Ukraine joining United Europe?!

[mike_d]

Well, Ukraine is not strong enough to join any club, and will be in such position for many years to come. This is precisely a reason why I am against Ukraine▓s joining EU, but for smart protectionism policy. Ukrainian companies cannot compete with European companies in free market environment. So the only way is to develop system of tariffs that would be sufficient to protect economy from invasion of the foreign goods. On the other hand, Ukraine should move quickly in reforming its economic structure to enjoy low tariffs on its export. It is exactly what Japan has been doing since WWII.

In regards to Asian economic model, I do not see any good in adoption of this model in a long run . Heavy government involvement in all major business decisions not only creates ground for corruption, but also lowers competitiveness of the domestic businesses.


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Respectfully yours,
Mike

[johnstruthers]

There is no such thing as a "smart protectionism" policy. That leads to black markets, period. Reforms have gone slowly in Ukraine precisely because a variety of protectionism was being practiced. There is not room any longer for Soviet thinking. Either Ukraine is part of the world, and conforms to the rest of the world, or it may seal its borders, declare an unconvertible currency, and try to get by as a museum to Communism.

[mike_d]

Sure, protectionism is not a very smart policy in a long run, but when borders are open too fast millions of people may be left without jobs virtually overnight. Ukrainian businesses are not ready to compete with foreign companies, so for now protectionism is good for Ukraine. Protectionism is bad for strong companies (countries), but good for weak. Ukraine has to follow the course of protectionism and lower tariffs very carefully.

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Respectfully yours,
Mike

[Phillip]

Mr. Johnson, I agree with you for once.

Tarrifs are a such a luxury and one that can only benefit you when you are trying to stay rich. Otherwise you had better open your markets and take what comes. It would speed up the econiomy in Ukraine to no end and perhaps blow away some of the cobwebs. There is no point stopping cheaper products from entering your country with higher tarrifs. It is better that you enjoy the good value you are getting and concentrate on using what means you have to get money into the country. In this way, I think you are just saving money and not winding up in the position like so many EU countries that subsidise their industry to an unrealiastic point.

The drive to compete must come from within and it helps to have a realistic view of where you stand and that should be reflected without protectionist policies.

Mark, I meant to say (badly) that on an individual level Asian buisness men are very good, because they act towards mutual benifit and this such an attitude would springboard the Ukraine into realising their potential much sooner.

Not for a second, do I think that China should be your model and other Asian countries (as the Asian melt down proved), because they are full of cronyism and overzealous banking practices.

I don't know what level of influence the UA government should use. It seems to me that successful countries tighten and loosen control regulary to meet the changing world markets. It is always a matter of striking a balance.

[johnstruthers]

I'm not Mr. Johnson.

[Phillip]

you have my bigeest appology I have for that one John

[StasUA]