World Bank outlines priorities in work with Ukraine

Cooperation with Ukraine in the energy sector and private sector development, especially with an emphasis on agriculture and land reform, remains important for the World Bank.
World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Cyril Muller said this in an interview with the Ekonomichna Pravda online news site.

According to him, another priority is the development of human capital through changes in the spheres of education and health. It is important to do everything so that Ukraine could have an opportunity to increase the potential for economic growth, Muller said. Ukraine needs to reach the level of prosperity of Poland, he added.

He emphasized that for the last four years the World Bank has worked with Ukraine in several key areas, namely the banking and energy sectors, the provision of public services, including health and education, and the reform of the pension system. Another direction is the creation of a business environment that promotes the development of entrepreneurs, he said.

As was reported earlier, since May 2014, the World Bank has provided a total of $5.5 billion to Ukraine (including four development policy loans and seven investment operations), as well as a $500 million gas guarantee. Since Ukraine joined the World Bank in 1992 the Bank's commitments to the country have totaled over $12 billion in about 70 projects and programs.