OREANDA-NEWS. April 12, 2013. Ukraine is interested to further cooperate with Norway in various economic areas. This was emphasized by Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov during a meeting with Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs of Norway Lisbeth Berg-Hansen.

“Ukraine is interested in cooperation with Norway in various economic areas including in fisheries,” Mykola Azarov stressed and added that Ukraine satisfies almost 90% the need in fish products at the account of import from Norway. At the same time, the head of Ukrainian Government accentuated attention on safety and quality (pursuant to the determined standards) of imported by Ukraine foodstuffs.

Besides, the Prime Minister underlined Ukraine is concerned about cooperation with Norway in oil and gas area and also ship building. 

According to Mykola Azarov, Ukrainian-Norwegian panel is called to facilitate bilateral cooperation (resuming of activity of which was discussed during his working visit to Norway last year. “We hope that in the course of a visit of State Secretary of Ministry of Trade of Norway in Ukraine which is planned in May-June of current year we will be able to conclude respective agreements concerning intergovernmental commission,” he said.

Apart from that, the head of Ukrainian Government emphasized on concern in applying Norwegian experience with regards to development of socially oriented economics. “Ukraine focuses on European standards and now is introducing a series of reforms. We are interested in experience of Norway which created a successful socially oriented economics,” Mykola Azarov emphasized and added that the Government would hail the start of activity of “The Global” Norwegian State pension fund in Ukraine.

In her turn, Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs of Norway Lisbeth Berg-Hansen expressed hopes for prolonging of cooperation “as was planned including in the framework of a new agreement on free trade area between Ukraine and EU”.

Lisbeth Berg-Hansen also expressed concern in enlargement of trade turnover between our states.

She announced that in the course of a visit to Ukraine she held meetings with Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food and head of the State Agency of Fishery.