Zelensky calls on Italian businesses to invest in Ukraine

MOSCOW. April 26 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has called on Italian businesses to invest in Ukraine's economy based on the new security standards, Ukrainian media reported.

Ukraine and its partners will have to draft the largest economic restoration project as early as this year, he said, speaking via video link at the conference on Ukraine's restoration in Rome.

Zelensky called on Italian businessmen and investors to join the restoration of Ukraine in the five key sectors: energy, construction, technologies, as well as entering global markets and cooperating on pharmaceuticals and rehabilitation of people.

As for the energy sphere, Zelensky favored its transformation and decentralization of energy production.

"The more green energy producers operate, the more resilient the system is. The more sources of energy supplies are there, the more reliably every city, community, and family is supplied. Italy is one of the leaders in the creation of smart grids. I would like to invite your companies to develop grids in Ukraine together. Don't forget that Ukrainian grids will become grids of the European Union in the short term," he said.

Pharmaceuticals could become another track of cooperation between Ukraine and Italy, he said. Ukraine is a large market of pharmaceutical products, and localizing production in the country gives vast benefits, he said.

"We invite Italy to build new security together with us, we invite your businesses, investments, and experience to come to Ukraine now already," Zelensky said.