OREANDA-NEWS. October 04, 2013. Association and FTA is the way of two-way traffic, so both Ukraine and the EU have to do the appropriate steps to address issues, which concern both sides. This was stated by Prime Minister Mykola Azarov at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, informing members of the Government on the results of his meeting with the EU Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht.

According to the PM, there was a detailed exchange of views on the prospects of trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union at the meeting. The commissioner posed the questions in the decision of which the European Union is interested; Mykola Azarov expressed the position where there is Ukraine’s concern.

“Deep and comprehensive cooperation with the single Europe, which has up to a higher level after the signing of the Association Agreement, sets new challenges before the parties. Indeed, the Association and the FTA is the way of two-way traffic, says Mykola Azarov. - Therefore Ukraine has to address issues that concern our partners, but the EU should also take steps to eliminate, I would say, discomfort to the Ukrainian foreign trade.”

Mykola Azarov stressed that the prospects of Ukrainian companies on the European market it is not a theoretic issue for us, but practical. Ukraine begins upon adaptation of our economy to the conditions of this market. And we must do it quickly: you should not pass the benefits of Ukraine that the transition period gives. Provisional application of most provisions of the Agreement will be put into operation just after the signing and approval it by the European Council.

Prime Minister put a question to Commissioner Karel de Gucht on providing financial and technical assistance for the implementation of provisions of the Association Agreement, above all, for the introduction in Ukraine standards and technical regulations, which operate in the European Union. He also raised the question regarding facilitation of investments in the Ukrainian economy, access to European programs and development agencies that were previously closed to Ukraine, as well as concerning systematic promotion of Ukrainian goods to EU countries. In particular, on the free access to public procurement in these countries.

“All this is intended to create the best opportunities to Ukrainian producers for opening of the European market, says Mykola Azarov. - In turn, Ukraine creates equal opportunities in Ukraine for companies from EU countries. That is, we have outlined a very wide range of issues that strengthen equal partnership cooperation. I’m confident that we heard of each other and, it is said, we have defined the agenda of practical work.”

The PM informed that the parties agreed that Yuriy Boyko as vice premier together with the EU Commissioner lead the work on coordination of issues that have been raised during the talks. Today I will give appropriate instructions and these instructions will be to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Energy and Coal Industry, Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food, Ministry of Incomes and Fees.

“Constant dialogue on specific issues, which occurs at all levels, from experts to the Prime Minister, plays a very important role. Therefore, we agreed with Mr Karel de Gucht to continue it systematically,” Mykola aarov summed up.