By KYIV. May 26 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Unmet funding needs for Ukraine’s first recovery this year are about another $6.5 billion, out of a total estimate of $14.1 billion, Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko said in a panel discussion at a meeting of the IMF and World Bank group of member countries in Montenegro.
“The timely raising of these funds is critical to creating proper living conditions for people, returning migrants and promoting economic growth in Ukraine,” the minister was quoted as saying in a Finance Ministry press release on Friday.
According to him, the 2023 state budget provides $3.3 billion for priority recovery, and international partners provided guarantees in the amount of about $4.3 billion.
Marchenko recalled that the needs of the energy sector in priority recovery are estimated at $3.3 billion, humanitarian demining – $400 million, restoration of destroyed and damaged housing – $1.9 billion, critical and social infrastructure – $5.8 billion, and $2.8 billion is needed to support the private sector.
It is noted that during the discussions, the state of the economy in countries hosting migrants and refugees was discussed, and the Minister of Finance thanked the governments of the host countries for the assistance and protection provided.
According to him, the factor of Ukrainian migrants has a positive impact on the economies of host countries, as Ukrainians spend money and actively integrate into the European labor market.
At the same time, Marchenko noted the priority task of the government of Ukraine to create incentives for citizens to return home, and in this context, it is important to restore the country.
The minister also informed that the governments of Ukraine and the UK are working closely to organize a conference on the restoration of Ukraine, which will be held in late June in London.
“We plan to present restoration projects, as well as discuss mechanisms for insurance against military risks. I am sure that the conference will consolidate international partners and donors and will help them to be involved in the restoration of Ukraine,” the Minister of Finance said.
