The meeting was attended by the representatives of more than 40 leading U.S. companies, both those already working on the Ukrainian market and those interested in launching business in Ukraine (including representatives of The Coca-Cola Company and Westinghouse).

In his remarks, L.Kozhara outlined the current pace of implementation of economic reforms in Ukraine, foreign economic priorities of the state, prospects for and benefits of attracting American investments as well as expansion of U.S. companies’ activities on the Ukrainian market.

The discussed issues included opportunities of attraction of the U.S. investments in agricultural and energy sectors of Ukraine, prospects for development of IT-industry and further steps of the Government aimed at improving business environment in Ukraine. The leaders of several American companies thanked the Ukrainian authorities for the systematic work on creating a favorable business environment in Ukraine and demonstrated their interest in further cooperation with Ukraine.

Also, American businessmen expressed their support for the European aspirations of our country and interest in signing the Association Agreement with the EU in November this year. A possibility of the early conclusion of a new credit agreement between Ukraine and the IMF was also discussed. The representatives of American companies shared their experience of working in Ukraine, discussed some of the challenges they face in our country and ways to overcome them.

In conclusion, the Minister drew attention to the prospects for expanding Ukrainian-American trade, in particular, by increasing Ukrainian exports to the U.S. and stressed the economic advantages of attracting the U.S. investments in Ukrainian economy, including the high-tech industry. L.Kozhara assured American entrepreneurs that the support for businesses and creation of a favorable investment climate are among the priorities of Ukrainian leadership, urged the U.S. companies to expand their presence on the Ukrainian market and establish mutually beneficial contacts with local partners.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to the U.S. Olexander Motsyk took part in the meeting.

In the photo: Ukraine's Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara addresses the leaders of the top American companies