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Not only Ukrainian diplomats, government officials and business, but also the EU representatives are trying to predict the situation on the domestic and European markets after the full introduction of a free trade zone from January 1, 2016. They note: they are interested in Ukraine having a strong domestic market with a high public purchasing power and a developed economy. To achieve this, the country can use the available opportunities, in particular, for the restoration of the industrial capacities. Such opinion, expressed by Head of the EU Delegation to Ukraine Jan Tombinski at a roundtable in Kyiv, fully correlates with that which has long been emphasized by domestic industrialists.
In particular, according to the President of the Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Anatoliy Kinakh, Ukraine badly needs to restore its industrial capacities, start producing high technology products with a high added value, because it is the key to the competitiveness of the economy and exports.
"A country with such resources and industrial potential should not become a mere supplier of raw materials to developed countries. Ukraine has much to offer Europe and other regions, provided the state applies a reasonable approach towards restoration and development of the industrial sector, support of domestic producers, creation of conditions for long-term production cycle," said the ULIE President.
At present, production output has shrunk by 18%. The industrial development stumbles over the lack of incentives for production, inaccessibility to lending (the NBU set its discount rate at 22%), the lack of import substitution programs and so on.
The ULIE that has developed the anti-crisis program of joint actions of government and business for the next year in collaboration with leading industrialists, business associations and scientists, believes that the recovery of the industrial sector should be made the priority in the economic development process. For this to be achieved, the modern industrial policy must be implemented, in particular, by adopting appropriate programs of government support. This is relevant first of all to such sectors as mechanical engineering, car building, defense industry etc. Such measures stimulate the related industries that create jobs for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian citizens.
The EU is also interested in seeing Ukraine's modern industrialization, and is able to help with it. According to Jan Tombinski, the EU can provide Ukraine with the necessary infrastructure and advanced production facilities. Many Western countries have relocated their industrial capacities in Asia, particularly China or other regions. Ukraine's proximity to the EU, and its status as an active partner will attract European investors, creating an exceptional chance for our country.