Ukraine's Senior Civil Service Commission has decided to recommend to the Cabinet of Ministers to appoint First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Maksym Nefyodov head of the new State Customs Service.

The commission based its decision on the outcome of the final stage of the competition for this position.

Outlining his priorities for the position, Nefyodov said he intends to change the leadership in the service, noting "particular problems."

According to Nefyodov, it is impossible to overcome smuggling in a few months, but he mentioned several steps which could be taken.

"I will work to ensure that all law enforcement agencies, each of which is a weak link, are not on customs territory," he said.

He noted the need for cooperation with the customs services of other countries and opening customs registers.

Since February 18, 2015, Nefyodov has served as Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade and from 2016 as First Deputy Minister.

35-year-old Nefyodov graduated with honors from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and has a master's degree in economics. In 2003-2006, he worked as an analyst for mergers and acquisitions at Golden Gate Business.

In 2006–2010, he worked at investment company Dragon Capital, where he held the position of vice president and then director of investment banking department.

In 2010, he became the managing partner of the Icon Private Equity investment fund.