Ukraine and Germany to have a joint business forum in Berlin in second half of 2017 - outcomes of a meeting between Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman and Chairman of the Board of the Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations

Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman on Tuesday met with Wolfgang Büchele, Chairman of the Board of the Committee on Easter European Economic Relations, and CEOs of leading German companies.

On the outcomes of the talks the sides agreed to hold a Ukrainian-German business forum in the second half of 2017 in Berlin.

The participants of the meeting also reached an agreement to establish a working group that will engage in organizing of this forum, as well as solve the practical issues of implementation of joint projects.

"It would be good to began preparations for this important forum as soon as possible”, said Volodymyr Groysman. “I think that is a very good idea, which will yield a good result for both countries."

Moreover, the parties focused on specific projects for German businessmen to implement in Ukraine.

Discussing the practical issues of attracting investments from Germany, the Prime Minister stressed that the Ukrainian Government was eager to improve business and investment climate in the country, and was paying every effort to achieve that.

With this purpose the Government has set up the Investment Support Office designed to improve conditions for investors and support their activities.

"We are focusing on the creation of added value in Ukraine, on restructuring the current model of economy”, said the Prime Minister. “We are interested in deepening cooperation with German partners, which will allow us to increase production to satisfy domestic needs and enlarge our export opportunities."

The Prime Minister noted that Germany remains one of the main trading partners for Ukraine in the European market. "Our bilateral trade and economic relations have positive dynamics, but their potential has not been used in full", said stressed Volodymyr Groysman.

The Head of Government also emphasized on the importance of establishing the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry which will contribute to enhancement of economic collaboration between Ukraine and Germany, and serve a good mechanism for partnership.