Agenda

Ukraine was hit harder than other countries in the region by the global financial and economic crisis, hampered by a lack of diversification in its economy, an overdependence on exports, and a weak banking sector. Major adjustments have already taken place, helped by financial assistance from the IMF. Export markets for Ukrainian steel have begun to revive, improving the balance of payments and helping one of the country's major industries to keep afloat. But much still needs to be done to improve the business environment so that investors can benefit from Ukraine's competitive advantages, such as its geographical position and its relatively cheap and educated labor force. What measures is the government taking to stabilize the economy and incentivize investors? What obstacles remain? What other strategic initiatives are needed to help sustain economic growth over the coming years? What priorities should be included in the agenda of the Ukrainian president who will be elected in early 2010?

The Monitor Group will present significant investment opportunities that have resulted from its two pilot projects which were launched by the Foundation for Effective Governance in 2008 and aimed at driving competitiveness in Ukraine at a regional level. The projects, focused on the western city of Lviv and on Donetsk Region, in the east of the country, have led to a number of strategic recommendations that are now being implemented in those areas in order to boost their competitiveness and attractiveness for foreign investors. The panel will discuss what should be done for this investment potential to be realized and how the changes required by these projects could be implemented in other regions of the country.

Which industrial and service sectors in Ukraine will drive post-crisis recovery? What sectors have high long-term growth potential? Is there any growth potential remaining in established sectors like steel, machinery and agriculture? Or are there are new, more promising areas? What about logistics and tourism? How can foreign investors take advantage of the opportunities Ukraine offers? What does Ukraine need to do to benefit most from foreign investments?