Ukrainian PM: Canada and Ukraine plan to sign and ratify free trade deal this year

Lucrative trade deal expcted to lift Ukraine’s GDP by millions of dollars

A free trade agreement between Ukraine and Canada will be signed this year.

Those are the words of the Ukrainian Prime Minister. Arseniy Yatsenyuk made the announcment during a visit to Kyiv by Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion. He pledges his country’s support as Ukraine looks to ratify the milestone trade pact.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion: “The lucrative deal is expected to lift Ukraine’s GDP by over USD 13 million. It will also eliminate taxes on imports to Canada from Ukraine and increase exports to the ex-Soviet state.”

Read also New Canadian FM seeks to allay policy shift fears during visit to Kyiv

Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk: “This deal, it’s an opening of our common markets and it’s also another step in support for Ukraine. In the fight against military and economic fight against Russian aggression.”

The free trade agreement was announced by Canada in July 2015. Ottawa says it remains steadfast in its support of Ukraine in the face of Russian destabilisation efforts.

Watch also UT’s Viewpoint with Dr. George Foty of the Ukrainian-Canadian Professionals and Business Association:“Canada’s Conservative government stood behind the Ukrainian community – and the Liberals will too”

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