Ukrainian PM Meets Canadian Ambassador

Ukraine and Canada are planning to reach agreement in 2010 on the creation of a free trade zone, the liaison department of Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers’ secretariat reported.

During his meeting with Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine, H. E. Daniel Caron on March 30, 2010, Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov noted that in 2009 the bilateral trade turnover had reduced to USD 382 million.  He called for the removal of barriers to intensify economic relations.  Particularly, he said that Ukraine is ready to negotiate a free trade zone agreement with Canada.

In turn, Ambassador Caron said that Canada’s government is also ready to negotiate such an agreement.  In his words, the two countries may develop successful cooperation in agriculture, pharmaceutical and aerospace industries, as well as in power engineering, including atomic energy generation.

Azarov also noted that Ukraine holds a stake in the liberalization of visa regulations with Canada.

He expressed hope for invigorated bilateral relations and optimism for a boost in bilateral trade turnover, saying a five-fold increase is quite possible.

A high-level delegation from Canada will come to Ukraine in May for political consultations and talks on cooperation in different areas of economic and trade activity.

PHOTOS

1 - Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine, H. E. Daniel Caron

2 - Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov