Donetsk Oblast will be the first Ukrainian region to get ratings from Fitch Ratings. This statement was made by the Nataliya Izosimova, the Managing Director of the Foundation for Effective Governance.

She told that the region cannot get a higher rating than that of Ukraine, as it’s a part of the country.

"It is also about the big businesses seeking to get own ratings. Donetsk region is giving the investment community a very important signal that it is ready to play by the global investment market rules. It is ready to be focused on building a transparent and clear investment environment,” stated Ms Izosimova.

According to her, Ukraine needs to build an attractive investment environment and play by the rules of the global investment market.

"Fitch Ratings is an independent organization that provides the region with an independent rating. Whether the rating will be higher or lower than those of other Ukrainian regions is not so much important. The main point is that it will be understood by investors. They will know what to expect. Investors have confidence in this opinion. They rely on the ratings when entering a market. They choose investment destinations where their risks are clear," Ms Izosimova stated.

She added that investors and companies were ready to get involved in the public-private partnership as there were investors willing to work even in a risky investment environment.

“Donetsk region has a good chance to become Ukraine’s business centre,” she stressed.