Ukraine pledges strong interest for a large-scale cooperation in developing its own transport capabilities, as well as deepening logistics ties with neighboring states, countries of Trans-Caspian and other regions. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman during the international logistic forum Tbilisi Belt and Road Forum, which took place in the capital of Georgia. The Head of Government participated in the abovesaid event as a part of an official visit to Georgia.

He stressed the Forum is a vitally important initiative, and the future of ties between Europe and Asia depends on the decisions of the participants of the forum.

"We face many challenges today, and we have a clear understanding of the fact that in future trade between the states will be more liberalized and we must spare no efforts to synchronize infrastructure and regulations of our countries in order to ensure the quality, the optimal time and the high level of security for the transfer goods", stated the Head of Ukrainian Government.

According to him, an equally important issue is the development of domestic capacities of countries. Volodymyr Groysman emphasized that Ukraine, which is a state with extremely favorable geographic position, demonstrates a gradual and stable economic recovery. "Ukraine will be a reliable partner and will perform its tasks qualitatively. At present, our country shows a rapid development. This year we will achieve an economic growth to the tune of 2%, and next year we expect more than 3% growth. We are concentrating on rather sharp economic upturn. We are continuing structural changes aimed at achieving this target", the Prime Minister stressed.

The Prime Minister reiterated that one of such far-reaching transformations is the focus to the European Union market that already occupies 40% of the structure of Ukrainian exports.

"It's understandable that everything requires a clear focus on attracting investment, hence the formation of appropriate infrastructure. That is why we are engaged in restoration of roads, modernization of the railroad. We are open for further cooperation in order to step up transport and logistics ties. We will continue to do our utmost to ensure that Ukrainian regulations are in line with high European standards. Our task is a qualitative deregulation. Full synchronization of the norms with other countries, and we are committed to making every effort to ensure our potential in goods and cargoes traffic to increase", the Head of Ukrainian Government underscored.

Background

The International Forum Tbilisi Belt and Road Forum is the second event which carries forward a tradition of Tbilisi Silk Road Forum held in 2015 to provide a platform for discussions of various important issues related to trade facilitation in the region and beyond. Usually, the Forum is going on for two days - Day 1 provides opportunities to discuss a full spectrum of issues related to trade in five panel discussions, while Day 2 focuses on private sector dialogue and investment opportunities of Georgia.

This year, the Forum gathered over 1,000 participants, among which are leaders of several governments, diplomats, experts, representatives of international organizations and business associations. Official government delegations from 34 countries have been participating in the event.

Among the topics of discussion are factors which define the regional and global trade, including trade facilitation, opportunities of e-commerce and digital connectivity, transport infrastructure and energy sector.

The Forum is organized with the support of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

Ukraine is playing a key role in transportation between Europe and Asia. Along Ukraine’s territory is crossed by 6 international transport corridors, while the total volume of goods that can transit through our state, according to economists estimates, makes up at least US$ 300 billion. Moreover, Ukraine is capable of organizing logistic routes, in both the European Union and China directions.

That is why Ukraine pays great attention to the development of intermodal transportation in the Black Sea area with the combination with the Baltic Sea area, as well as container transportation between Europe and Asia. Among the promising transit destinations: Black Sea Ports - Eastern European Border, transit along the Danube, the New Silk Road, Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. In this context, Ukraine is actively negotiating at the level of experts and relevant intergovernmental commissions, and is making every effort to create a favorable business and investment climate, especially in the logistics sector. The renovation of the country's road infrastructure, initiated by the Government, as well as the formation of the National Transport Strategy by 2030 are no less important directions.