The Association of Ukrainian Banks hosted a meeting of the Committee on Small and Medium-Sized Business Development, during which representatives of the banking sector discussed current issues related to the implementation of the government program “Affordable Loans at 5-7-9%.”
Participants focused on the practical aspects of the program’s operation, compensation deadlines, lending to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as specific issues related to financing agricultural enterprises.
Practical Aspects of the Program’s Operation
During the meeting, bank representatives shared their experiences working with clients under the program and discussed issues that arise during the loan servicing process.
Particular attention was paid to compensation deadlines and their impact on banks’ ongoing interactions with borrowers.
Tetyana Korniienko, Chair of the AUB Committee on Small and Medium-Sized Business Development and Director of the Small and Medium-Sized Business Department at UGB (Ukrgasbank), emphasized the importance of systematically discussing the practical aspects of the program’s implementation.
“The practical experience of banks allows for a comprehensive assessment of the program’s performance and the formulation of proposals that take into account the current needs of businesses and the banking sector,” noted Tetyana Korniienko.
Lending to the Agricultural Sector
The participants paid particular attention to lending to the agricultural sector, taking into account the objectives of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, as well as the current market situation. The discussion focused on the readiness of banks to provide financing to agricultural enterprises amid increasing complexity and risks associated with working in this segment.
Participants considered possible approaches that would help mitigate the impact of existing risks, support agribusiness access to financing, and ensure the ability to plan future production cycles.
Next Steps
Based on the meeting’s outcomes, the Association of Ukrainian Banks will compile the participants’ proposals and continue to develop them through professional dialogue with relevant government institutions.
The AUB Committee on Small and Medium-Sized Business Development will continue its work on issues related to businesses’ access to financing, the development of government credit programs, and cooperation between banks and the business community.
