Estonian adviser to Ukrainian minister: Ukraine needs reforms within weeks
Estonian investment professional Jaanika Merilo who on Monday was appointed as an adviser to Aivaras Abromavičius, the Ukrainian Minister of Economic Development and Trade, said to ERR that Ukraine needs reforms within weeks.
Merilo said to 'Uudis +' radio program that although the hostilities in the eastern Ukraine have not stopped and are a depressive topic, it wouldn't obstruct the reforms.
Merilo said that one of the things that needs changing as soon as possible is the court system, so that citizens and investors would know that their rights are protected.
She also mentioned corruption. “It is obvious that the corruption is deep-rooted in the Ukrainian society and it is very hard to uproot it.”
Merilo said that digital solutions, such as the e-government, where the human contact is minimized, would help to fight against corruption. She added that a special anti-corruption institution will be created, with international specialists and police reform is also planned.
Until now, Merilo was the managing director at the Ukrainian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. As an adviser, she will be responsible for the attraction of investment, the improvement of the investment and business climate, the coordination of international programs and the development of e-government solutions in Ukraine.
The new Ukrainian cabinet includes several ministers who hail from abroad. In addition to Abromavičius, who is from Lithuania, the Minister of Health, Alexander Kvitashvili, comes from Georgia, and Minister of Finance, Natalie Jaresko, is a former US citizen.
Editor: S. Tambur