In the 21/22 marketing year, Ukraine intends to export more than 60 million tons of grain, says Taras Kachka

Ukraine continues to increase grain exports to foreign markets. In particular, in the 21/22 marketing year, Ukraine intends to export more than 60 million tons of grain. A major challenge in this regard is to ensure the capacity of seaports.

Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine - Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka told during the round table of the International Grains Council "Logistics, drivers, supply chain and infrastructure sustainability in world grain trade" at the Global Grain Conference - 2021 in Geneva, Switzerland, today, November 18.

"Ten years ago, the issue of capacity of Ukrainian seaports caused vigorous debate, however, in the last five years their capacity has increased - from 49.3 million tons in 2016 to 81.5 million tons in 2021. The maritime transport sector is operating without delay, while we are seeing volatility in rail transport prices. In this context, the strategy of the Ukrainian Government is aimed at developing infrastructure to interest investors in this industry," said Deputy Minister Taras Kachka.

He added that growing global demand amid easing quarantine restrictions has raised freight rates to multi-year highs and increased industry revenues. This creates opportunities for additional investment in the latest technologies, digitalization, automation and more. The introduction of new technologies will contribute to the stability of supply chains and logistics, increase transparency and availability of data, optimize operating and maintenance costs, compliance with decarbonization requirements.

Moreover, Taras Kachka noted that in the context of effective use of new opportunities, Ukraine is implementing a number of measures under the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation. We are talking about the introduction of the single window mechanism for international trade, the institution of AEO - Authorized Economic Operator, the regime of joint transit.

Completion of the process of implementation of the Agreement will facilitate the conduct of foreign economic activity by transferring the interaction of business with customs and regulatory authorities in a new format. This will ensure Ukraine's inclusion in the list of top countries with the safest and most comfortable conditions for doing business.