The Government makes significant efforts to support business and the economy. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal at the fourth annual press conference on March 4.

He stressed that the Government would further increase the percentage of GDP growth, estimated at 5.7% in 2023, which was higher than forecast. In addition, according to Denys Shmyhal, more than 90% of Ukrainian enterprises have resumed their work.

"The Government is putting significant efforts to support business and the economy. Tens of billions (hryvnyas) have been planned in the budget. Some programmes have already been developed and some are still in the planning stages to support business development, industries, production and the economy," the Prime Minister stressed.

Denys Shmyhal also outlined the points for strengthening the economy, among which the priority is to attract investment. These include the creation of a large credit line for Ukraine's recovery, insurance of investment projects, protection of major industrial centres with air and missile defence systems, and the creation and development of industrial parks.

Among the projects for foreign investment, the extraction of critical raw materials, production of batteries for electric cars, chemical industry, wood processing, mechanical engineering, etc. are particularly promising. Attracting investors to energy projects is equally important. Namely, the completion of construction of units at Khmelnytskyi NPP to increase electricity generation, construction of 2 interconnectors to Europe to enhance energy integration with the EU, etc.

Another important point that the Government is also focusing on is seaports.

"The sea corridor is operating. I thank our Armed Forces for actually liberating the western part of the Black Sea from the presence of the russian Black Sea Fleet with its terror and aggression. Our Black Sea corridor is open and exports from Ukraine are on the move. About 30 million tonnes, and this figure will be reached in the near future, exported from Ukraine. Our goal is to achieve stable performance at the level of 21 years ago in maritime transport," said Denys Shmyhal.

He also added that it was important to protect export routes through the South ports of Odesa and Mykolaiv regions.

Denys Shmyhal also announced the expansion of the Danube Port Cluster's capacity: "Cargo turnover there has increased by almost 600% compared to 2021. More than 20 new transshipment points have been opened. The Danube ports handle 3.3 million tonnes of cargo per month. Our goal is to improve the export capacity of the Danube cluster."

The Prime Minister named exports to the EU by land and the resolution of the border blockade as the ways to strengthen the economy.

Denys Shmyhal believes that the blockade of the border by Polish farmers is unjustified, as almost 90% of Ukraine's agricultural exports go by sea. He reminded that our country had offered Poland a plan of 5 clear steps to resolve the blockade.

The Prime Minister noted that Ukraine was also working with its partners on incentives for the return of Ukrainians.

The Prime Minister called an increase in tax revenues for economic self-sufficiency another step for the development of the country's economy. According to him, the goal is to generate more tax revenues without raising taxes by fighting the grey market and reforming customs and tax authorities.

The "Made in Ukraine" programme and platform initiated by the President is also designed to boost the economy of our country.

Denys Shmyhal added that this year the Government would intensify the scaling up of the compensation programme for purchased agricultural machinery to cover all equipment, would adapt existing state support programmes, introduce grants to Ukrainian producers of eRobota and encourage consumer demand.