UNDP BLUE RIBBON ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY CENTRE

Project is funded by the European Union and is co-funded and implemented by UNDP

February 13, 2008

UNDP EXPERT GETS AN AWARD FROM UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT

Kyiv, February 13, 2008 — H.E. Viktor Yushchenko, the President of Ukraine, has awarded a medal for “Work and Merit” to Iryna Kobouta, International integration Team leader working at UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre, to honour her significant personal contribution to Ukraine's WTO accession.

On 5th February, after 15 years of negotiations since the submission of application back in 1993, Ukraine has finally obtained full-fledged membership in the World Trade Organization, which will provide the country with a stable and predictable trade environment, boosting its growth and prosperity.

This success could not be achieved without a team of excellent negotiators, to which Iryna Kobouta has competently assisted throughout 2001-2008. Being an expert of the Secretariat of the Coordination Council for Agrarian Policy at the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (2001-2006) she has been invited by the Government to assist Ukraine's team in the negotiations and participated in the 9-16th meetings on WTO accession as a member of the national expert group, providing a unique expertise on the matters related to agriculture and Ukraine's WTO membership.

In her capacity as a Team leader at UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre in Ukraine, Ms. Kobouta has made a valuable contribution to strengthening overall capacity of the government agencies in the issues related to Ukraine's international and European integration.

Throughout her academic and professional activity Ms. Kobouta cooperated with the international community, including World Bank, OECD, FAO, USAID, Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada [parliament], Cabinet of Ministers, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Agriculture and other government bodies.

Award of a medal “Za pratsu I zvytiagu” (“For Work and Merit”) by the President of Ukraine is a worthy recognition of her academic and professional record, commitment and achievements.

The Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre (BRAAC), UNDP-led and EU-funded project, was created in 2005 to assist Ukrainian authorities in their implementation of recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission for Ukraine.

The Centre's mission is to support the next generation of social and economic transformations in Ukraine by assisting policy formulation, building capacity of national stakeholders and energizing, and facilitating a broad dialogue on economic development issues.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66,
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

February 5, 2008

BRAAC welcomes Ukraine’s accession to the WTO
http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres08_e/pr511_e.htm

February 5, 2008 — Ukraine’s accession to the WTO means:
      • introduction of internationally recognized rules and norms, which are applied in 151 countries
      • ensuring predictability and consistency of government policy and legislation through honoring commitments, assumed with the WTO accession
      • Ukraine to obtain from its trade partners permanent and unconditional status of the Most Favored Nation, which comes with WTO membership
      • access to the majority of foreign markets facilitated
      • Ukraine’s participation in globalization and international division of labor, based on civilized principles
      • improved attractiveness of Ukraine for domestic and foreign investors, increased flow of investments to industries, services and agriculture
      • increase of competitiveness in the domestic market, providing better supply of goods in terms of line of goods, quality and price to Ukrainians
      • reduction of state support programs, which are subject to limitations under WTO regulations, increase of funding for the programs, eligible under WTO regulations (development of infrastructure, consulting, marketing services, environmental protection, training, products examination)
      • development of up-to-date system of technical standards, speeding-up of their harmonization with international ones
      • WTO membership allows solving trade disputes and participating in shaping international trade rules with account of national interests, especially within Doha-round of multilateral negotiations on agriculture
      • start of official negotiations on the Free Trade Area with the European Union
      • welfare will grow by up to 10.2% of the overall consumption level and by up to 4.8% of the GDP growth in a long-term perspective; export of goods and service will increase by 9.2% (as calculated by the Institute for Economic Research and Policy Consulting

More open import regime will benefit Ukrainian consumer, particularly in the case of goods that are not produced in Ukraine. But will the revision in import tariffs required by the accession to WTO be dangerous for Ukrainian producers?

The results of the study “Economic impacts of WTO accession by Ukraine: assessment of price competitiveness”, prepared by BRAAC, show that relatively low bound tariff rates for agricultural products (11% in average) after WTO accession shall not produce additional pressures on Ukrainian producers, as Ukraine’s agricultural products are more price competitive than their imported analogs. This is confirmed also by the fact that Ukraine is a net-exporter of most agricultural and food products (all grain crops, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, cheese, other dairy products).

The analysis reveals that the domestic price of sugar is higher than the external price. Therefore, in order to protect domestic producers of sugar, the 50% import tariff after WTO accession on refined sugar will be established to make imported sugar more expensive than sugar produced from domestic sugar beets. Additionally, after joining the WTO, the domestic sugar market will be protected by a tariff quota of 260,000 tons for raw cane sugar. The import of raw cane sugar in excess of the import tariff quota will be charged with a high 50% tariff.

Most industrial sectors in Ukraine already operate in compliance with WTO membership requirements. Most of the applied tariff rates for industrial products, currently, are almost equal with (e.g., iron ore, coke, clothing, and flat rolled metal) or are even lower than (e.g., rolling stock (tank-cars), ammonia, and urea) import tariff bindings that shall become effective after WTO accession.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

January 24, 2008

Recommendations on economic and institutional reforms were presented to the Committee for European Integration of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

January 24, 2008, Kyiv — Mr. Mykola PUGACHOV, UNDP BRAAC Macroeconomic policy team-leader, presented Recommendations on economic and institutional reforms during the session of the Committee for European Integration of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Wrapping-up the session, Mr. Borys TARASYUK, Head of the Committee, appreciated UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre’s contribution and urged members of the Ukrainian Parliament to use the Recommendations in further work.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

January 14, 2008

UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre prepared comments and proposals to the draft Programme of Action for the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine “Ukrainian breakthrough: for people, not for politicians”

January 14, 2008, Kyiv — BRAAC experts analyzed the draft Programme of Action for the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and expressed certain reservations and proposals, which are offered to the government authorities. Reservations and comments regard only those provisions of the draft Programme, which are of certain concern.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

January 8, 2008

BRAAC Contributes to Development of Land legislation in Ukraine

January 8, 2008, Kyiv — based on analysis of current land legislation of Ukraine and perspective for its development, BRAAC experts in cooperation with Mr. Pavlo KULINICH, Deputy Chair of the Department for agrarian, land and environmental law of the Koretskyi Institute of State and Law of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ph.D., prepared draft laws of Ukraine “On Agricultural Land Market”, “On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine on Differentiation of Land of State and Communal Ownership” and draft Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine “On Adopting Regulation on Land Auction”.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

December 10-11, 2007

Director of UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre to Report at the Seminar on Ukraine's European Integration

Kyiv, 10-11 December 2007 - seminar dedicated to the topic "Ukraine as a future EU member: pro & contra" was held in the Institute of International Relations. The seminar was jointly organized by the Initiative Group of European Forum Alpbach in Kyiv and UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre.

The distinguished participants of the seminar discussed EU-Ukraine relations and the challenges which Ukraine faces following it's European integration path.

In particular, Mr. Marcin SWIECICKI, BRAAC Director, reported on "Legislative and Institutional Distance of Ukraine to European Union". The aim of the seminar was to reinforce dialogue between national decision-makers, national and European experts concerning the perspectives of Ukraine - EU relations.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

December 10-11, 2007

Expert of UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre Reported at the First International Summit on Biofuels Research and Opportunities in Ukraine

Kyiv, 10-11 December 2007 - the First International Summit on Biofuels Research and Business Opportunities in Ukraine was conducted. The Summit was organized by Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs (CNFA Inc. Ukraine) and Pennsylvania State University (USA) under the auspices of Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation (UAC), U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) and under sponsorship of Woskobs New Century Fund.

Participants from Ukraine, USA, CIS and EU countries had an opportunity to become familiar with the results of current research in the field of bioenergetics, advanced technologies and equipment for biofuel production. Current situation and trends in Ukrainian biofuel industry development were discussed.

Mr. Mykola KOBETS, BRAAC expert, delivered a report on "Biofuel legislation in Ukraine: milestones, analysis and ways for improvement" (available in Ukrainian only).

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

December 9-10, 2007

Expert of UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre Reported at the First International Summit on Biofuels Research and Opportunities in Ukraine

Kyiv, 9-10 December 2007 - the First International Summit on Biofuels Research and Business Opportunities in Ukraine was conducted. The Summit was organized by Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs (CNFA Inc. Ukraine) and Pennsylvania State University (USA) under the auspices of Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation (UAC), U.S. Civilian Research & Development Foundation (CRDF) and under sponsorship of Woskobs New Century Fund.

Participants from Ukraine, USA, CIS and EU countries had an opportunity to become familiar with the results of current research in the field of bioenergetics, advanced technologies and equipment for biofuel production. Current situation and trends in Ukrainian biofuel industry development were discussed.

Mr. Mykola KOBETS, BRAAC expert, delivered a report on "Biofuel legislation in Ukraine: milestones, analysis and ways for improvement" (available in Ukrainian only).

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

December 6-8, 2007

BRAAC Expert Participated in the Conference under the Aegis of Food and Agricultural Organization

Moscow, 6-8 December 2007 - Ms. Iryna KOBOUTA, BRAAC International integration team leader, took part in international seminar on "Experience of investment projects in agriculture and food complex of CIS countries", held by the FAO Investment Centre in Moscow.

The seminar was attended by the representatives of other CIS countries, namely Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Russian Federation, World Bank international financial organizations, EBRD.

During the seminar Ms. Iryna KOBOUTA reported on national investment strategies for food and agricultural sectors of Ukraine and the experience in implementation of the investment projects in Ukraine, funded by IFOs.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

December 7, 2007

Challenges of Establishment and Operation of the Land Market in Ukraine Have Been Discussed at the Round Table in Chernivtsi Oblast

Zastavna (Chernivtsi oblast), 7 December 2007 - the UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre held a round table to discuss establishment and operation of the land market in Ukraine.

During the round table chaired by Mr. Volodymyr ARTUSHYN, BRAAC team leader, the reports were delivered by Mr. Pavlo KULINICH, Senior researcher at Koretskyi Institute of State and Law of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Mr. Mykola PUGACHOV, BRAAC team leader, Mr. Maxym FEDORCHENKO (download presentation), Executive director of Center for Land Reform Policy in Ukraine, and Mr. Mykola KOBETS (download presentation), BRAAC Senior expert.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

November 22, 2007

UNDP Announces Policy Recommendations to Strengthen Economic Reforms

in Ukraine

Kyiv, 22 November: Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre (BRAAC) - a UNDP-led and EU-funded project in Ukraine - has published "Policy Recommendations on Economic and Institutional Reforms" aimed at improving implementation of economic reforms in Ukraine and facilitating policy dialogue.

In his opening speech Mr. Francis O'DONNELL, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Ukraine, acknowledged significant progress achieved by Ukraine over the last years. "Ukraine is a rapidly growing European economy which is going through a period of vital economic and political transformation. Although Ukraine has made significant progress transitioning to a market economy and consolidating democracy, many challenges still face the newly elected Verkhovna Rada and the Government to be formed", he said.

Encouraged by the progress achieved and recognizing the challenges ahead, the Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre has compiled the recommendations and advice, provided by national and international experts, to the Ukrainian authorities and people.

According to Mr. Marcin SWIECICKI, BRAAC Director, the document could become a helpful tool for Ukrainian leaders and decision-makers. "It would promote the policy debate and help build consensus on the critical issues that matter in securing further sustainable economic growth and implementing Ukraine's European choice", he said while delivering the presentation.

The document contains 170 policy recommendations indicating the most relevant measures aimed at building market institutions, providing macroeconomic stabilization, taking advantage of international trade, fighting corruption, regulatory policy and entrepreneurship development.

Namely, the authors of recommendations urge to decentralize public administration according to the principles of the European Charter of Local Self-government in order to increase efficiency and accountability of local self-government. In the field of economic activity the recommendations urge to conduct transparent privatization on a competitive basis, adopt the limited liability company law enact the law on the joint-stock companies in order to improve business climate and pave the way for stock market development.

Separately the authors urged to abolish the Commercial Code, which establishes an outdated and peculiar system of legal entities and hampers modernization of economic legislation in various areas of regulation; create transparent land and real estate markets in Ukraine by lifting the moratorium on the sale of agricultural land and establishing a single registry for real estate and agricultural land property rights.

To ensure macroeconomic stability the Government needs to gradually shift to a flexible exchange rate regime backed by an inflation-targeting framework, undertake tighten monetary conditions to keep core inflation on a sustained downward path and to reduce inflation to a level under 5 percent in the medium-term. According to recommendations it is also important to tighten a fiscal stance until real growth abates to a sustainable pace; in the medium-term, target a general government fiscal deficit of no more than 2? percent of GDP, and gradually reduce the ratio of recurrent spending to GDP.

Most of these recommendations were reflected in previously published Blue Ribbon Commission reports, policy papers of the World Bank, EBRD, European Business Association, IMF, CASE-Ukraine and OECD.

Yet, Mr. Ian BOAG, Head of EU Delegation to Ukraine underlined the importance of public policy dialogue at this stage: "European Commission and international organizations might have some leverages to promote reforms but cannot be prime movers. Their role is to assist in transition effort and participate in dialogue. But the key role is to be played by civil society, free media and of course the government that shares most of the objectives."

According to Mr. Marcin SWIECICKI, as ever UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre stands ready to make meaningful contributions within available resources to the implementation of these recommendations through providing expert assistance, capacity building and strengthening public dialogue.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66,
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

November 8, 2007

BRAAC EXPERT REPORTED AT SEMINAR ON INTEGRATION
INTO GLOBAL ECONOMY

Cherkasy, 8 November 2007 - Iryna KOBOUTA, BRAAC International integration team leader, participated in seminar on "Integration into global economy: democratic perspectives and economic challenges for small and medium enterprises".

The event was organized by Cherkasy regional state administration, Ukrainian Centre for International Integration and the Center for Ukrainian Reform Education (CURE)

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66,
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

November 2, 2007

BRAAC EXPERTS PARTICIPATED IN

CHORNOBYL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM

November 2, 2007 - BRAAC experts participated in Chornobyl Economic Development Forum (ChEDF) held in Borodyanka, Kyiv oblast.

During the plenary session Ms. Iryna KOBOUTA, international integration team leader, delivered a report on Ukraine's WTO accession perspectives, its implications for industrial and agricultural production, as well as perspectives for adaptation of Chernobyl affected regions to WTO membership.

Mr. Mykola PUGACHOV, BRAAC macroeconomic policy team leader, made a detailed presentation on implications of land sale moratorium for investment climate and development of entrepreneurship in Chornobyl affected territories.

Mr. Mykola KOBETS, BRAAC senior expert, reported on "Bio-fuels production in Ukraine: from problem analysis to action plan" during business-seminar within ChEDF.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66,
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

October 30, 2007

DEBATE IN ODESSA CONTINUED A SERIES OF ROUND TABLES DEDICATED TO THE CHALLENGES OF ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF THE LAND MARKET IN UKRAINE

Odessa, 30 October 2007 - upon the initiative of the UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre a round table was held, dedicated to economic aspects of the establishment and operation of the land market in Ukraine.

The debate in Odessa continued a series of round-tables aimed at sustaining public dialogue on the establishment of fully-fledged agricultural land market, which is of particular interest to experts, representative of local authorities and civil society at regional level.

The reports were delivered by Mr. Pavlo KULINICH, Senior researcher at Koretskyi Institute of State and Law of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Mr. Mykola PUGACHOV, BRAAC team leader, Mr. Maxym FEDORCHENKO, Executive director of Center for Land Reform Policy in Ukraine, and Mr. Mykola KOBETS, BRAAC Senior expert.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66,
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

October 17, 2007

THE EXPERTS, REPRESENTATIVES OF AUTHORITIES AND CIVIL SOCIETY DISCUSSED THE CHALLENGES OF ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF THE LAND MARKET IN UKRAINE

Dnipropetrovsk, 17 October 2007 - upon the initiative of the UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre and with the support of IA "APK Inform" a round table was held, dedicated to economic aspects of the establishment and operation of the land market in Ukraine.

This event was aimed at informing the wide audience of the main aspects and implications of the establishment of fully-fledged agricultural land market, as well as initiating a debate on these issues amongst experts, representative of local authorities and civil society at regional level.

The reports were delivered by Mr. Pavlo KULINICH, Senior researcher at Koretskyi Institute of State and Law of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Mr. Mykola PUGACHOV, BRAAC team leader, Mr. Maxym FEDORCHENKO, Executive director of Center for Land Reform Policy in Ukraine, and Mr. Mykola KOBETS, BRAAC Senior expert.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66,
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

October 10, 2007

UNDP BLUE RIBBON ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY CENTRE HELD A ROUND TABLE ON "CHALLENGES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND MARKET DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION IN UKRAINE"

Kyiv, 10 October 2007 - a round table on "Challenges of agricultural land market development and operation in Ukraine" initiated by the UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre was held in the premise of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

Mr. Pavlo KULINICH, Senior researcher at Koretskyi Institute of State and Law of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Mr. Mykola PUGACHOV, BRAAC team leader, Mr. Maxym FEDORCHENKO, Executive director of Center for Land Reform Policy in Ukraine, and Mr. Mykola KOBETS, BRAAC Senior expert, delivered reports (download presentations 1 and 2 ).

Round table participants acknowledged that existing moratorium imposed on sale of agricultural land has a series of negative implications, in particular, it hampers the effective use of land resources and at the same time limits the right of land owners to dispose of the plots.

"Land sale moratorium in Ukraine does not bar from the operations with land assets, but instead causes their shadow turnover with lack of transparent market. It results in losses suffered by rural landowners who get a lower price for the lots compared to competitive markets"- states review on "Problems of establishment and operation of the agricultural land market in Ukraine" delivered and disseminated by the experts of UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre during the round table.

Centre's experts suggest that lifting moratorium together with adoption of relevant legislation would bring many positive results. First, more efficient owners will get easier access to land. Second, the introduction of agricultural land mortgages will allow farmers to invest and develop their enterprises, being less dependent on national budget for subsidies. Third, villagers who prefer to undertake non-agricultural business will be able to sell or collateralize their land, thereby obtaining start-up capital for other ventures.

However, establishment of the agricultural land market requires improvement of relevant legislation and institutions, as well as effective and fair legal system - judiciary, prosecution, enforcement bodies - which would ensure protection of land property rights.

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66,
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

September 12, 2007

A SEMINAR ON "AGRICULTURAL ASPECTS OF UKRAINE'S WTO ACCESSION" WAS HELD IN CRIMEA

12 September 2007 in Simferopol a seminar on "Agricultural aspects of Ukraine's WTO accession" was held by the UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre together with the Council of Ministers of Autonomous Republica of Crimea and UNDP Crimea Development and Integration Program (CIDP).

The topic of the seminar was initiated by CIDP in order to inform regional business community, farmers, experts and civil servants about the most urgent issues arising in the frames of Ukraine's WTO negotiation, as well as about its economic implications for the country's agriculture as a whole and Crimean in particular .

During the seminar the UNDP BRAAC experts delivered four presentations: "Implications of Ukraine's WTO accession for the competitiveness of agriculture", "State support of agriculture within the framework of Ukraine's WTO accession" (delivered by Ms.Iryna Kobouta); "Development of bio-fuel production: Ukraine's perspective" (by Mr. Mykola Kobets) and "Building-on the export potential of Ukrainian SMEs" (by Mr. Bogdan Senchuk).

The seminar was marked by an interesting discussion amongst participants concerning gains and losses which Crimea may have with Ukraine's accession to the WTO.  

For more information please contact Mr. Andriy Zayika, tel. +380 44 253 58 66,
e-mail: andriy.zayika@undp.org.ua

August 28, 2007

THE EXPERTS OF THE UNDP BLUE RIBBON ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY CENTRE DELIVERED A SURVEY ON "CHALLENGES OF ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL LAND MARKET IN UKRAINE"

The Centre's experts, namely Mr.Volodymyr Artushyn, Mr.Mykola Kobets and Mr.Mykola Pugachov delivered an analytical survey on "Challenges of Establishment and Operation of the Agricultural Land Market in Ukraine" (ed. Marcin Święcicki).

The survey reveals the development of the legislation in Ukraine since 1992 concerning agricultural land property rights and trade, as well as describes economic and geographical features of land property at current stage. The survey contains a number of comparative materials regarding land evaluation, land lease regulations, limitations to sale and inheritance in some European and world countries.

A comparison of institutional machinery in trading real estate and in land was conducted (cadastre and registration systems in different European countries and Canada). As to Ukraine, the survey eclosed general information concerning effective legislation (Land Code, 2001) and existing draft laws.

Publication is available in Ukrainian only.

August 16, 2007

UNDP EXPERTS PARTICIPATED IN LIVE BROADCAST ON 'RADIO ERA'

Oleksandr Shevtsov, UNDP Senior Advisor, and Iryna Kobouta, Team leader at UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre participated in the programme "Vlasnyi Poglyad" which was broadcasted live on 'Radio Era'(96 FM) on 16 August. The programme was dedicated to "Implications of Ukraine's WTO accession for the competitiveness of Ukrainian goods".

The experts analyzed benefits and possible losses of Ukraine as a whole, as well as of separate industries, and answered the questions of the listeners concerning the most burning issues within Ukraine's accession to this organization.

August 10, 2007

ANALYSTS OF UNDP BLUE RIBBON ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY CENTRE DELIVERED PUBLICATION "PERSPECTIVES OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT: WAYS AND POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES"

O.Sickachyna and V.Zhygadlo, the UNDP BRAAC analysts, delivered a report dedicated to "Perspectives of Agricultural Production Development: Ways and Potential Consequences".

This report contains the analysis of perspectives for increasing production of grain and oil crops, forecast of possible implications for Ukraine of such an increase, as well as assessment of respective Ukraine's and world markets' capacity.

The report can be found here.

July 19, 2007

PRESENTATION OF SURVEY "ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF WTO ACCESSION BY UKRAINE: ASSESSMENT OF PRICE COMPETITIVENESS"

According to the survey, WTO membership will ensure easier access of Ukrainian goods to global market and help protect them against discrimination. "After WTO accession most ukrainian agricultural and industrial products shall retain competitiveness at internal and world market" - survey suggested.

Kyiv, Ukraine - the presentation of this survey to public and media took place in the 'President Hotel' Conference hall at 10.00-13.00. Representatives of Ukrainian authorities, business community, think tanks participated in the event. Ms. Joanna Kazana-Wisniowecka, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, opened the meeting and welcomed the guests. Mr. Marcin Święcicki, Director of the UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre, briefly addressed key issues of the WTO accession. Ms. Lydya Melnyk, Deputy of Head of Department of Cooperation with WTO, the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, provided detailed information concerning the current state of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the WTO and adoption of the relevant legislation.

Afterwards the experts, who have co-authored the survey, and representatives of the Ukrainian executive authorities took the floor. Mr. Ali Bayar, Professor of Economics at Free University of Brussels, delivered key results of study concerning the impact of WTO accession on Ukraine's economy, whereas impact of the WTO accession on industries and agriculture was addressed by Mr. Eugen Shkarban, International Trade Expert, and Ms. Iryna Kobouta, Team Leader on International Integration, UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre, respectively. A more profound insight concerning the measures aimed at increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian agriculture was provided by Mr. Valeriy Perynskyi, Deputy Head of the Department of Finance, Ministry of Agricultural Policy. The meeting was accompanied by active debates on the most important issues addressed by the experts.

The survey "Economic impacts of WTO accession by Ukraine: assessment of price competitiveness" was undertaken by the UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre together with Ukrainian and foreign experts following the request of the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration of Ukraine. The objective of the study was to provide an assessment of the implications of the WTO membership for the group of agricultural and industrial products, identified through wide consultations with experts and businesses.

Full version of the report can be found here.

Press-release can be downloaded here.

Agenda of the meeting.

June 25, 2007

A NEW ACTIVITY MONITORING FORM

FOR THE BLUE RIBBON ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY CENTRE

The UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre launches a new form of monitoring of the Centre's activity, aligned with the Blue Ribbon Commission reports in general and in particular with the Blue Ribbon Commission third report "State and the Citizen: Delivering on Promises".

Centre Activity Matrix can be found here.

June 19-20, 2007

IN COOPERATION WITH THE STATE COMMITTEE OF UKRAINE ON REGULATORY POLICY AND ENTREPRENUERSHIP THE UNDP BLUE RIBBON COMMISSION ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY CENTRE ORGANIZED AND HELD IN LVIV A SEMINAR ON THE OPERATION OF PERMIT SYSTEM AT THE LOCAL LEVEL

On 19-20 June a two-day regional seminar "Permit system at the regional level: challenges and the ways to meet them" was organized and held in Lviv jointly with the regional representation of the State Committee of Ukraine on Regulatory Policy and Entrepreneurship in Lviv region. Heads of permit offices of Lviv region, administrators of permit centres and heads of representations of the State Committee in Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Volyn, Ternopil, Rivne and Chernivtsi regions took part in the seminar.

Oleksandr Andreyev, Director of the Department of permit system of the State Committee on Regulatory Policy and Entrepreneurship, actively participated in the seminar. During the event there were discussed challenges of permit system, operation of permit centres, ways to improve the legislative framework and recommendations concerning the improvement of operation of the permit system, which have been conveyed to the State Committee for further dissemination in Ukrainian regions.

June 15-16, 2007

EXPERT OF UNDP BLUE RIBBON ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY CENTRE M.KOBETS GAVE TWO REPORTS AT THE INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITION "AGRO-2007"

On 15th of June expert of UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre Mykola Kobets gave a report at the conference "Biofuels Day" organized by Ministry of Agrarian policy of Ukraine.

Ukrainian-German Forum on Bioenergetics was conducted in the frame of "AGRO-2007" Exhibition on June,16. The Forum was organized jointly by Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation and by Institute of Economic Researches and Political Consultation (German-Ukrainian agrarian dialog). The development of national strategy for biofuel production and consumption in Ukraine was the main topic of this event. BRAAC expert gave a report "Motor biofuels in Ukraine: state-of-the-art and prospects". Presentation can be found here (available in Ukrainian only).

May 29, 2007

TEAM LEADER OF UNDP BLUE RIBBON ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY CENTRE GAVE A REPORT AT THE VI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “GRAIN FORUM-2007”

Team Leader UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre Mykola Pugachov gave a report “What will agrarian business expert after cancellation of moratorium for sales of agricultural lands?” at the VI International Conference “Grain Forum-2007” held in Odessa since 28th to 30th of May. Conference was organized by Information Agency APK-Inform with the support of Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine and Ukrainian Grain Association. Presentation can be found here (available in Russian only).

May 14, 2007

ANALYST OF UNDP BLUE RIBBON ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY CENTRE MADE A SPEECH AT THE SEMINAR FOR THE GROUP OF GEORGIAN EXPERT-ADVISORS DURING THEIR STUDY TOUR TO UKRAINE

On 14 May Inna Chapko, analyst of UNDP Analytical and Advisory Centre, made a presentation "Budget Programs of support in agriculture of Ukraine" at the seminar for the group of Georgian expert-advisors during their study tour to Ukraine.

Study tour was organized by DFID project SLAAR (Georgia). Delegation consisted of expert-advisors from DFID SLAAR (Georgia) and representatives of Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia. Handouts of the presentation in Russian can be found here .

March 15, 2007

TEAM LEADER OF UNDP BLUE RIBBON ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY CENTRE GAVE A REPORT AT THE PLENARY SESSION OF THE III INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “PROBLEMS OF ENTERPRISES ECONOMY IN CONDITIONS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT”

Team Leader of UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre Mykola Pugachov gave a report “Conditions and tendencies of food industry enterprises in Ukraine” at the plenary session of the III International Conference “Problems of enterprises economy in conditions of sustainable development” on March 15, 2007 in Kiev. Presentation can be found here (available in Ukrainian only).

March 14-16, 2007

EXPERT ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE'S WTO ACCESSION

Ms. Iryna Kobouta, International Integration Team Leader at UNDP Blue Ribbon Analytical and Advisory Centre, took part in a meeting of the Working party on Ukraine's accession to the WTO and in discussion on Ukraine's new proposal concerning domestic support of Ukrainian agriculture (Geneva, Switzerland) upon invitation of the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine. Ukrianian delegation was led by Mr. Valeriy Pyatnytskiy, Deputy of the Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

The Working Party underlined considerable progress in coordination of commitments and legislative support for them by Ukraine, and concluded that the work on the draft report on Ukraine's accession to the WTO was coming to the end.

Based on results of the consultations on domestic support for agriculture, involving representatives of Australia, Argentina, European Commission, Canada and USA, the period of 2004-2006 was approved as base period for assumption of Ukraine's commitments concerning the amount of domestic support for Ukrainian agriculture. The amount of support was retained almost on the level of 1994-1996. Expert preparation of supporting tables, which are the basis for assumption of commitments, was highly appreciated by the Working Party members. The agreed commitments concerning the amount of domestic support for Ukrainian agriculture will be included into the Report on Ukraine's accession to the WTO. Considerable progress achieved at the negotiations on that matter is to a large extent a result of the expert assistance provided to the Government in recent years by the experts of the Centre.