Igor Mazepa: 10 ideas on privatization

1. The current privatization process is a true profanation. It does not fulfill the main function - does not provide honest and clear rules of denationalization. And for the investor, the transparent terms of privatization are fundamentally important, with the starting price of $1 for any asset. And then... the asset should be picked up by the one who will offer the best price.

2. The State Property Fund does not make strategic decisions on the privatization of certain objects. They are approved at other levels.

3. As for amendments regarding the indirect beneficiary, which are envisaged by the new Law "On Privatization", I consider them to be very positive. Foreign banks will make their KYC process (i.e. - know your client) much tougher and more correct than officials. But even this is unlikely to be the cause, a trigger or a good reason for investors to invest in Ukraine and will attract mega investment or interest. Although technically it will make the process of possible privatization more convenient for those who would not like to open up here.

4. If we are talking about big strategists, they have their own motivation to come here. As far as “portfolio” people are concerned, for them, indeed, the role of intermediaries and banks is more attractive.

5. By and large, the Law "On Privatization" has not added anything. If there is no privatization, then even if you dance around the dead, you cannot bring them back to life.

6. The fact that Russian capital has been banned from participating in privatization has simply legitimized the already established practice and mood of Russian investors. They understand: they are not, to put it mildly, welcome. So whether you forbid or not - they are not here.

7. Over the past year, the Chinese interest in Ukrainian assets has increased significantly. There are good prospects that they will become one of the largest investors in our country. The horizons of their planning are much longer and wider than of any traditional investor in the Ukrainian economy.

8. The National Bank team made a mega-work so that investors would come and feel comfortable here. Valeriya Gontareva left behind a clear and transparent, clean banking system. Now there are technocrats in co-operation with international organizations.

9. For private players, it's important to focus on the presence of the significant investors in the country and their activity. Such as the EBRD. The very fact that the EBRD invests billions in Ukraine is a good sign for them. In addition to money, it also introduces the best western practices of corporate governance, social responsibility, all the new positive trends of the modern world.

10. I am convinced that if there is a desire, a clear, open and transparent competition, world's largest players will come here: to Turboatom, Elektrotyazhmash, “Zorya” and Centerenergo. And not for a penny, for sure. I think there will be serious competition for these assets. And the price will be marketable and adequate.