A tiger economy is one in which a country undergoes rapid economic growth, usually accompanied by an increase in the standard of living. This does not describe Ukraine’s economy. It’s not entirely the fault of Ukraine or its leaders. Some events are beyond the nation’s control – such as Russia’s war and global economic trends.
So much more, however, is within Ukraine’s control and not happening in the best interests of the nation’s 40 million people.
Ukraine can’t even satisfy the requirements of the International Monetary Fund, the lender of last resort, in fighting corruption to receive an additional tranche of a low-interest loan. The nation has received only $7.7 billion of the $17.5 billion four-year loan program ending in 2019.
Anders Aslund, the Swedish economist, says the IMF doesn’t believe Ukraine’s government will fight corruption, privatize land and reduce the ridiculously high amount of government spending on pensions. And he’s right. At the 5th annual Kyiv Post Tiger Conference on Nov. 29, the possibilities and perils became clear. The possibilities of developing a prosperous New Economy were highlighted in a discussion moderated by lawyer Daniel Bilak, one of four panels.
At the 5th annual Kyiv Post Tiger Conference on Nov. 29, the possibilities and perils became clear. The possibilities of developing a prosperous New Economy were highlighted in a discussion moderated by lawyer Daniel Bilak, one of four panels.
As the Asset Recovery panel moderated by former Finance Minister Natalie Jaresko exposed clearly, Ukraine’s top political and law enforcement leaders have shown no interest in even trying to develop an accurate count of money stolen from Ukraine. Law enforcement agencies are not investigating cases properly or following best international practices in recovering stolen assets. This is by design, not by accident, another flashing-red warning sign about the misplaced priorities of the ruling elite.In the Security and Defense panel, the positive news is that Ukraine’s leaders seem acutely aware of the fact that the nation will have to defend itself on its own. It can’t count on foreign powers. And in Reality Check, the fourth panel, the astute speakers zeroed in on the unacceptability of the status quo of corruption, but also divulged strategies for how Ukraine can move ahead even if the government doesn’t change.
In the Security and Defense panel, the positive news is that Ukraine’s leaders seem acutely aware of the fact that the nation will have to defend itself on its own. It can’t count on foreign powers. And in Reality Check, the fourth panel, the astute speakers zeroed in on the unacceptability of the status quo of corruption, but also divulged strategies for how Ukraine can move ahead even if the government doesn’t change.We are truly honored to host this conference. What’s said on stage is important. But what’s even more important is the networking opportunity with international and national experts, the new contacts made and the realization that we have a tight-knit community devoted to Ukraine’s success in every way and in defeating the regressive forces that don’t want Ukraine to rise up and become a competitive and prosperous economy.
We are truly honored to host this conference. What’s said on stage is important. But what’s even more important is the networking opportunity with international and national experts, the new contacts made and the realization that we have a tight-knit community devoted to Ukraine’s success in every way and in defeating the regressive forces that don’t want Ukraine to rise up and become a competitive and prosperous economy.We look forward to seeing everyone at the 6th annual Tiger Conference. By then, hopefully the discussion will focus on more on progress made and less on problems we are facing.
We look forward to seeing everyone at the 6th annual Tiger Conference. By then, hopefully the discussion will focus on more on progress made and less on problems we are facing.
