Issues of cooperation with the business community, international financial institutions, business support and possible ways out of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were among the topics for discussion.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal together with Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture Ihor Petrashko held their first online meeting with the Board of Directors, management and members of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, representing over 600 leading investors - international and domestic companies operating in Ukraine.

"We understand that the measures taken by the Government may be somewhat unpopular and stern for businesses, but they are effective in preserving the lives and health of Ukrainian citizens. We are following a milder scenario in the context of epidemic development. However, that does not mean that we never choose drastic action," stressed Denys Schmyhal.

The Prime Minister noted, however, that the Government was cooperating with business and well aware of the problems entrepreneurs are facing. Those are credit programs, tax relief, and more. Other urgent issues being currently worked out are the extending of the 5-7-9 lending program.

"We are working with the NBU and other banks. There is an instruction of the President of Ukraine to work out loan exposure", said Denys Shmyhal.

The Government has also embarked on the development of a program to create fast jobs in various industries. The work on a large-scale economic strategy is now underway.

"There are no ready-made recipes for solving the crisis, but the Government is actively searching those ways out together with business and the best scientists," said the Head of Government.

President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine Andy Hunder noted: "The Chamber's member companies are actively helping Ukraine to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Further cooperation with the IMF is of critical importance for everyone these days."

Denys Shmyhal also told that the Government had received a positive message from the IMF and hoped that Ukraine would receive the first tranche in the near future. Apart from that, financial assistance from the World Bank is expected.

Andy Hunder also stressed that the Chamber was engaged in active dialogue with the Prime Minister's office: “We have already submitted our proposals for the economic growth of Ukraine and a detailed action plan for their implementation. We are ready to continue our cooperation to support the business and economy of Ukraine. "

The Prime Minister thanked business for support in this challenging time for the country against the background of the global pandemic and expressed hopes for further fruitful cooperation.