In January-June 2006 in development of the main showings of foreign trade are some negative tendencies concerned with deterioration of the trade balance and passing ahead the rates of growth of the import.

The framework for the foreign investors’ activities is highlighted in Ukraine’s Law “On Foreign Investment Regime” (25 April 1996). In general the law provides equal opportunities for foreign and Ukrainian-owned businesses but there are some restrictions in the publishing and broadcasting sectors for foreign investments.

The following sector briefs address questions important to any investor, particularly a brownfield / greenfield or strategic partnership investor. As none of the companies operating in these six sectors are yet listed on PFTS (the largest stock exchange in Ukraine) or other exchanges, there are no immediate opportunities for institutional investors. The first opportunities for institutional investment can be expected to arise within 1-3 years, as leading companies in these sectors begin to meet operational requirements for listing. Solid prospects do exist now, however, for brownfield, greenfield, and strategic partnership investors in each of the six sectors. All target sectors are growing at rates of 20 per cent annually or better. Most investments will be initiated with operations requiring 10-200 employees.

The Ukrainian companies aspire to receive the international ratings for cooperation with the countries of EU

Pure inflow of direct foreign investments in 2006 the government predicts 2,5 billion dollars at a level.

According to the State committee of statistics (Goskomstat) in the first quarter 2005 direct investments into economy of Ukraine made 382,2 million dollars, and the total amount of direct investments till April, 1 has reached 8 billion 797,4 million dollars.

Ukraine invested in I quarter into economy of other countries 20,4 million dollars of direct investments. Investments were carried out as monetary payments.