Creating of GUAM Free Trade Area is our overriding priority, says Oleksiy Honcharuk

Prime Minister of Ukraine Oleksiy Honcharuk participated in a meeting of the Heads of Government of the Member States of GUAM – the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development.

The delegations of the States were led by Prime Minister of the Republic of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova Ion Chicu, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Ahmadov.

The Heads of Delegations focused on strengthening the dynamics of economic cooperation between the participating countries.

"The major common goal of GUAM Member States is to enhance our economic cooperation. To do this, we have a number of tasks to accomplish. First, to create tools for the functioning of the FTA. The establishment of a free-trade area is an absolute priority in the context of the ongoing slowdown in global economic activity and a significant decline in trade. Second, to implement the concept of the GUAM Transport Corridor. Third, to strengthen the free trade regime between our countries through mutual liberalization of the services market,”said Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk.

On the outcomes of the meeting, the Heads of Delegations signed a Joint Statement setting out the clear intention of the States concerned to take steps to ensure the strengthening of the economic cooperation of the Member States and increase the turnover between the States.

Following the plenary session, the heads of customs administrations of GUAM Member States also signed two protocols of intentions: on the use of blockchain technology in the process of verification of certificates of origin of goods, as well as on the mutual recognition of Authorized Economic Operators.

"In the near future, these protocols of intent will be implemented in action. Both documents are critical for the effective functioning of the customs and the prompt export of goods. I believe that the implementation of these protocols by our customs services will greatly facilitate trade between our countries, thereby producing a positive impact on our economic cooperation as a whole," the Head of Ukrainian Government commented.

Following the signing ceremony there took place a briefing of Heads of Government of the GUAM Member States.

Background

From January 1, 2019, Ukraine has taken over the Chairmanship in the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM to replace the Republic of Moldova.

In parallel to the Meeting of Heads of Government of the GUAM Member States, a second GUAM Business Forum entitled "Public-Private Partnership in the Implementation of a Key GUAM Trade and Transport Project" was held.