The Government is working to create a single logistics space with the European Union. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during a meeting of the Cabinet on 11 February.

According to him, work is underway in several key areas to create conditions for the rapid and unimpeded crossing of people and the movement of goods and services on both sides of the border.

“The first area is the ‘transport visa-free regime’ with the EU, which means that Ukrainian carriers no longer need separate permits. The Government is working to make this instrument a long-term one in our relations with the EU. It is important for the Ukrainian economy,” said Denys Shmyhal.

According to him, about 60% of Ukrainian goods are exported to the EU, and in January this year, the volume of exports to Europe amounted to USD 1.8 billion.

Modernisation of border infrastructure and checkpoints is another important area of work in developing logistics to the West.

“We have clear goals – to upgrade 29 checkpoints and build 17 new ones by 2030. The work will be carried out in close cooperation with our western neighbours,” the Head of Government said.

Intensive work is also underway to launch joint customs and border control on the borders with the EU. According to the Prime Minister, a pilot project is expected to be launched this year on the Ukrainian-Polish border and the relevant agreement with the European Commission is currently being negotiated.

Also, according to the Head of Government, the eCherha system is already operating effectively at 28 checkpoints. He added that the function of reserving a slot for crossing the border was available at 24 of them.

“In total, since the launch of eCherha in late 2022, almost 1.7 million border crossings have been recorded using this service. We will continue to improve and scale it,” the Prime Minister stressed.

Another area that the Government is working to develop is the Ukrainian Sea Corridor. According to Denys Shmyhal, over a year and a half of its operation, more than 100 million tonnes of cargo have already been transported to 53 countries.

Supporting Ukrainian exports is also an important aspect of logistics development. According to the Prime Minister, the state, through the Export Credit Agency, has supported exporters to the tune of UAH 20 billion over three years, and this year such support has already amounted to UAH 1.5 billion.

“We strive to export high value-added goods, and therefore we are focusing on the development of processing. This is part of our Made in Ukraine policy, and the Government will expand incentives in this area, as this is the only way to build a strong competitive economy,” said Denys Shmyhal.