KIEV, May 22 – The expansion of the resource base and a strong growth in profitability indicate the readiness of the banking system of Ukraine for increasing lending to the economy, National Bank of Ukraine chief Ihor Sorkin said.

"After three years of loss-making activities, in the past year the banks saw profits – nearly UAH 5 billion. And over the four months of the current year profits amounted to UAH 4.1 billion. The banking sector has achieved profit and is ready to ramp up lending to the economy. Bankers can be proud of this," he said.