Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba delivered an online speech at the panel discussion "Speed up Trade Connection in Times of Pandemic Isolation" of the Boao Forum for Asia.

Dmytro Kuleba outlined that in 2020 economic shocks caused by COVID-19 pandemic resulted in huge disruption to international trade. However, it will now play key role in restoring economic growth and overcoming the effects of the pandemic. The Minister stated that Ukraine is open to cooperation and investment. He emphasized that Ukraine is currently active in improving its infrastructure with view to increase competitiveness of multimodal container traffic on the route Asia - Western Europe - Asia via Ukraine: "Our country remains strategically important logistics hub between the EU and Asia".

Dmytro Kuleba drew attention of Asian investors to the advantages of the Great Privatization in Ukraine and the national project of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky named “Great Construction", which opens up great opportunities for investments.

The Minister reminded that Ukraine is known for its powerful agro-industrial sector and is the third largest exporter of grains globally. According to him, Ukraine is able to double production capacity in this area if investments increase. He drew special attention of the Forum participants to growing exponentially Ukrainian IT exports, which is already well known to many Asian companies.

Finally, the Minister stressed that Ukraine welcomes efforts of Asian countries to liberalize trade, whereas excessive protectionism only hinders the recovery of the world economy. Instead, comprehensive recovery requires removal of barriers. He expressed hope for further active development of mutually beneficial trade cooperation between Asian countries and Ukraine.