The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in 2017 plans to invest EUR 150-200 million in Ukrainian agriculture, the Agricultural Policy and Food Ministry of Ukraine has reported.

"In 2017, we hope to reach at least EUR 150-200 million. We expect the resolution of economic activity and as a result the increase in companies' need in working capital and investment," the ministry said, citing EBRD Country Director in Ukraine Sevki Acuner.

He said that EBRD intends to support diversification of agribusiness in Ukraine and reaching the new level of development.

Along with crediting, other aspects of EBRD support is participation in a dialog on the regulation of the agricultural sector, provision of technical assistance and a platform for exchange of opinions on the functioning of meat industry and the dairy sector.

EBRD also backs the creation and strengthening of agricultural cooperatives and self-government institutions in various segments of the sector.

The bank has been strengthening financial support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the past eight or nine months, Acuner said. The EBRD is trying to help to increase management efficiency and introduce new technologies in agribusiness, he said.

As reported, Acuner hopes that the bank's investment into the implementation of projects in Ukraine in 2017 would expand to EUR 1 billion.