OREANDA-NEWS. This was discussed during a meeting between Vice Prime Minister - Minister of Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Ulilities Hennadii Zubko with World Bank Director for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova Qimiao Fan.

The sides discussed the implementation of ongoing projects: Urban Infrastructure Project (USD140 mln), Second Urban Infrastructure Project (USD 350,0 mln) as to the reconstruction of the water supply and sanitation, District Heating Energy Efficiency Project (USD382,0mln).

Hennadii Zubko emphasized that one of the key reforms, being currently implemented in Ukraine, is decentralization reform.

The Vice Prime Minister underlined that another important issue in the current difficult economic conditions for Ukraine is to implement energy efficiency measures and encourage people to conduct them.

"Ukraine is interested in close cooperation with the World Bank on the implementation of reforms that will give the necessary impetus for the further active development of our country," he noted.

In his turn, Qimiao Fan stressed that the Ministry of Regional Development is one of the key ministries, which cooperates and assists the World Bank reforms. According to him, in 2015 the World Bank has planned to allocate USD2 billion to support development projects in Ukraine. "Obviously, Ukraine needs even more support. The World Bank stands ready to provide such support," Qimiao Fan assured.

The participants of the meeting agreed to develop and adopt an agreed work plan, a roadmap for the implementation of already initiated projects on energy efficiency and development of urban infrastructure.

In addition, the parties accepted the necessity of establishing an active communication campaign and advocacy on decentralization and energy efficiency measures.