Interfax-Ukraine citing Mr Jan Fischer EBRD Vice President as saying that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has assessed Ukraine's economic growth with careful optimism.

He said that with GDP growth of 4.2% in 2010, it is necessary to take into account that the economic growth base is very low. He also said that the Ukrainian banking sector suffered severely during crisis.

Mr Fischer said that today the Ukrainian economy needs international support and it should be involved in positive economic processes. He added that foreign investment could be raised to restore the economy, but it is better to count on own potential.

As reported on February 17, 2011, the National Bank of Ukraine published the assessment of the situation in the Ukrainian economy for January 2011. According to the document, GDP growth in January 2011 is at least 6%.

In 2011 Ukrainian authorities expect that GDP growth would accelerate to 4.5%, which coincides with the forecast of the International Monetary Fund.

(Sourced from Interfax-Ukraine)