KIEV, July 12 - Innovation and investment policies are among the most important features of the current Ukrainian government's plans, according to First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mykola Azarov.

Addressing a meeting of the presidium of the National Academy of Science in Kiev on Wednesday, Azarov said the innovation and investment development could be supported by a number of steps, including direct financing and supporting programs to modernize the economy, creating an optimal economic environment for direct foreign investment, and ensuring Ukraine's participation in large-scale international projects.