Finance Minister Meets with Interagency Task Force
Ukraine’s Finance Minister, Serhiy Marchenko, recently held a working session with the Interagency Task Force on Economic De-Shadowing. The main goal was to review progress on decisions made during the task force’s inaugural meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Finance, the State Tax Service, the State Customs Service, the State Financial Monitoring Service, and the Bureau of Economic Security. This coordinated effort reflects a growing recognition that tackling the informal economy is essential for Ukraine’s financial stability and its credibility with international partners.
Key Discussion Points
Among the central topics on the agenda were:
- combating tax evasion schemes and the artificial fragmentation of businesses;
- formalizing the labor market;
- launching an electronic system to monitor the circulation of excisable goods;
- curbing the illegal trade in excisable products.
Minister Marchenko stated that de-shadowing the economy is a top government priority, a pillar of the nation’s fiscal resilience, and a cornerstone of cooperation with Ukraine’s international allies.
He stressed the need to shift from isolated, fragmented efforts toward a unified, coordinated approach.
“Our shared goal is to establish fair and transparent rules for businesses while closing loopholes that allow shadow schemes to thrive. This is what responsible businesses are asking for, and we are listening,” said Serhiy Marchenko.
The Interagency Task Force on Economic De-Shadowing continues to meet on a regular basis, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling the shadow economy through systematic, ongoing action.
This high-level meeting highlights the urgency of addressing Ukraine’s shadow economy, a persistent challenge that undermines tax revenues and fair competition. With economic uncertainty and a need for continued international financial support, effective de-shadowing could improve the investment climate and reduce illicit activities. The government remains focused on implementing reforms that can have a positive, lasting impact on the country’s economic outlook.