That is why the completion of the first stage of construction of the new Beskydsky tunnel is such an important event

Infrastructure projects are always expensive and never quick. But when a country makes these sorts of investments, it sends a clear signal to its foreign partners: "We are serious. We are responsible. We are promising. We understand the needs of businesses and are ready to meet those needs."

That is why the completion of the first stage of construction of the new Beskydsky tunnel is such an important event. This project has the same goal as the Silk Road train, as the port deregulation, as the Open Skies agreement with the US. Its goal is to create conditions that will help us meet the needs of the market once the economy starts its recovery. Its goal is to finally develop Ukraine's transit potential.

The existing single-track tunnel is currently used by around 60% of cargoes on their way to the western border - this includes those in transit. The new modern two-track tunnel will allow us to transport passengers and freight in a faster, safer and less expensive way. It will guarantee that, if the need arises, we will we able to transport even greater volumes of all things Ukrainian into Europe.

This project was made possible thanks to our partners from the EBRD and the EIB. I thank them for their investments. As for the builders and the railroad workers - I thank them on a difficult job well done. We expect construction to be completed by the end of 2017!

Andrii Pyvovarskyi