Opinions & Interviews

GOMEL, 26 October (BelTA) – There are all grounds for the Ukraine-Belarus trade to increase to $10 billion, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said when speaking at the 1st Forum of Regions of Ukraine and Belarus in Gomel on 26 October, BelTA has learned.

“Such figures are absolutely achievable,” Petro Poroshenko said having emphasized the significant growth in trade between the two countries. Petro Poroshenko expressed the hope that next year the trade between the countries will be no less than $7 billion.

The Ukrainian president expressed gratitude for the fact that the agreements reached during his previous meeting with the Belarusian head of state are meticulously executed. According to him, the idea to hold the Forum of Regions is extremely good. It symbolizes the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries, regions, enterprises, and most importantly, people.

Petro Poroshenko expressed confidence that the border between Belarus and Ukraine will remain the border of peace and friendship and good relations between the leaders of the countries, the states and people will continue to grow and develop. He also lauded the active work of the joint Belarusian-Ukrainian demarcation commission.

The president stressed that Ukraine views Belarus as a strategic partner and that trade and economic cooperation is the priority.

The Ukrainian head of state hailed the exhibition of Belarusian equipment organized in Gomel and noted that the two countries operate joint ventures. The two countries have a considerable potential for enhancing cooperation in the agricultural sector as well.

According to the Ukrainian leader, the parties agreed to set up a working group to remove restrictions and barriers in mutual trade.

Petro Poroshenko spoke about the efforts undertaken to create more attractive conditions for doing business in Ukraine and also for the country’s economic development. He expressed gratitude for the conditions created for Ukrainian companies in Belarus.

The Ukrainian president added that the agreement on readmission will help the two countries fight against illegal migration more efficiently.