Prime Minister: Loan programs should become more accessible to people

On September 24, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal chaired a meeting with the participation of representatives of the banking sector. The meeting was attended by Minister of Finance Serhii Marchenko, Minister of Justice Denys Maliuska, representatives of the National Bank, the Office of the President, and lawmakers.

The attendees discussed improving the efficiency of lending programs for small and medium-sized businesses and mortgage lending programs.

The Prime Minister dwelled on the importance of strengthening the investment component of the "Affordable Loans at 5-7-9%" program. Denys Shmyhal gave instructions to the Ministry of Finance together with the heads of Regional State Administrations to work out mechanisms for its improvement.

"Our objective is to ensure that the program of affordable loans is used actively by entrepreneurs who create jobs and spur economic development," Denys Shmyhal stated.

The Head of Government also noted the effectiveness of the presidential program to reduce the cost of mortgage loans "Affordable Mortgage at 7%".

"Today, mortgage loans are issued by 17 banks. 847 loan agreements worth over UAH 722 million were signed. The program is working, and we need to further develop it - not only in cities with a population of millions, but also in small towns - so that more Ukrainians can get affordable and quality housing," the Prime Minister underscored.

The issue of ensuring the administration of the procedures required for a tax amnesty was also raised at the meeting. Denys Shmyhal appealed to the State Financial Monitoring Service and the National Bank to explain to financial institutions how the new law works.