February 7, 2002, Vikna-Business, STB
Corruption is one of the key reasons for the lack of sufficient investment inflows to the Ukrainian economy. 

Such was the conclusion of the participants of the Round Table on Problems of Revival of Investment Activities in Ukraine. Lack of coverage of investment projects and programs launched in Ukraine also makes a negative influence on the economic situation of the country. 

Last summer, Leonid Kuchma signed a Decree ordering the Cabinet of Ministers to create favorable conditions to increase investment inflows. Recently, the Cabinet of Ministers presented its Program to the business community.

Michael Bleyzer, SigmaBleyzer: We believe that the Program lacks an important element, namely a specific Action Plan and a list of people responsible.

SigmaBleyzer is a well-known company. For the last two years if was carrying out a research of attractiveness of the Ukrainian market and invested around $100 million.

Michael Bleyzer, SigmaBleyzer: Ukraine has a population of 49 million people. 600,000 work in the state apparatus, where the average salary is $50, while an average bribe is $2000... How is it possible to talk about eliminating corruption when such a system still exists?..

Among the factors capable to eliminate corruption, Mr. Bleyzer named business liberalization, a renouncement of the state from administrative management of the economy, stable legal environment, and complete privatization.