The past year was a challenging one for the country and people, but it became the  year of breakthrough in most spheres and laid the foundation for sustainable growth that is being observed and supported today. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman announced this during the presentation of the report of the report of the Government’ activities in 2017.  He stressed that the report was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine  in February this year - as required by law. However, the key message of the presentation is to demonstrate the result of the joint work of the Government and the Parliament.

"The Cabinet of Ministers is fully focused on the implementation of far-reaching tasks. The situation is not easy for us. But I will  spare no effort to ensure the situation is stable. We need to look honestly at people in the eyes, and for this end we need to do our utmost. Will forge ahead despite any difficulties ", the Prime Minister claimed.

He recalled that last year the economy demonstrated positive dynamics, this allowed to develop strategic directions of work and to formulate plans, the realization of which became possible due to economic growth.

"In 2017, we began to change the quality of living standards solely based on the potential of the economy. The economic results should be converted into the well-being of citizens. Last year we paved the way for positive changes", Volodymyr Groysman underscored.

The key social transformations, according to the Head of Government,  encapsulate changes in the pension system, which allowed to increase pensions for 9 million retirees , changes in the education system and in the health care system, which became the key to changing the entire paradigm model  between the patients  and  their care providers.  Volodymyr Groysman stressed that already 9 million Ukrainians have concluded contracts with their doctors. "We are counting on further increase of doctors’ salaries", he emphasized.

The Prime Minister drew attention to the fact that today's decisions - from improvement of the investment climate to the introduction of transparent privatization of non-strategic enterprises are aimed at further enhancing  the state's capabilities and realization of its potential. "We can achieve higher rates of economic growth. The target is a growth to the tune of 5% and more, - the Prime Minister noted. - We have ample opportunities - from the depths to space. Our potential is great, but we do not use it to the full extent.  We began to introduce new support programs for certain sectors of the economy. The task is to consolidate efforts in order to boost economic development, to change infrastructure, and to increase standards of life".