U.S. companies can help rebuild Ukraine, head of Export-Import Bank says

Reta Jo Lewis testifies earlier than a Senate Banking and City Affairs Committee listening to on her nomination to be president of the Export-Import Financial institution of america, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., October 26, 2021. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Picture

WASHINGTON, April 21 (Reuters) – U.S. firms may also help rebuild Ukraine with digital infrastructure, clear power and extra within the aftermath of Russia’s invasion, U.S. Export-Import Financial institution President Reta Jo Lewis stated on Thursday earlier than a gathering with Ukraine finance officers.

“We wish Ukraine to win. That is why we’re doing all the things we will to assist Ukraine defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to strengthen Ukraine’s place on the battlefield and on the negotiating desk,” Lewis stated.

Ukraine’s finance minister, Serhiy Marchenko, welcomed the sturdy U.S. assist and stated his nation is in search of bridge financing to fill gaps in its finances.

The nation’s central financial institution governor, Kyrylo Shevchenko, stated the Ukrainian banking system was in good condition and that fee programs are functioning, almost two months after Russia launched its Feb. 24 assault on its Jap European neighbor.

Ukraine is predicted to lose a 3rd of its gross home product in 2022 underneath a reasonably optimistic state of affairs, Shevchenko stated.

He stated Ukraine had obtained almost $4 billion in assist from the Worldwide Financial Fund, World Financial institution and European Union, amongst others, however would wish continued funding to cowl gaps in its finances.

“With a view to maintain ample stage of those sources, it will likely be essential for us to proceed to proceed receiving official funds from our worldwide companions,” Shevchenko stated, including that his authorities was relying on U.S. assist.

The Ukrainian delegation met with Lewis and different officers at EXIM’s headquarters in Washington on the sidelines of the spring conferences of the IMF and World Financial institution.

Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Writing by Doina Chiacu; Enhancing by Tim Ahmann and Paul Simao

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