Prime Minister voices factors by which Ukraine will make Europe stronger
Ukraine's victory is a victory for Europe, European values and European security. This was emphasised by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during an annual Yalta European Strategy conference.
According to him, Ukraine will make a powerful contribution to the future of Europe due to a number of factors. One of them is the most powerful army.
"Almost a million veterans with combat experience. We have one of the most powerful defence industry complexes, which is growing significantly every year. We have the capacity to produce almost 2 million drones a year, ammunition for them and various types of artillery," said Denys Shmyhal.
The Prime Minister noted that Ukraine relies on new technologies, digitalisation and innovation, and that our country is a factor in the future security of Europe and the world.
"Ukraine is also a reserve of critical raw materials for a free Europe, for the free world. Ukraine has 21 elements out of 30 identified by Europe as critical raw materials. Lithium, graphite, cobalt, nickel, titanium. 5% of the world's minerals are here. We are ready to implement processing projects and create value-added products," the Prime Minister stressed.
According to Denys Shmyhal, the most recent report on the future of European competitiveness shows that it will decline without Ukraine. Therefore, he said, Europe is interested in Ukraine no less than Ukraine is interested in Europe.
"European businesses are seeking to protect value-added chains, relocate production closer to sales markets. Ukraine is the most promising destination. We have the infrastructure, qualified personnel, and proximity to EU countries. We are capable of being the factory of Europe," the Prime Minister said.
Denys Shmyhal also noted that Ukraine would be an integral part of the European logistics system. For this purpose, a single logistics space is being created from Lisbon to Kharkiv, from the Baltic to the Black Sea.
‘Ukraine has been and will remain one of the guarantors of global food security. Before the outbreak of the full-scale war, we accounted for more than 15% of global corn exports, 10% of wheat, 15-20% of barley and more than 50% of sunflower corn. In the medium term, the potential for agricultural production is about 200 million tonnes. This will allow us to almost double the volume of agricultural exports," the Head of Government noted.
At the same time, Ukraine relies on processing. In the future, it is planned to process more than 50% of the harvest into goods with a high share of added value.
Another important factor voiced by the Prime Minister is the reconstruction of Ukraine. This means new opportunities for businesses and partners. According to him, the recovery priorities include energy, housing, social infrastructure, agriculture and demining.