Volodymyr Groysman: We should focus on actual standard of living, not optimistic macroeconomic forecasts

The outlook for economic and social development of Ukraine for 2017-2019 years is optimistic and should serve as a guide for the organization of work on development of the national economy and improving the lives of people, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman stated this, opening a Government session on Friday, July 1.

"The outlook is all good and well, but I want to emphasize that we should focus on rapid growth, while be in touch with real life. Indexes, an increase in real wages by 5% - this is normal, but this is not enough for people to feel confident. That’s why it is very important to keep in mind how people live, real conditions. We must work in order to ensure an increase in real wages," said Volodymyr Groysman during the meeting.

According to the agenda, one of the first issues the Government considered on Friday was the question of the approval of the Outlook for the economic and social development of Ukraine for 2017 and key macroeconomic and social indicators of the development of Ukraine for 2018 and 2019.

"The macroeconomic forecast is optimistic. But I deem that we should, on the one hand, see optimistic forecast, while be in touch with real life and understand that the situation in the country remains very difficult and challenging. This outlook is, indeed, a guide for us how to organize our work," stated Volodymyr Groysman.

The Prime Minister noted that the main task of the Government’s work is to create appropriate conditions for the development of the domestic economy. "Everything we are doing should be based on real economic growth, the revenues of the state budget, as well as the efficient use of resources," he highlighted.