Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman commissioned the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine to review programs that need to be updated in 2017 to provide support for small and medium-sized businesses. He said at an extraordinary Government’s meeting on Thursday.

"It is vital for us to focus special attention on support for small and medium-sized businesses. It must be the principal driving force for the national economy. Here, in this issue the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine should demonstrate leadership. I would ask you again to reconsider the programs, which of those really need retrofitting in 2017 to support SMEs", he highlighted.

The Prime Minister also stressed the need to ensure the National Bank take urgent measures to restore crediting small and medium businesses.

He recalled that recently the interest rate had been reduced by a percent by the National Bank of Ukraine.

"This is a good step, we should commend it, but I think it is insufficient. We must provide the access of real sector to the funding, including long terms and acceptable interest rates to ensure Ukrainian products be competitive", said Volodymyr Groysman.