Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, met with Turkey's Minister of Trade, Ömer Bolat. The main topics of discussion were the further involvement of Turkish companies in infrastructure reconstruction projects in Ukraine, access to financial instruments for Turkish companies, and deepening trade cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Vitalii Koval, and Deputy Minister of Economy, Taras Kachka.
"Turkey is ready to get even more involved in Ukraine's reconstruction projects and strengthen trade cooperation. In 2023, Turkey was Ukraine’s fourth-largest export market and third-largest trading partner globally, ranking first in the Middle East. Last year, exports from Ukraine to Turkey amounted to $2 billion, with total trade turnover reaching $6.2 billion. Before the full-scale invasion, we had a positive trade balance with Turkey. Our goal is to reach $10 billion in balanced trade," said Yulia Svyrydenko.
She expressed gratitude to the Turkish Minister of Trade for the decision to provide maximum access to Turkish ports for Ukrainian vessels, improving export logistics for Ukraine.
The parties also discussed the restoration of damaged infrastructure.
"In March, we expect a major visit from the Turkish task force on Ukraine's reconstruction, with the participation of Turkish businesses. I am confident that this will help the private sectors of our countries deepen their cooperation," added Yulia Svyrydenko.
She thanked Turkey for all the support provided since the beginning of the invasion, from the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war, humanitarian assistance, and support for the Grain From Ukraine initiative, to economic cooperation.
Additionally, as part of the visit, a Ukrainian-Turkish roundtable discussion was held with the participation of Turkey's private sector, gathering over 50 representatives from sectors such as energy, construction, machine engineering, and agriculture.
The Ukrainian side presented investor support tools and projects in key sectors, discussing practical aspects of implementing projects in Ukraine.
"Turkish companies are active in the Ukrainian market: from the systemic work of the ONUR company to a recent investment of 400 million UAH by a Turkish energy company in the production of energy equipment in Ukraine. I am confident that such meetings will further promote the entry of Turkish companies into the Ukrainian market," concluded Yulia Svyrydenko.
