The Forum "Spheres of Cooperation between Ukraine and the UAE", held in mid-December at the CCI of Dubai, gathered serious participants from both one and the other. One of the main delegates of the forum was Valentina Semenyuk.
Heading the State Property Fund of Ukraine (engaged in the privatization of state-owned companies), she is a People's Deputy of Ukraine of three convocations, a member of the Socialist Party and Honored Economist of the country. It should be noted that despite her high post, which would seemingly allow much, she never once gave rise to rumors about her personal business. Taking this opportunity, we met with Mrs. Semenyuk and asked her some questions.
Valentina Petrovna, what is the main purpose of your visit to the UAE?
Studying local experience, in particular in the field of telecommunications. The fact is that the privatization program in Ukraine requires a preliminary analysis of the external and internal markets, taking into account international experience in similar fields. Since we are now planning to sell 43% of Ukrtelecom at an open auction, leaving 57% to the state, the experience of the state-owned telecommunications company Etisalat is very interesting to us. In addition, we do not exclude the possibility that she would want to participate in the privatization process of such an attractive facility, and we already had several meetings with the interested party.
We know that one company has already been sold: at an open auction, the Mittal Steel group bought Kryvorizhstal. How do you assess the significance of this event for Ukraine?I am very pleased that I did everything to return this object to the state for subsequent sale, and I did this while remaining in the legal field. The tiring struggle with Victor Pinchuk, the ex-president’s son-in-law, I started back in May 2004.
Pinchuk once paid $ 800 million for Krivorozhstal, and we sold it for almost five billion. At the same time, we stipulated in the contract the conditions for solving environmental and social problems, as well as the modernization of the enterprise.
We exercise strict control over how these conditions are met. On the eve of my arrival in the UAE, I was at Krivorozhstal and met with the management of the plant. We agreed that a quarterly report will be submitted to me, and six months later I will draw up an act on the fulfillment by the Mittal Steel group of its obligations for 25 years.
As you know, during your visit you visited the Jebel Ali Free Economic Zone. In addition, you attended the signing of an agreement between this zone and the Investment Promotion and Privatization Fund (FSIP), which is now the official representative of Jebel Ali in Ukraine. How do you assess the importance of such an agreement for your country?
This meeting was very important; Now Ukraine plans to restore free economic zones, and therefore the experience of Jebel Ali is very interesting to us. Also at the meeting, the sides discussed the issue of the possible transfer of the seaport of Ilyichevsk to the operational management of the Jebel Ali office in our country. I emphasize that the port at the same time remains in the possession of the state - which means that the laws of Ukraine will apply to it and on its territory. State property will not only remain with us, but will also attract investors, which will make it possible to modernize the harbor, significantly increase its cargo flow and increase budget revenues. Based on the experience of Jebel Ali, we want to improve the port management system and bring it to the level of international standards.
What other issues were discussed during your visit to the UAE?Including discussed the creation of a Ukrainian-Emirate magazine. There are many potential subscribers in our country. These are not only tourists, but also business people interested in a publication that provides information relevant to both the Emirates and Ukraine. This will help our businessmen exchange experience more effectively and receive first-hand information about real estate.
What did you like most in the Emirates?
Wonderful sea fishing organized by our friends - Charlotte Anne. Even seasoned fishermen were surprised by the size of my catch.
The conversation was conducted by Sergey Tokarev.
