Ukraine and France to resume work of the joint Ukrainian-French intergovernmental сommission in 2017 - the meeting of Prime Ministers Volodymyr Groysman and Manuel Valls

On Thursday in the framework of a working visit to France Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman met with Prime Minister of France Manuel Valls. The parties discussed directions of development of trade-economic cooperation between the countries.

Prime Ministers of Ukraine and France noted that the current level of trade turnover between the two states does not correspond to the potential.

The sides agreed to intensify trade and economic collaboration, in particular, to resume work of the joint Ukrainian-French intergovernmental commission in 2017, as well as the activity of working groups in various sectors.

"We experience today the growth of our international trade turnover by 25%. But I believe that in the energy sector, in aircraft construction, in the agricultural sector and education we have huge opportunities for our cooperation. This is very efficient for the two economies – Ukraine and France," commented Volodymyr Groysman on the outcomes of the meeting.

The Prime Minister noted that the following day there would begin work the French-Ukrainian business forum during which businesses and governments were to exchange views on how to enhance efficiency.

He explained that French businesses are widely presented in Ukraine and planning to expand their activity. "This means that we can, by uniting efforts of the two governments, create high-quality conditions to increase our trade turnover, opportunities for joint investment. All these provide positive impetus to the development of the economy", he said.

The Head of Ukrainian Government informed the interlocutor about the actions of the Cabinet of Ministers to improve business climate in Ukraine. For example, the Government has recently established an Investment Support Office.

The Prime Minister also told the French party that the Government had embarked on a large-scale, public, open privatization of state-owned enterprises in Ukraine. He invited representatives of French businesses to take part in privatization.

Volodymyr Groysman also briefed about the agenda of the Government regarding the reforms launched in Ukraine.

Moreover, the parties focused upon the situation in Donbas. In this context the Head of Government stressed that there is no alternative to the Minsk deals.

"The Ukrainian Government is interested in comprehensive development of mutually beneficial relations with France", said Volodymyr Groysman and invited the Prime Minister to visit Ukraine.