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Ukraine interested in Belarus’ accession to WTO

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MINSK, 27 May (BelTA) – Ukraine is interested in Belarus’ accession to the World Trade Organization. Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Trade, and Agriculture Taras Kachka made the statement during the online meeting “Ukraine-Belarus: Economic cooperation amid global challenges” on 27 May, BelTA has learned.

The official said: “Maintaining good trade relations with Belarus is a very important priority for me personally. It is a good sign when there are many sensitive issues and problems on the agenda. It means trade exists and grows, there is competition, new projects. This is why I am glad there is something we need to discuss. Belarus’ accession to the World Trade Organization is a major matter. It is an important priority for us.”

Taras Kachka explained: “If it seems we make little progress as far as the form is concerned, in essence we understand very well how we could help each other with joining [the WTO], with promoting our interests in the region. Usually such phrases are used to cover a list of our requests that may look like problems for Belarus, but in reality their number is small.”

The official also noted that Ukraine understands how trade relations should be developed once Belarus becomes a WTO member. “Despite all the crises the organization is going through now, it is simply adaptation to the new reality, it is important for us to cooperate within the framework of the World Trade Organization,” he stressed.

Taras Kachka also said he believes that Belarus and Ukraine should put more efforts into developing manufacturing cooperation. “This mechanism of cooperation operates smoothly but we should develop it further. The government procurement market is another priority. We see the strong demand for Belarusian products on the Ukrainian government procurement market. It would also be interesting for us to work towards penetrating the government procurement market of Belarus. Localization should be an important part of this mutual presence on the government procurement markets,” the official said.

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