Ihor Bilhous: Over 80 Firms and Investment Companies Interested in Purchasing State Owned Energy Enterprises Gather in Kyiv

The State Property Fund of Ukraine, with support from the US Agency for International Development, conducted an international conference today in Kyiv to promote investment opportunities in Ukraine’s energy sector.  Over 100 participants representing over 80 companies and investment agencies from countries such as India, Turkey, Poland, Hungary, Japan, Korea, USA and Ukraine attended.  They learned about opportunities to invest in six state owned regional energy distribution companies and four heat and power facilities through open, fair and transparent privatization processes.

Opening the event, the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Vladimir Groysman, provided examples in how Ukraine is making significant progress in improving the business environment, reforming the judiciary, and reducing corruption.  He stated “The Government of Ukraine is doing everything possible to make our country a more attractive place to invest and do business.  The participation of serious investors from around the world in today’s event demonstrates their belief that our efforts are being successful.”

The US Ambassador to Ukraine, GeoffreyPyatt, highlighted the importance of privatization efforts, saying, “"I applaud the efforts of the Government of Ukraine as a whole and the State Property Fund of Ukraine in particular, which is working diligently to ensure that this privatization process meets international standards and creates profitable opportunities for the investment and business world."

Ihour Bilhous, Head of Ukraine’s State Property Fund, described the open, fair, and transparent process that will be used to privatize the energy companies.  “Appropriate International and local investors will have equal access and opportunity to invest in the energy companies.  The selected buyer will bring in the capital, technology, and expertise to ensure industry and the public receive quality energy services.”

Although this event focused on the energy sector, presentations highlighted how the Government of Ukraine is working hard to attract investment and make Ukraine a stable and independent country providing security, good public services and opportunities for citizens.