The Government proposes to involve World Trade Organisation experts in economic recovery, humanitarian demining and solving food security problems in the world. This was discussed during a meeting between Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

“We understand that the World Trade Organisation is not a financial institution, but we are very much looking forward to your experience, your expertise and your connections in addressing some of the issues that are important for our country. Ukraine now needs not only money to rebuild its infrastructure, but also funding to support the private sector, including grant programmes for small and medium-sized businesses, humanitarian demining, and consolidation of partner countries to expand the scope and availability of war risk insurance for private investment in Ukraine.

We see the private sector as a driver of economic development, and therefore private investment will help rebuild Ukraine after the war. We will be glad if the experts of the World Trade Organisation help us in this,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

During the meeting, Yuliia Svyrydenko also invited the WTO to join the discussion on restoring food security in the world.

In turn, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stressed the importance of unblocking the grain corridor. She also praised Ukraine’s eRobota programme to support small and medium-sized businesses, which helped create jobs in Ukraine.

According to her, the innovative capacity of the Ukrainian economy can become an asset and an element of economic growth. The main focus is on digital trade and services, as well as green technologies.

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stressed that Ukraine was becoming a responsible member of the international community and that cooperation with the WTO was a confirmation of this.