Assistance in opening new markets for Ukrainian producers

During a working visit to Washington, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. The sides discussed the development of bilateral trade, reduction of trade barriers and sanctions against russia.

Denys Shmyhal stressed the importance of continuing and intensifying sanctions pressure on russia to reduce its ability to finance the war against Ukraine. Sanctions in the energy sector should be an important blow to the russia's erosing economy and russia's military machine. According to the Prime Minister, this concerns the imposition of an embargo by partner countries on imports of oil, gas, coal and nuclear fuel from russia.

«We call on countries to look for ways to diversify their sources of nuclear fuel to reduce their dependence on russia. This primarily concerns the issue of national security», Denys Shmyhal said.

The Head of Ukrainian Government also stressed the need to identify and eliminate any loopholes and potential opportunities for russia to circumvent the sanctions already imposed.

«russia is trying to adapt to some sanctions with the help of certain countries and companies. We will work with our partners to eliminate such opportunities for russia», said the Prime Minister.

One of the most important tools, according to the Prime Minister, is the large-scale restriction of russia's trade opportunities while expanding unhindered trade opportunities for Ukraine by reducing import quotas and barriers to strategic sectors of Ukrainian industry. According to Denys Shmyhal, along with the financial support of international partners, it is equally important for Ukraine to open new markets for Ukrainian products, in particular for the steel industry and the agro-industrial complex. In particular, the Prime Minister noted that the relief of Ukrainian steel from US tariffs will provide stable supply to metallurgical enterprises with orders, and thousands of Ukrainian metallurgists work. The PM emphasized that stable industries and enterprises are an important economic backbone during the war.

«Reducing any burden on various sectors of Ukrainian industry is part of the Government's new post-war economic policy, which we are already working on and implementing in coordination and cooperation with our international partners», underscored Denys Shmyhal.