Kyivska Rus’ Hotel in the downtown section hosted the Ukraine in the New Millennium Ukrainian-US Business Forum. US Ambassador Stephen Pifer said in his address that Ukraine offers a good potential, but her reforms are too slow. Here the main emphasis should be on stepping up direct foreign investment reports Natalia Vikulina, The Day. For example, throughout the period of its independence Ukraine has received only $2 billion, compared to $10 billion invested in Poland this year alone. The US diplomat believes that the Ukrainian leadership should be fully aware of the importance of small business which in the US provides 52% of GNP. Ukraine also has good potential in agriculture, traditionally the best job-generating sector. After carrying out appropriate reforms, the ambassador says, Ukraine could stand a real chance of competing with the United States on the world market. The trouble is that Ukraine is thoroughly corrupt and shows permanent financial instability, something to be combated at all government levels, including every bottom-level municipal clerk.






