Yulia Svyrydenko Meets with IFC Leadership
During a working visit to Washington, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko held talks with Makhtar Diop, the Managing Director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group. Their discussions centered on major investment projects in energy, transportation, and logistics infrastructure. A key priority was mobilizing financial resources for the Naftogaz Group and planning the long-term restoration of Ukraine's energy grid, which has been heavily damaged by the war.
The meeting also covered potential financial support for the state-owned railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, which requires stabilization of its finances. The company faces a significant bond repayment deadline in July 2026. Both sides agreed that attracting such crucial investment hinges on two fundamental conditions:
- de-shadowing the economy;
- continuing structural reforms.
Yulia Svyrydenko: 'We continue to work jointly on establishing a Viability Gap Funding Facility to support concession projects.'
The parties further reviewed plans for a concession tender for terminals at the port of Chornomorsk, with IFC's involvement. The Prime Minister emphasized that 'we see opportunities to expand our partnership through financing large private projects of Ukrainian companies.' The Ukrainian government, together with the Verkhovna Rada (parliament), is actively working to create a favorable investment climate to draw foreign capital into these vital economic sectors.
Outlook for Investment Inflows
Prime Minister Svyrydenko's engagement with the IFC underscores Ukraine's determined push to secure foreign investment for the recovery and development of its most critical economic sectors. The focus on combating corruption and advancing systemic reforms are seen as essential steps to improve the investment landscape, which could help stabilize major state-owned enterprises like Ukrzaliznytsia. Partnerships with international financial institutions are pivotal for funding ambitious projects that can drive Ukraine's economic growth in the post-war era.