The maintenance of a stable exchange rate and the absence of galloping inflation can already be regarded as positive results of the outgoing year. This opinion was expressed in a commentary to UNN by international expert, economist Igor Garbaruk.
He reminded that 50% of the state budget is currently formed by borrowing.
"So in this case, yes, we have a fairly stable situation today, a stable exchange rate of international currencies against our currency and vice versa. We do not have galloping inflation, we keep the exchange rate in line with the conditions in which we live together. This can be assessed from a positive point of view," the economist believes.
At the same time, he noted that the government could do more to support domestic producers.
"On the other hand, we don't see any practical solutions from, for example, the Ministry of Economy and the Cabinet of Ministers as a whole on economic development, or, say, any real, not just on paper, assistance for the national producer. Can you name such a decision? I, for one, cannot," Garbaruk said.
He emphasized that the government should think about how to develop our national producer - invest in real projects, support, provide preferences, and place government orders. Then we will see real changes in the economy.
"Until then, we will eat up the funds given to us by our partners and pay for the imported goods and products that are still being supplied to our country.
Well, let's be honest, we have seen big strikes from Polish, Slovak, Hungarian carriers. We have seen strikes from farmers in Poland when Ukrainian grain entered the Polish market. Why are they protecting their market, while we are not protecting ours in any way?" - Garbaruk added.
Another important aspect that affects the economic situation in the country is the flight of business abroad, the flow of people and the money they take with them to other countries. These people settle in other countries, work, pay taxes, and pay for goods and services there. This means that businesses in Ukraine will lose profits and the state will lose taxes.
"Therefore, the migration situation today is catastrophic. And we are well aware that not only that, but the best of the best of our guys, our girls, who are on the front line, are dying," Garbaruk said, adding that in addition to the human tragedy, the loss of each person also brings economic losses.
According to the economist, the state should think about how to prevail and bring people back to Ukraine even in the face of war.
"Everything depends on us. On us as a country, on us as a country. On us as a government. On us as people, on society, on business. If we create the conditions for people to have a place to return to, a place to live, a place to work, and if they are at least minimally confident that all sorts of Katsap junk will not fall on their heads, I can't say otherwise, the situation will remain in limbo until then. We really have to switch to a military mode, but it's not just a matter of taking everything away from everyone and dividing it up. This is a priority of the national producer, a priority of providing the Defense Forces with national producers, from clothing, food to weapons and ammunition. All this should be produced by national producers," the expert emphasized.