The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has opened a regional office in Kharkiv.
“Eastern Ukraine is also important for our work. It is important for the economy and for our cooperation not only in terms of large-scale projects, but also in terms of the development of small and medium-sized businesses. We are opening an office here because it is important to have an office here, in the region to work with small and medium-sized businesses”, EBRD Managing Director for Eastern Europe and the Caucasus Francis Malige said at a press conference in Kharkiv.
He noted this was the second EBRD office opened with the financial support of the EU in the framework of EU4Business initiative. The third one is to open in Odessa in February 2017.
“Thus, we are sending a strong signal that we see the prospects and a great potential of the country”, the banker said.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Hugues Mingarelli noted the European Union supported reforms in Ukraine, in particular, advises on the issues of economy deregulation and support and development of small and medium-sized businesses.
“In this field the European Union funds a number of programs aimed at providing advice and support to small and medium-sized enterprises, training and improving their access to finance and credits”, Mingarelli said. (Interfax/Business World Magazine)