Ukrainian PM, WB president discuss Ukrainian energy sector situation

MOSCOW. April 18 (Interfax) - Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal and World Bank President Ajay Banga have met to discuss the situation in the Ukrainian energy sector.

"The World Bank provides the necessary assistance to Ukraine. Our meeting with Banga addressed the situation in the Ukrainian energy sector. We are cooperating with the World Bank to mobilize emergency financing for prompt repairs of the damaged infrastructure," Ukrainian media quoted Shmygal as saying on a social network.

He invited the World Bank to broaden cooperation, in particular, by signing a memorandum on the housing market development.

"The demand for new homes has grown a lot. So, we seek to draw the private sector into the development of this market. We need support of the World Bank, the IFC [International Finance Corporation], and the MIGA [Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency]," Shmygal said.

In his words, the World Bank has mobilized $42 billion for supporting Ukraine since the beginning of the crisis, and $36 billion have been allotted to date.