Expert on the return of Zara: some global brands are forced to adapt to the tax policy in Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
Some global brands, such as Zara, are reopening in Ukraine despite the country's disloyal tax policy toward businesses, while others are avoiding Ukraine on principle due to concerns about corruption.
Some global brands are forced to adapt to the tax policy in Ukraine, but there are also those who do not come to work here on principle. This opinion was expressed in an exclusive commentary to UNN by political strategist Serhiy Gaidai.
One of the largest international fashion companies Zara has announced that it will resume operations in Ukraine, including Kyiv. It is a part of the Inditex group, which also represents such brands as Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho and Zara Home.
"Zara feels that there is a peaceful life somewhere in Ukraine, and they used to be present here in a peaceful life, and let's be honest, the tax policy in this country has never been loyal. Every global brand, realizing this, has found its own form of existence under such a tax policy that is very disloyal to business. And Mr. Hetmantsev is one of those typical representatives, when the government believes that all entrepreneurs are criminals who owe the state money. But he is a student of another gentleman, Azarov, and a direct student, and in many ways he has surpassed him. But those who have already worked here - global companies - have learned to coexist somehow, because conquering the market... they also work in harsher conditions in various dictatorial countries," Gaidai said.
He added that some brands do not operate in Ukraine as a matter of principle because they do not want to deal with corrupt authorities.
"And the likes of Zara are coming in, for them the profit and the additional market that exists in Ukraine is the main thing," explained Gaidai.
According to him, foreign brands currently believe that the situation in Ukraine has stabilized and that life in Ukraine is peaceful, although in reality most Ukrainians are living at war.
According to Gaidai, the restoration of peaceful life can only be thought of after the final victory over Russia.
Recall
Earlier, Yana Matviychuk, a volunteer, founder of the creative agency ARENA CS, and member of the Young Business Club Board , said in an interview with UNN that the tax policy implemented by Danylo Hetmantsev, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Taxation, and Customs Policy, is severely hampering the Ukrainian economy and, if left unchecked, will lead to its decline in the future.
According to Anatol Amelin, a member of the Board of Fellows at The Aspen Institute Kyiv and director of economic programs at the Ukrainian Institute for the Future, business in Ukraine is already desperate. He is ready to speak publicly about the pressure on entrepreneurs from the tax authorities and security forces.
