The participants of the meeting discussed the prospects for the development of the information technology and innovation market and the interaction between the IT sector and the state. The President spoke positively about the development of startups in Ukraine, adding that the IT industry now generates 3% of Ukraine's GDP and that 15,000 jobs with an average salary of at least USD 2,000 have recently been created in this sector.
"The media reports we have had about searches and 'raids' on IT companies benefit neither the state, nor Ukraine's image in the world, nor the cause of justice. There may be problems with someone misusing the benefits and support the state provides to the IT industry, but this should certainly not be fought through searches at well-known IT companies," the President stressed.
The Head of State noted the significant prospects of the Ukrainian IT industry. Petro Poroshenko emphasized that the authorities are working to improve the investment climate, which is also the aim of the constitutional amendments on judicial reform. Changes are also being developed and implemented in tax administration and in protecting honest and transparent business from any pressure by law enforcement agencies.
In turn, representatives of successful Ukrainian startups proposed creating a special state institution to deal with innovation issues.
As for allocating budget funds to innovation projects, the Head of State stressed that the state will finance the areas that are currently critical to its survival. In particular, the Ministry of Defense and Ukroboronprom will finance developments in the defense industry.
Representatives of Ukrainian startups also drew attention to the difficulty foreigners face in obtaining a work visa for Ukraine. The President noted that visas in the IT industry should be issued under a separate procedure and that a corresponding bill should be drafted for this purpose.