OREANDA-NEWS. On April 21, 2009 Vice Prime Minister for European and International Integration Hryhoriy Nemyria has taken part in opening of negotiations on concluding Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

“It marks rather significant step on the way towards European integration of Ukraine and creates conditions for deepening of economic integration of our country,” Hryhoriy Nemyria stressed. For Ukraine it is the signal of crucial priority of Governmental policy – strengthening and advancement of competitiveness of Ukrainian economics”.

According to him, launch of these talks is a logical step after accedence of our country to the WTO and launch of negotiations on creating overall free trade zone between Ukraine and the EU.

Hryhoriy Nemyria also expressed hopes this negotiation process will be “dynamical and constructive and despite temptations of excessive protectionism in the time of the crisis successful completion of the negotiation process will create new conditions for trade without barriers”.

“The fact of launch of free trade negotiations is the signal which inspires, demonstrates prospect and creates trust,” Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine said.

The event was attended by Economics Minister of Ukraine Bohdan Danylyshyn and Deputy Secretary-General of EFTA Dider Chambovey.

“Concluding of Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and the European Free Trade Association will not only stimulate development of trade relations but will be profitable for our citizens and facilitate prosperity of our countries,” Dider Chambovey emphasized.

Reference. EFTA which was founded almost 40 years ago unites such countries as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein. Most of these countries are included into the EU. EFTA has agreements on free trade with 17 countries of the world.