PM says Gov't is interested in attracting business and investment from Arab states into Ukraine
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On Tuesday, Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman met Ambassadors
of Arab countries accredited in Kyiv. The meeting was aimed at discussing the urgent
issues of the agenda of bilateral cooperation as well as coordination of projects in
cooperation of Ukraine with countries of the region.
Opening the
meeting, Volodymyr Groysman
pointed out: "This is the first meeting of the head of the Ukrainian
Government with the Ambassadors of all Arab countries represented in Ukraine.
This is a good opportunity to discuss our bilateral relations, agree on a plan
to foster our relationship."
The Prime
Minister noted that Ukraine and Arab countries possess many opportunities for
the development of both bilateral and regional cooperation, especially in
energy, education, agriculture, IT technology and infrastructure.
"We have
many areas for deepening our cooperation, and I wish we maximized the opportunities
we have. The Government of Ukraine is interested in attracting your country, your
business, investment into Ukraine, as well as in enhancing trade relations,"
said Volodymyr Groysman.
The Prime
Minister informed about the Government’s steps for economic recovery, creating
a favorable business climate and the development of the national economy, in
particular, the practical measures of deregulation, privatization of state-owned
enterprises, reform of Ukrainian customs, the establishment of the Office for
Accompanying Investment under auspice of the Prime Minister.
The Head of
Government called for the establishment of a permanent mechanism of cooperation
with the Arab countries, which would give the opportunity to analyze and promptly
resolve the priority issues of the agenda.
"We are
interested in deepening our cooperation in order to find the real mechanisms of
interaction. My goal is to provide for an ongoing dialogue," said Volodymyr Groysman.
The Prime
Minister supported the proposal of the Ambassadors on preparing and holding
Ukrainian-Arab Economic Forum, designed to promote enhanced trade cooperation
and involvement of the Arab business community in the process of privatization
of state enterprises in Ukraine.
In this context, Volodymyr Groysman invited the representatives
of the Arab countries to participate in the second auction for the
privatization of JSC Odesa Portside Plant. "For
us it is important. We want a public, open privatization for Ukraine,"
said the Head of Government. In turn, the parties have shown interest of Arab
businessmen to invest into Ukraine.
The heads of
diplomatic missions of Arab countries, noting the great potential of
cooperation with Ukraine, including in trade and economic sphere, praised the
efforts of the Government of Ukraine in conducting reforms and necessary
changes in various areas.
The participants
of the meeting reached agreement on the settlement of some inherited issues of
cooperation between Ukraine and Arab countries, particularly in education, visa
regime, taxation of diplomatic missions.
The meeting was
attended by the heads of diplomatic institutions of Saudi Arabia, Republic of
Iraq, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Republic of Sudan, Libya, Algeria Democratic
Republic of Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Arab Republic of
Egypt, Palestine.
