8 October 2014, Kyiv – On Tuesday the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) of the World Economic Forum was published, Ukraine’s ranking increased by 8 positions – from 84th to 76th, however last year’s decrease by 12 positions in the ranking has not been compensated yet. Ranking results were commented by the Presidential Administration Deputy Head Dmytro Shymkiv at a briefing held in the framework of the Ukraine Reforms Communications Taskforce under support of the International Renaissance Foundation. “In the GCI Ukraine has got leading positions based on its performance in such indicators as primary and secondary education, number of engineers, knowledge level of mathematics and scientific subjects. This is an important precondition for development of the new economy, the way we would like to see it in 2020 – the economy of knowledge and innovation. Potential of these sectors has to be implemented as a priority,” said Dmytro.
According to the GCI results this year biggest growth was demonstrated in such sectors as healthcare and primary education as well as market effectiveness of services and innovations. Considerable decrease of business development level is observed, Ukraine also continues being outsider in the state institutions ranking holding 130th position in the list of 144 countries.
The index is based on statistical data by 30% and by 70% on results of opinion poll held at the beginning of the year that’s why it actually reflects the situation as of the first quarter of 2014. As per the opinion poll results business stakeholders name corruption, instability of state policy, access to financial resources and instability of state institutions as biggest problems. “Let me greet us all with the fact that we’ve started addressing biggest problems business faces in Ukraine by having adopted anti-corruption laws package in the first reading,” said Dmytro Shymkiv. At the same time active work is being conducted to increase effectiveness, combating corruption and engaging professionals into state authorities. Dmytro underlined that the plan for changes within the Presidential Administration of Ukraine is being implemented. Work on deregulation goes on, e-document flow with the Cabinet of Ministers has been introduced, several new heads of departments have been appointed, candidates for 224 open positions with the Presidential Administration are being searched for.
“We are open to dialogue, recommendations and proposals. You can express your suggestions on reforms.in.ua site. We have started discussion of the Law “On temporary civil service” and of other initiatives that will be implemented with participation and consideration of experts’ opinion and that of the civil society,” said the Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine.
