OREANDA-NEWS. On April 02, 2009 The round table Free Trade Area Agreement between Ukraine and the EU organized by the Confederation of Employers of Ukraine and ESG Communication Group took place, reported the press-centre of SCM.

The main event was presentation of the document Position of Ukrainian Business on the Oncoming Free Trade Area Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, developed by the Confederation of Employers of Ukraine together with representatives of Ukrainian professional business associations.

The round table was attended by government and Ukrainian business officials as well as delegates of professional business associations focused on various industries (agriculture, finance, tourism, light industry, etc.).

The participants discussed the principles underpinning the negotiation position of the Ukrainian government and the opportunities for businesses and professional business associations to influence the results of talks about Creation of Free Trade Area with the EU. Also, the delegates shared their views about advantages and risks of a deeper economic integration of Ukraine into the European Union and the steps to be taken by businesses and the government of Ukraine to improve competitiveness of Ukraine in the global markets.

In his address to the delegates of the round table, Jock Mendoza-Wilson, Director of SCM for International and Investor Relations, said: "Today we - business and government - must consolidate our efforts to achieve common success. If the government holds talks about the Free Trade Area and takes into account thee interests of businesses, we will get an improved legal framework, standards and laws that meet demands of the European Union. As a result, the Ukrainian business will have access to the EU market, and thus, the access to the European consumers, while the European businesses will enjoy access to the Ukrainian market".

"I hope this roundtable will start a very important and needed discussion between business and government, which will help us hear each other and lead to conclusion of the Free Trade Area Agreement tailored to requirements of all stakeholders", added Mr Mendoza-Wilson.