Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman firmly believes that despite the attempts of populists to destabilize the situation in the country, the year of 2017 will be a year of economic growth for Ukraine. He stated this during opening of the Annual General Meeting of the European Business Association on Tuesday.

"I firmly believe that 2017 will not just according to forecasts but in the reality be a year of growth and stabilization", stressed Volodymyr Groysman.

The Head of Government noted that despite the challenges the country is facing certain politicians want to use it to destabilize the situation and throw the country into turmoil.

The Prime Minister stressed that it is vital for Ukraine's economy to avoid populism as the situation in the economy and the country appears the result of irresponsible policies of populists.

"Regarding populists, I do know that they should sink into oblivion”, he said. “We must prevent the possibility of their influence as their influence is fully equal to destruction."

According to Volodymyr Groysman, the attempts of the populists to undermine the situation will be doomed to defeat as these attempts are groundless. "I agree today people are experiencing hardship, I agree today they are facing challenges, but I know exactly that tomorrow and the next year, the situation will only improve", he stressed.

Volodymyr Groysman believes that nothing will hamper the European integration course of Ukraine, pursuing necessary reforms within the country.

"None will divert Ukraine on its way towards European integration and necessary transformations. We should see any tests as opportunities and a chance to get stronger when overcoming them," he urged.

The Prime Minister stressed that the current Government had come to bring about change much needed for the country.

Namely, it foiled the attempts of corruption in the gas market by introducing a market-based price for gas in Ukraine, and thereby created opportunities for energy efficiency and increased gas production, abolished price regulation on foods. Moreover, there has been launched a judicial reform, the fight against corruption, deregulation.

"We will continue and make decisions enabling us to become a strong economy", stressed the Head of Government.

The Prime Minister accentuated that unpopular decisions in the medium term would bring a success. According to him, in a few years it is possible to achieve significant progress.

"We must fight for Ukraine, fight every day for success, for reform, for change. All these require leadership. I consider it needs people who understand that populism should fade into history. It's time for a responsible policy," summed up Volodymyr Groysman.