The free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine is not only an economic treaty, but also a sign of solidarity between the two countries, Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada Andriy Shevchenko has said.
“First of all, this agreement is a good treaty on customs duties, but, of course, it goes far beyond that. It sends a powerful signal to both the people of Ukraine and Russia,” he declared.
He said that relations between Canada and Ukraine had already reached a “mature” stage.
“We are witnessing a very mature and pragmatic partnership between our countries in the field of defense, trade and in terms of promoting other important issues for Canada such as environmental standards, labor rights, and free trade. Ukraine believes in these things, as does Canada,” the ambassador said.
The free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine came into force on August 1. Canada immediately lifted 98% of customs duties on Ukrainian goods to be sold to Canada. Ukraine cancels 72% of duties on Canadian goods, and in the next seven years duty free exports will grow to 98%. The agreement also mutually opens up public procurement markets. Certain sections of the document protect e-commerce and intellectual property. (Ukrinform/Business World Magazine)
