OREANDA-NEWS. November 23, 2010. The Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov and the Prince of Belgium Philippe participated in the opening of Ukrainian-Belgian Business Forum.

Speaking during the official opening of the Forum Mykola Azarov congratulated the participants on behalf of the Government of Ukraine. "We attach great importance to strengthening economic ties with your country. You came to Ukraine in a very interesting period when the country is updated, moves forward and that is why your participation in this process is extremely important for us"- the Prime Minister said.

Mykola Azarov informed the representatives of Belgian business delegation about the reforms carried out in Ukraine: "The country is developing. The administration is serious, and therefore no one should have no doubt that Ukraine will continue to stand in the way of reforms that are essential for our country. Meaning and objectives of the reforms are to create conditions for the modernization of the country for its renewal. The Government is decisive, because we understand that without upgrading and modernization Ukraine has no future."

According to the Prime Minister, this year Ukraine has reached the economic and financial stability. So, budget deficit was significantly reduced, and credit resources received were directed for infrastructure projects developing. "During 9 months of this year industrial production growth rate was approximately 11%, GDP growth rate was nearly 5%. It is quite a good performance"- the Head of Government noted. He added that during this period, Ukraine has managed to increase its foreign reserves and stability of the national currency calls no doubt: "These are serious results, which we intend to consolidate in the future."

Furthermore, as Mykola Azarov said, the state budget for next year will be adopted with a deficit of 3.5% and will provide infrastructure capital investments growth of the country. The Prime Minister drew attention of the Forum that Ukraine is successfully cooperating with the International Monetary Fund: "Recently, the IMF mission concluded its work in Ukraine and noted the progress made in implementing the cooperation programs."

The Prime Minister assured the European partners in that Ukraine is a reliable transporter of gas to the EU: Ukraine is the reliable energy transporter to Europe ... We will do our best to ensure that these supplies were reliable and stable."

In turn, the Prince of Belgium Philippe said that cooperation with Ukraine has great potential: "We have a huge potential for further cooperation. Belgium is very interested in the potential of Ukraine's industrial development, industrial traditions, big agricultural potential, and enthusiasm of Ukrainian business"- he said and added that Belgium is interested to invest in building, transport sectors, as well as developing cooperation in energy and in the preparation of objects to Euro 2012 in Ukraine.