First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko met with Minister of Trade of Turkey Ömer Bolat. The main topics of discussion were more active involvement of Turkish companies in the implementation of infrastructure reconstruction projects in Ukraine, access to financial instruments for Turkish companies, and deepening trade cooperation.

The meeting was also attended by Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Vitalii Koval and Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Taras Kachka.

“Turkey is ready to become even more actively involved in Ukraine’s reconstruction projects and strengthen trade cooperation. In 2023, Turkey was Ukraine’s fourth largest export market and third largest trading partner in the world, ranking first in the Middle East. Last year, exports from Ukraine to Turkey totalled USD 2 billion. The total trade turnover was USD 6.2 billion. Before the full-scale invasion, we had a positive trade balance with Turkey. We are striving to reach USD 10 billion of balanced trade,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

She thanked the Minister of Trade for the decision to give Ukrainian ships maximum access to Turkish ports, which would improve Ukrainian export logistics.

The parties also discussed the restoration of damaged infrastructure.

“In March, we are expecting a major visit of the Turkish task force for the reconstruction of Ukraine with the participation of Turkish business. I am convinced that this will help the private sector of our countries to deepen cooperation,” added Yuliia Svyrydenko.

She thanked Turkey for all the support provided since the beginning of the invasion – from the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war, humanitarian aid, support for the Grain from Ukraine initiative, to economic cooperation.

In addition, the visit included a Ukrainian-Turkish roundtable discussion with the Turkish private sector, which brought together more than 50 representatives of such sectors as energy, construction, engineering, and agriculture.

The Ukrainian side presented investor support tools and projects in key sectors. Participants also discussed the practical aspects of project implementation in Ukraine.

“Turkish companies are active in the Ukrainian market: from the systematic work of ONUR to the recent investment of UAH 400 million from a Turkish energy company in the production of energy equipment in Ukraine. I am convinced that such meetings will help Turkish companies to enter the Ukrainian market even more actively,” summed up Yuliia Svyrydenko.