The governments of Ukraine and the United States have signed an agreement on the implementation of tasks in the field of development, according to which it is planned to issue $34 million to Ukraine as part of programs for sustainable economic development.

According to the Web site of the cabinet, these funds will be used to improve the legislation in accordance with the norms of the European Union, strengthen the potential of the private sector, increase support to small and medium-sized enterprises from the side of local authorities, improve the functions of public oversight and citizens' participation in management processes, and improve energy security.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Europe Regional Mission Director for Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and Cyprus Jed Barton, who was present at the ceremony of signing the document, noted that for the first time Ukraine and USAID are cooperating to define the goals of technical assistance.

"For the first time in many years, we are determining the issue of funds provision and the scope of their use jointly with the Ukrainian side. Previously we carried out the registration of programs, we had a specific beneficiary from the side of Ukrainian authorities. But now the fact we are together determining and planning the use of funds gives evidence of the new quality and level of our partnership," Barton said.