Denys Shmyhal met with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Ukraine is counting on the support of the World Trade Organisation to help restore Ukrainian agricultural exports. This was stated by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who visited Kyiv.

Denys Shmyhal thanked the WTO for its political support and assistance in overcoming the challenges posed by russia, which is provoking a global food crisis.

The Head of Government called for increased international pressure to restore the Grain Initiative and expressed hope for WTO assistance in humanitarian demining.

The parties also discussed the development of trade and its digitalisation.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stressed the importance of unblocking the grain corridor. The WTO Director-General also praised Ukraine’s eRobota programme to support small and medium-sized businesses, which helped create jobs in Ukraine.

“I was pleased to hear that the WTO will support the programme and will be ready to help raise funds to finance grants,” said Denys Shmyhal.

During the meeting, Ukraine also handed over a protocol on the Verkhovna Rada’s approval of amendments to the Agreement Establishing the WTO. The amendments prohibit subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in order to protect marine bioresources.

Mykola Solskyi discusses global food security with WTO Director-General

Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine Mykola Solskyi met with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The parties discussed global food security. In particular, the UN World Food Programme (WFP), which provides assistance to Ukrainians affected by russia’s armed aggression, and the export of Ukrainian agricultural products.

According to Mykola Solskyi, due to favourable weather conditions, the crop forecast is expected to increase to 76.7 million tonnes, which is 5% more than in 2022.

In turn, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed her support for Ukraine and stressed the importance of unblocking the Black Sea grain corridor and expanding export routes for Ukrainian agricultural products. She thanked Ukraine for its contribution to global food security.

For his part, Mykola Solskyi thanked for the support and understanding.

IC UAC according to the Communications Department of the Secretariat of the CMU