The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) has improved its forecast for Ukraine's GDP growth in 2018 to 3.4%.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UAA2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!