Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine, Vitalii Koval, is on a working visit to Saudi Arabia as part of a government delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko.
According to the Minister, the goal of the trip is to strengthen the economic relations between the two countries. Several meetings have already been held, including with the Saudi Arabian Minister of Investment, Khalid Al-Falih, and Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Al-Fadli. The sides discussed preparations for an economic mission, which will involve both the government delegation and businesses.
"The Ukrainian government delegation also met with Saudi entrepreneurs. Over 80 representatives from various business sectors, interested in cooperation with Ukraine, attended. I thanked them for their support of our country and for believing in its future despite everything. For example, Continental Farmers Group, a company with Saudi capital, already manages 200,000 hectares of Ukrainian land. They are among the top 10 largest taxpayers in the agricultural sector. Last year, they paid over 1.6 billion UAH in taxes at various levels and plan to expand their operations, particularly growing grains and potatoes in the western regions," said Vitalii Koval.
Another example mentioned by the Minister was the Saudi company SALIC, which invested in one of Ukraine’s largest agribusiness holdings, MHP, by acquiring 12.6% of their shares. The potential for expanding cooperation was discussed with the CEO of SALIC.
"It is pleasing that the Saudi side sees development prospects in Ukraine. We discussed with them the possibility of cooperation in crop cultivation, veterinary care, and feed production. Business also expressed interest in jointly developing beef cattle farming and organic products. We continue working. Ahead of us are dozens of meetings to prepare for President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Saudi Arabia," said Vitalii Koval.
