Canadian Minister of International Trade: Canada to help develop a great potential of Ukrainian agricultural sector

On July 11, 2014, Minister of Agriculture and Food Ihor Shvaika met with a Canadian delegation, headed by Canadian Minister of International Trade Ed Fast.

The meeting was also attended by Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Troy Lulashnyk and members of the Canadian Parliament.

The sides have discussed Canadian assistance in the development of the Ukraine’s agricultural sector, the implementation of joint projects, particularly in the grain sector. The Canadian Minister of International Trade reported on readiness to support the Ukrainian side. Ed Fast noted: "One of the qualities, which unites Ukraine and Canada, is an undeniable huge potential in the agricultural sector. The cooperation of our countries can significantly influence on the global agricultural market. That is why the Government of Canada is committed to being a predicted and reliable partner for Ukraine. On behalf of the Canadian people, I wish to assure you that we will continue to support Ukraine on its path towards development of the economy, legal system and fight against corruption."

The Ministers discussed the initiative of the Ukrainian side regarding the exchange of experts, students and teachers of agrarian universities, which was supported by the Canadian delegation. This initiative was made by Minister Ihor Shvaika.

Moreover, exchanging views on the prospects for Ukrainian-Canadian cooperation, the Ministers agreed to expand cooperation in the field of agricultural machinery and equipment, as well as in bioenergetics sphere.

Another important point was to discuss the prospects for the resumption of negotiations on a free trade area between Ukraine and Canada. The Ministers expressed their confidence that the decision would be mutually beneficial and agreed to return to this issue at the next meeting.