Ukraine's Economy Ministry, Nasdaq sign MOU to boost Ukrainian economy, capital market

MOSCOW. Feb 13 (Interfax) - The global technology company Nasdaq will provide technical assistance to the Ukrainian government for the future international financial center and development of capital markets, access of Ukrainian companies to long-term financing on international markets.

Nasdaq and the Ukrainian Economy Ministry signed the corresponding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 12 in the presence of Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Oksana Markarova and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, Ukrainian media reported, citing the ministry's website.

"The expertise and technologies of Nasdaq are important tools for attracting long-term financing for Ukrainian companies and developing organized markets. Our goal this year is to become more economically self-reliant, and cooperation with Nasdaq is an opportunity to make our economy more resilient, create more equal opportunities, and realize our economic potential to the fullest," the statement quoted Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Sviridenko as saying.

As part of the agreement, Nasdaq and the Economy Ministry will identify areas of cooperation that can contribute to the recovery of the Ukrainian economy. Nasdaq is also considering potential options to waive listing fees for Ukrainian companies on both the U.S. and EU Nasdaq markets, but the fee waiver is subject to regulatory approval.

"It will take a concerted global effort from both the public and private sectors to support the rebuilding of Ukraine's economy, and this agreement is a first step to a deeper partnership between Nasdaq and Ukraine," Nasdaq Executive Vice Chairman Ed Knight said.

It is clarified that the partnership between Nasdaq and the Ukrainian government was facilitated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

USAID Administrator Samantha Power, who was quoted in the statement, noted that Ukraine managed to draw $4 billion in foreign direct investment during the first three quarters of last year, and the new partnership highlights the attractive investment opportunities Ukraine offers.