KYIV. July 15 (Interfax-Ukraine) – A document on the completion of talks to create a free trade zone between Ukraine and Canada was signed during Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk’s working visit to Ottawa, Canada, on Tuesday.
Ukraine’s Trade Representative Natalia Mykolska signed the document on behalf of the Ukrainian government, while Director General for Market Access from the Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Marvin Hildebrand signed it on behalf of his country, the Cabinet press service reported.
This document opens a new page in the bilateral relations between Ukraine and Canada and it should deepen Ukrainian-Canadian cooperation, boost mutual investment, according to Yatseniuk. “We have a broad agenda, next steps should be done,” he said.
The provisions of the draft agreement on free trade between Ukraine and Canada are aimed, among other things, at deepening trade and economic cooperation, including in trade in industrial and agricultural goods, intellectual property protection, and the regulation of public procurements.
After the agreement comes into effect, Canada will provide Ukrainian exporters free access to 98% of its commodities market. Ukraine will be given a transition period prior to the liberalization of the market by lifting all import duties.
In addition, Yatseniuk said, Canada will provide technical assistance to Ukraine, “to make the Ukrainian industry competitive.”
“This will open an opportunity to enter not only the Canadian market, but also other international markets,” he said.
