Issue of supplying Ukrainian goods and products, including agricultural ones, remains a priority for diplomats
The most important objectives for diplomats now include working to strengthen Ukraine's security and promoting Ukrainian producers in their countries. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a meeting with the heads of foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine in Zakarpattia region.
The event was held under the slogan "Victory Above All!" under the leadership of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with the participation of First Lady Olena Zelenska, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba.
Focusing in detail on the economic tasks for the diplomatic corps, the Head of Government noted that diplomats should support and promote Ukrainian producers who, despite the war, continue to work in Ukraine, pay taxes, and preserve jobs.
"In the first year of the full-scale war, we lost about 30% of the economy and 3.5 million jobs. However, the economic losses were less than expected. Business has adapted and continues to adapt. It needs our help. This year we expect even a slight increase," emphasized Denys Shmyhal.
According to the Prime Minister, this year the state will spend UAH 1.8 trillion from the budget to finance the Security and Defense Forces. The rest of the funds we receive from our partners for humanitarian and social payments, pensions, salaries of doctors and teachers. That is why, according to him, diplomats should continue to focus on financial support.
The Prime Minister noted that last year Ukraine had managed to receive USD 31 billion. This year, Ukraine has already attracted USD 28 billion.
"It is extremely important that Ukraine maintains its macro-financial stability. This gives us the basis for a quick recovery after the end of the war and allows us to fill the budget to support the Armed Forces," the Prime Minister emphasized.
Denys Shmyhal also focused on logistics. The priority for diplomats remains the supply of Ukrainian goods and products, including agricultural products.
"With the grain corridor blocked by the russian federation, logistics through the European Union is becoming a vital factor for us. We have a task to help our farmers and allow the Ukrainian economy to survive. We need to make every effort to prevent further blocking of Ukrainian exports," the Prime Minister emphasized.
Besides, the Prime Minister urged to continue to maintain a high pace of work on trade agreements, in particular ACAA (industrial visa-free regime) and the updated free trade agreement with Canada, which, in turn, paves the way for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (CPTPP).
"We have applied and expect to join by early 2024. I ask all our diplomats, representatives of the countries of this agreement to get actively involved in the work," the Prime Minister said.
Denys Shmyhal noted that it would also be vital to work on strengthening security, as this was a key factor for the return of Ukrainians, including children, who are the future of further development and restoration of our country.