Ukraine and the UK have laid the foundation for long-term growth, investment attraction and effective reconstruction, says Anna Artemenko
Ukraine and the UK are officially launching a permanent Economic and Trade Dialogue and starting a partnership to work together on reforming the public procurement system. The relevant agreements were signed on 17 January in Kyiv during the First One Hundred Year Partnership Forum.
During the event, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Anna Artemenko took part in a separate meeting dedicated to the Dialogue between the United Kingdom and Ukraine on Economy and Trade. The parties discussed public procurement reform and joint plans to support its implementation, priorities and measures in the field of insurance and investment, the Digital Trade Agreement and the TechBridge project.
The meeting resulted in the signing of a number of documents that translate last year's theoretical agreements into practical terms.
Ukraine and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are establishing a permanent Dialogue on Economic and Trade Issues.
It will become an official platform for cooperation aimed at developing business, attracting investment and removing trade barriers between countries. The aim of the Dialogue is to strengthen cooperation in the field of trade, in particular by developing and deepening mutual understanding on key areas of potential growth.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland shall support the reform of Ukrainian public procurement.
The goal of cooperation in this area is to help make Ukraine's public procurement system more efficient: so that instead of the cheapest materials or services, the state can choose durable and modern solutions. This is about introducing one of the key international principles of procurement – value for money.
"This is not just about trade preferences or the exchange of experience – it is about a shared vision of the future, where Ukraine becomes a full participant in global markets and British business gains a reliable and promising partner. The documents signed today and the launch of the permanent Dialogue are the foundation for long-term growth and effective reconstruction. We appreciate that the United Kingdom is helping to transform the Ukrainian economy today," emphasised Anna Artemenko.
Background information
On 17 January, Kyiv hosted the First Forum of the Centennial Partnership between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the signing of the historic Agreement on One Hyndred Year Partnership between the two countries. The focus was on the partnership in action and the real results achieved during this time.
The key topics of discussion were Ukraine's recovery, the development of innovation and the strengthening of defence cooperation. Participants also focused on economic growth, cultural dialogue and the importance of the human dimension in the process of major reconstruction.
The Agreement between Ukraine and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on a comprehensive strategic partnership for 100 years was signed on 16 January 2025. It created a long-term framework for cooperation in security, defence and the economy, including expanded support for arms production, as well as cooperation in energy, science and technology.