The strengthening of economic cooperation and trade between the countries was discussed during a meeting in Istanbul on October 2.
The meeting took place as part of the working visit to Turkey of the Ukrainian delegation – First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska, the Head of the Office of the President Andrii Yermak and First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko.
In recent years, Ukraine and Turkey have built an extremely strong foundation for cooperation in the economic, military, political and other spheres. Last year, there was a significant – by 52% – increase in turnover, which reached $7,402.8 million. In particular, Ukrainian exports of goods to Turkey grew by 70%, to $4,142.6 million, and imports by 34%, to $3,260.2 million. The war hit logistics and, accordingly, trade between countries: according to the results of 7 months, a decrease in turnover reached 22%, in particular, in exports – 28.4%.
“However, economic and military cooperation between the countries did not stop for a single day. Ukraine is grateful to Turkey for humanitarian aid, for the efforts to implement the “grain initiative”. The decisions of the Government of Turkey are aimed at supporting Ukrainian businesses. During the meeting with the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey, Mehmet Mus, further steps to strengthen cooperation were discussed. In particular, we agreed to speed up the ratification of the Free Trade Agreement and to implement measures designed to help Ukrainian businesses in wartime conditions,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.
During the negotiations, the parties particularly commended the results of the implementation of the Agreement on the resumption of Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea. Thus, since the start of the effect of the deal (the document was signed on July 22) until the end of September, 222 ships have left Ukrainian ports and Ukrainian farmers have exported 4.9 million tons of products by sea.
On October 1, another 11 ships with 217.6 thousand tons of agricultural products left Ukrainian Black Sea ports. As was emphasized during the meeting, Ukraine and Turkey were united in understanding the importance of freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and stability in the Black Sea region. Also, according to the Minister of Trade Mehmet Mus, the country fully supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
Another topic of the meeting was the participation of Turkey in the implementation of the Ukraine Recovery Plan. Turkey will help rebuild the Kharkiv region, which has previously been agreed upon during the conference in Lugano. At the same time, Ukraine invites Turkish businesses to join the implementation of investment projects within the framework of the Recovery Plan in other regions as well. (Government portal/Business World Magazine)
