Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture and IMF discuss financial needs and reforms as basis for further cooperation

Chaired by Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Oleksii Sobolev, a meeting was held between Ministry representatives and the International Monetary Fund mission in Kyiv. The parties discussed Ukraine’s financial needs and reforms that could underpin future cooperation with the Fund. Key areas included privatisation, economic de-shadowing, maintaining incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises, and developing targeted support programmes.

“The main objective of this mission is to provide an independent assessment of Ukraine’s medium-term financial needs. This is crucial amid the 2026 budget process to ensure macro-financial stability and support development. These assessments will also guide donors and hold significant weight during the annual IMF and World Bank meetings,” said Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture.

Special focus was given to stimulating economic growth without additional budget spending. Discussions included the Affordable Loans at 5-7-9% programme and capital investment compensations under the Made in Ukraine policy.

The importance of economic de-shadowing was also addressed. Both sides agreed that a comprehensive “roadmap” in this area would create fairer competition for businesses, improve access to financing, and reduce shadow transactions. The IMF expressed readiness to provide technical support.

The meeting also explored simplifying tax administration, enhancing VAT chain transparency, and using state support programmes to encourage businesses to operate transparently.

The IMF mission noted that the next step should be developing a concept note on economic de-shadowing, which will serve as the foundation for policies within a new cooperation programme.

Discussions also highlighted the need to attract domestic and foreign investment by fostering a stable and transparent business environment.