Arbuzov: AA is catalyst for conduct of large-scale reforms in Ukraine

Ukraine intends to remove all the obstacles on the way to the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU, First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Arbuzov said during the meeting with EU Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht in Brussels, the press service of the first vice-premier informs.

"The conclusion of the Association Agreement with the EU will become a catalyst to further conduct of large-scale reforms, strengthening democratic development and the rule of law. Ukraine takes on an unprecedented amount of duties, and we are actively preparing to fulfill them," Arbuzov said.

"We are aware of the great amount of work that must be done, and look forward to EU’s support through technical assistance programs, and through financial support programs for the economy," the First Vice Prime Minister noted.

Arbuzov also reported that today the Prime Minister has signed a strategy for public financial management system development - a document which binds the EU to further cooperation with Ukraine in the financial sector. 

"Given the slow pace of the world economy development, the Government is working primarily on finding the internal stimulus to revive the economy of Ukraine. The systematic work on the liberalization of the tax and customs systems, deregulation of doing businesses, looking for energy efficiency and overcoming energy dependence is being conducted. We focus on the development of small and medium-sized businesses, which form 80% of GDP in the countries of Western Europe," Arbuzov said.

The government is also working on further improving the investment climate, and associates it with the creation of a deep and comprehensive free trade area with the EU. The FTA provides for introducing European norms and standards, removing of trade barriers, expanding export markets for goods and services, increasing imports of innovative technologies and much more.