On October 19, 2017, Volodymyr Omelyan, the Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine, met with Mr. Patrick Jones, Executive Director of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA).

The parties discussed possibility of bilateral cooperation, in particular, implementation of concession projects in construction of roads, bridges and tunnels.

"Our goal is to build strong country through the reconstruction of roads, bridges and development of infrastructure. Attraction of foreign companies is an opportunity to connect Ukraine with EU countries and world", Volodymyr Omelyan said.

According to the Minister, more than 60% of bridges and tunnels in Ukraine have significantly exceeded the term of exploitation and require restoring: "We are actively restoring highways and bridges. This is our main task for the current and next years. If we are talking strategically, concession is a perspective we have to approach today. Concession projects are the common practice in EU countries, the USA and other countries. We prepare implementation of the first concession projects in road sector, but railway and maritime sectors are also among our priorities. I would like to see American companies in Ukraine, in each of these spheres. Presence of world companies in Ukraine is the best promotion of the country in the international business environment."

The parties agreed to send IBTTA experts to Ukraine in order to explore prospects of cooperation.

Volodymyr Omelyan and Patrick Jones also expressed their readiness to sign a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding, on the basis of which further cooperation will be built.