Natalia Mykolska: Ukraine is ready to launch FTA with the European Union starting January 1

The European Union highly assessed the readiness of Ukraine to coming in effect the DCFTA from 1 January 2016. In addition, the European Commission has promised to provide technical assistance to our state to increase access for Ukrainian businesses to the EU market and the markets of third countries. Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine/ Trade Representative of Ukraine Natalia Mykolska announced following the meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council on December 7 in Brussels.

"The Agreement on free trade area with the EU for Ukraine represents not only the provisions on free trade, but also a roadmap for reforms. Currently, we meet the terms and have completed nearly all the preparatory work," she said.

At the same time, Natalia Mykolska noted that to enable higher effect from the FTA and investment flows the crucial issues Ukraine should solve is deregulation, simplification of customs procedures and improving of the business environment.

"During the meeting there was discussed the implementation of Ukraine's obligations of the Agreement, readiness to launch free trade since January 1 of the following year, and also confirmed a common position during the tripartite EU-Russia-Ukraine expert consultations", she added.

The Trade Representative of Ukraine reminded that the Council’s meeting was preceded by comprehensive work in the framework of the working meetings of specialized experts and at the ministerial level between Ukraine and the EU.