Stakeholder consultations on EU–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement resume

In September, the second stage of consultations with stakeholders on the EU–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement began, under the auspices of a project implemented by the International Centre for Policy Studies in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. The purpose of this project is to support the Ukrainian Government in forming a strong, balanced position for negotiating the EU–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement.

ICPS held a roundtable called “The Transport Sector in Ukraine in the Context of a EU–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement” on 10 October 2006. An assessment of this impact was presented by ICPS economist Ildar Gazizullin.

A roundtable called “Prospects for Developing Ukraine’s Steel Industry in the Context of an EU–Ukraine Expanded Free Trade Agreement” took place on 3 October 2006. ICPS economist Ildar Gazizullin presented the Centre’s position.

On 21 September 2006, ICPS held a roundtable on the subject of the impact of an eventual Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Ukraine’s agricultural and food product markets. An assessment of this impact was presented by ICPS senior economist Yevhenia Akhtyrko.

On 14 September 2006, project participants discussed the steps needed to improve trading conditions in the context of a future FTA between Ukraine and the EU. ICPS economist Kateryna Maliuhina presented the Centre’s position.

Subsequent consultations will look at additional sectors, including transport, metals, the environment, health and safety standards, industry, public procurement, intellectual property, and more. If you are interested in participating in these consultations, contact ICPS coordinator Iryna Lisnychenko by telephone at (380-44) 484-4400 or via e-mail at ilysnychenko@icps.kiev.ua.

The results of these consultations will be used in drafting documents that will then serve as a basis for preparing Ukraine’s positions for negotiating with the EU.

For additional information, contact Project Manager Olha Shumylo by telephone at (380-44) 484-4400 or via e-mail at oshumylo@icps.kiev.ua

Information on consultations that have already taken place and all project materials can be found online on the project website at: http://www.icps.com.ua/eng/project.html?pid=110 .