Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation and Digitalization Denys Bashlyk took part in the working visit of the Ukrainian Government delegation headed by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal to France.
The Conference Standing with the Ukrainian People was held in Paris and opened by the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron. He reaffirmed full support for Ukraine and additional assistance to our country to restore the energy system and other sectors affected by the terrorist russian missile attacks.
Also, the Forum on Economic Resilience and Reconstruction of Ukraine and a number of other events with the participation of representatives of relevant ministries took place in the French capital.
During the meeting of the Head of Ukrainian Government with the Minister of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty of the French Republic Bruno Le Maire several agreements were signed. In particular:
- A guarantee agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on attracting a EUR 300 million loan for Ukrenergo for the emergency restoration of power transmission networks. The funds are also accompanied by a grant of EUR 70 million from the Netherlands for the purchase of high-voltage equipment.
In addition, France signed a bilateral agreement with the EBRD. The agreement provides for another EUR 100 million as assistance for Ukraine.
- Agreement with the Government of France on the supply of rails for Ukrzaliznytsia produced by the French company Saarstahl in the amount of up to EUR 37.6 million.
- Long-term Roadmap between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of France on the launch of a program to support the digital industry of Ukraine.
- Memorandum between Ukravtodor and Matiere on the supply of bridges worth about EUR 25 million.
The issues of providing assistance to the agricultural sector of Ukraine were considered. The Ukrainian side also handed over a letter on the program of providing state guarantees of the Government of France through the Banque Bpifrance Assurance Export for the export of seeds to Ukraine in the amount of approximately EUR 20-25 million.
During the Forum, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Denys Bashlyk met with representatives of the Ministry of Economy of France, as well as seed companies and associations. A panel devoted to the state of the Ukrainian agricultural sector and its urgent needs was held, which was attended by representatives of more than 50 French companies, farmers, traders, agricultural producers.
"The Ukrainian agricultural sector, which suffered huge losses due to the war, needs support. In particular, in the provision of generators and seed materials. We are grateful to the French side for understanding our needs and providing financial assistance that will be used to purchase seeds," Denys Bashlyk noted.
He added that the Europeans were impressed by the resilience and ability of Ukrainian farmers to work in the conditions of war and assured that they were ready to continue to provide comprehensive support.