Ukraine pushes new economic plan while economy stays below pre-war levels

Ukraineʼs government introduces fresh strategy to boost domestic production and bring citizens home. The economy shows growth signs but remains at just 78% of its pre-war size‚ while damage costs reach $152 billion

November 12 2024 , 12:02 PM  •  654 views

Ukraine pushes new economic plan while economy stays below pre-war levels

Yulia Svyrydenko‚ Ukraineʼs first deputy prime minister and economy minister is leading a new push to change the nations economic direction. The countryʼs financial system needs re-shaping from its raw-materials focus to value-added production (which would help with EU integration)

The government raised this years growth forecast to 4% - better than expected due to smart energy-sector planning; however next years outlook shows slower 2‚7% growth because of war-related problems. The central bank thinks differently: they expect growth above 4% for both 2025-26

Direct war damage costs reached $152B by late-23‚ with total rebuild costs hitting $486B (which is almost 3 times bigger than yearly GDP). Despite some growth the economy still sits at just 78% of its pre-war size. Western allies provided near $100B in economic support to keep basic services running

The government started many business-friendly programs: they made special industrial zones‚ gave out money to small companies and helped businesses move to safer places. “Our task is to support more Ukrainian production and also support the consumption of Ukrainian-produced goods“ Svyrydenko said in her talk

Labor shortage is a big issue - millions left during wartime. About 4‚1M Ukrainians stay in Europe now; though research shows that more than half would come back if things get better. The government wants to make a special office to help bring people home: they need both jobs and houses ready