BDS members took part in the Forum of Government and Business: From Dialogue to Partnership

On June 27, 2025, a large-scale Forum “Government and Business: From Dialogue to Partnership” was held with the participation of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, government representatives, and leading business associations. Among the participants were members of the Ukrainian Business Council, who actively joined the discussion of key issues of the Ukrainian economy development in the context of war.

The event was attended by the President of the Association of Taxpayers of Ukraine, the President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Head of the Dairy Industry Association, and the heads of other leading business associations. The forum was supported by UNDP Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy announced the country’s top economic priorities, including increasing defense production (40% of weapons for the Armed Forces are already produced in Ukraine), expanding the Made in Ukraine program, and introducing a moratorium on business inspections to protect against pressure from unscrupulous officials.

Business representatives voiced the most pressing problems:

• Frontline territories – difficulties with lending and property insurance in risk areas
• Ukrainian production – need for access to government orders and compensation for capital investments
• Exports – need to resume trade missions, simplify certification and recapitalize the ECA
• European integration – help businesses adapt to European standards
• Human resources – shortage of workers due to migration and lack of necessary skills

The discussion section paid special attention to the fight against the shadow economy. According to the data presented by analytical centers, the largest schemes (gray imports, salaries in envelopes, counterfeiting) lead to losses of UAH 450-500 billion annually to the state budget. This distorts competition and promotes corruption in government agencies.

The analysis of the Worldwide Governance Indicators showed that Ukraine lags behind the weakest European countries in all indicators of the quality of public administration, which requires a reboot of key institutions with the participation of international partners.

The discussion identified key areas for improving the investment climate: accelerating privatization, de-shadowing the economy, launching the stock market, leveling the playing field, and deregulation.

The government and business representatives agreed to hold regular dialogues and work together on current challenges and prospects for the development of the Ukrainian economy.