Sergii Marchenko took part at the discussion Envisioning a Free and Prosperous Ukraine during 2022 CSIS Global Development Forum

October 13, Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko took part in the plenary panel Envisioning a Free and Prosperous Ukraine of the Annual Global Development Forum organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Odile Renaud-Basso, Google Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy Karan Bhatia, and Founding Partner, Founding Partner and CEO of Horizon Capital Lenna Koszarny also took part in the panel discussion.

This year’s Forum examines some of the key disruptions to global development efforts such as rising food prices, energy disruptions, the global debt crisis and the invasion of Ukraine.

During the panel discussion Envisioning a Free and Prosperous Ukraine, the participants discussed what the post-war recovery of Ukraine will look like, the role of donor countries and international financial organizations, priority sectors in reconstruction, and ways of attracting private investment for the implementation of the reconstruction plan.

Sergii Marchenko noted that today the priority for the Government of Ukraine is rapid recovery to cover the most urgent needs.

"The priority issues for us are to recover the critical infrastructure, prepare for the coming winter by restoring heating and energy supply to houses during the war", said the Minister of Finance of Ukraine.

The Minister of Finance said that the cost of Ukraine’s recovery will be estimated only after the end of hostilities.

The parties also discussed Ukraine's cooperation with the EBRD as part of the recovery. Sergii Marchenko noted that attracting investments in the development of the private sector is important for the recovery of the economy, and this will become one of the most important priorities after the victory of Ukraine.

At the same time, the Minister of Finance emphasized the need to attract financial support from foreign partners to finance the State Budget deficit in 2023 in the amount of USD 38 billion. These funds are necessary to ensure priority social and humanitarian expenditures as well as rapid recovery.