Ukraine might pursue Eurobond placement in 1H18, Danylyuk says

Обзор облигаций 23.01.2018 Ukraine might decide to return to the international bond market in the first half this year, Ukrainian Finance Minister Oleksandr Danylyuk said on Jan. 22 while in London, the Reuters news agency reported. "Every time the markets are ready, when the time is optimal, we are supposed to use the market," he said. "We have plans for this year and investors are awaiting us." These plans "don't weaken the country's attempts to conduct reforms" to achieve the next IMF loan tranche, he said. Recall, the IMF and other IFIs recently criticized Ukrainian authorities for resisting reforms to address corruption, particularly adopting a bill creating an independent High Anti-Corruption Court in line with Western requirements. Danylyuk expressed his confidence that the final anti-corruption bill “will satisfy everyone." Evgeniya Akhtyrko: Such plans for external financing are in line with our expectations for at least one IMF loan tranche this year at USD 1 bln and to borrow another USD 1 bln with a Eurobond placement. Another planned EU aid of EUR 0.6 bln, as well as the recently announced USD 0.8 bln possible assistance from the World Bank, will also depend on Ukraine’s systemic reforms, particularly the independent court.