KIEV, March 29 – Ukraine is lagging behind other countries in the region due to structural weaknesses and problems with reforms, IMF Resident Representative in Ukraine Max Alier said.

"It's extremely important to ensure that pension and sector reforms are conducted, the tariffs reach market levels, the budget is balanced, and that Naftogaz is a prosperous company," he said at a conference in Kiev on Tuesday.

Alier said that the attempt to carry out pension reform had not succeeded because additional discussion is required in Ukraine.