OREANDA-NEWS. December 01, 2010. Czech companies are interested in participating in the modernization of the Ukrainian gas transport system and infrastructure projects on Ukraine's preparations for Euro 2012. The Senior Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic Karel Schwarzenberg stated that at a meeting with the Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov.

Karel Schwarzenberg said that the Czech investors are interested to participate in the modernization of the Ukrainian gas transport system as they have relevant experience with modernization of its own GTS and experience in implementing similar projects in the EU. He said the investors are waiting for a clear signal of our country's improving fiscal and investment climate and business deregulation. "Our businessmen are interested in entering the Ukrainian market" - he stressed.

In turn, the Prime Minister of Ukraine suggested the Czech Republic to take a proactive position in the negotiations between the EU and Ukraine to modernize the Ukrainian gas transport system. "We are discussing with the EU the possibility to upgrade our gas transportation system, underground gas storage facilities. I would like the Czech Republic also to participate in the dialogue" - Mykola Azarov emphasized. He added that the government is currently implementing a series of reforms to simplify the rules of doing business in Ukraine and will increase foreign investment growth. In particular, he said, tax reform will create the most attractive investment climate in Europe. The Prime Minister informed his Czech colleague that the Government has significantly strengthened the work on deregulation of business, including plans to cut the permits by 85%.