The Government proposes to involve World Trade Organization experts in economic recovery, humanitarian demining and solving food security problems in the world. This was discussed during a meeting between Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“We understand that the World Trade Organization is not a financial institution, but we really hope for your experience, your expertise and your connections in solving some important issues for our country. Ukraine now needs not only money to restore infrastructure, but also financing to support the private sector of the economy, including grant programs for small and medium-sized businesses, humanitarian demining, as well as the consolidation of partner countries in order to expand the scope and availability of war risk insurance for private investments to Ukraine. We consider the private sector as a driver of economic development, and therefore private investments will help rebuild Ukraine after the war. We will be glad if the experts of the World Trade Organization will help us in this,” Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy, emphasized.

During the meeting, Yuliia Svyrydenko also invited the WTO to join the discussion on restoring food security in the world.

In turn, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stressed the importance of unblocking the grain corridor. She also praised Ukraine’s eRobota program to support small and medium-sized businesses, which helped create jobs in Ukraine.

According to her, the innovative capacity of the Ukrainian economy can become an asset and an element of economic growth. The main focus is on digital trade and services, as well as green technologies.

Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stressed that Ukraine was becoming a responsible member of the international community and that cooperation with the WTO was a confirmation of this.