Volodymyr Groysman: Signing technical assistance agreements is another step in cooperation between Ukraine and the U.S.

Today, the Governments of Ukraine and the United States signed the agreement on the implementation of tasks in the development area, which contains granting to Ukraine an assistance worth 34 million dollars in the framework of sustainable economic development, namely, to improve the legislative environment in compliance with the EU norms, to strengthen the capacity of the private sector, increase support for small and medium enterprises by local authorities, improve the functions of public control and participation of citizens in governance processes, enhance energy security, etc.

From Ukraine the document was signed by the Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities Volodymyr Groysman, from the U.S.A. - Regional Mission Director of U.S. Agency for International Development responsible for Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and Cyprus E. Jed Barton.

"We feel friendly support provided by the United States, including in the sphere of development of the programs that promote reform in Ukraine. Your support is very important for us. The signing of these agreements is another step in our cooperation", - said Volodymyr Groysman.

In turn, Jed Barton has stressed it is the first time when Ukraine and the USAID cooperate in determining the objectives for technical assistance.

"For the first time over the years, issues of volumes and areas of use of funds are discussed in synergy with the Ukrainian side. Before we registered programs, we had a beneficiary from the Ukrainian authorities. But now the fact we are together to plan the use of funds proves our partnership acquired a new quality and level," said E. Jed Barton.