Ukraine and Germany have set strategic goals to build up their mutual trade turnover to EUR 10 billion against the current USD 8 billion a year and are finalizing preparations for the Third German-Ukrainian Forum in Berlin. Such opportunities were discussed by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman and Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Angela Merkel. Germany is one of the strategic partners of Ukraine in the political and economical planes, as well as one of the largest humanitarian donors for Ukraine.

The Head of Government expressed gratitude to Germany and, personally, Angela Merkel for her leadership in strengthening stability in Ukraine, overcoming the extremely serious challenges, for her personal and consistent position regarding the protection of the territorial integrity of our country and the fundamental principles of international law.

The previous visit of Angela Merkel to Ukraine was 4 years ago - in August 2014. And since then, Ukraine has changed considerably, in particular due to the support of the German Government, noted Volodymyr Groysman. Fundamental reforms are underway in public administration, in the social sphere - education, medicine, energy sector, primarily in the sector of efficient consumption of resources, decentralization is deepening.

"We focus on financial stability, economic growth. And on this way, the German business is coming to Ukraine more vigorously. And our bilateral trade is systematically growing. I think that in the next few years, we can reach the level of EUR 10 billion of bilateral trade", said Volodymyr Groysman. "I would be glad to take part in the Third Business Forum between our countries in late November."

The Prime Minister placed a special emphasis on the fact that the Ukrainian economy demonstrates a strong growth and it needs to be accelerated. The Head of Government invited the German business to intensify cooperation and take an active part in the privatization process.

"Our relations are now at a high level and they have a good prospect", Volodymyr Groysman said.

 "I am glad to visit your country again and see what has changed over the last four years. We have really close and friendly relations. Germany advocates and stands for the preservation of the territorial integrity of Ukraine and the promotion of economic development. We will discuss our further joint plans in-depth at the business forum in late November", German Chancellor Angela Merkel emphasized.

 Background

Germany ranks fourth place among the major investors in the Ukrainian economy. The total investment exceeds $1.7 billion. The main articles of the Ukrainian exports to Germany are electric machines, agricultural products, agro-processing products, ores and metal products, wood, engineering products and a range of services. Import structure: industrial goods, energy resources, pharmaceuticals, and products of the chemical industry.