The US recommends that Ukraine increase its profits by reforming customs and combating gray markets

The US recommends that Ukraine increase its revenues by reforming customs and combating gray markets, not by raising taxes. This is reported by Ukrinform, referring to the briefing of Penny Pritzker, the US special representative for the economic recovery of Ukraine.

The special representative emphasized that the Ukrainian government should independently decide where to get revenues. At the same time, together with the US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink, Pritzker advised the government to focus efforts on reforms of the customs system and the fight against shadow markets.

"You have income that you are not receiving, but which should be received today. Let's focus on this first," Pritzker emphasized during the briefing.

She suggested reforming customs through digitization, which would help reduce the level of corruption. According to her, the introduction of modern technologies in the customs system can significantly increase the effectiveness of control and ensure adequate revenues to the state budget.

Pritzker also pointed to the significant revenue potential that can be generated from the fight against the gray markets of cigarettes, alcohol and electronics. She noted that such markets can be a significant source of profits if they are brought out of the shadows.

"There is also a huge source of profit in the gray markets of cigarettes, alcohol or electronics that can be sold on the big market. And that's why we encouraged the Ukrainian government to focus on this in the first place," the US special representative added.

The US proposals emphasize the importance of structural reforms in Ukraine to ensure economic growth and stability. By fighting corruption and gray markets, Ukraine will be able to increase its income without an additional tax burden on citizens and businesses.