Ukraine and the Czech Republic discussed topical issues of cooperation in the agrarian sector

The main topics discussed during the meeting were directions of further bilateral cooperation in the agrarian sector between Ukraine and the Czech Republic, the situation and ways to fight against ASF.

 "The Ukrainian side is interested in making more active use of the expertise and developments of the Czech Republic in the issues of forestry reform, management and control systems in organic agriculture, as well as in the veterinary and phytosanitary sphere," says Deputy Minister for European Integration Olha Trofimtseva during the conversation.

 Mr. Jiri Shir assured in readiness to consider concrete proposals on each direction of cooperation. He noted the interest of the Czech side to increase bilateral trade in the agro-industrial sector. With the aim of establishing closer contacts between the business of Ukraine and the Czech Republic, according to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, a business forum in Kiev is scheduled for February 2018, during which great attention will be paid to businesses in the agrarian and food sectors.

The parties discussed the implementation of the principle of regionalization of highly pathogenic avian influenza and some issues of product access to the markets of both countries. Volodymyr Lapa stressed the urgent need to create a more effective system of information exchange on ASF in both countries, including cases of diseases in the wild.

Czech colleagues spoke about the experience of responding to the outbreaks of ASF and used the measures, and also assured in readiness for cooperation not only to prevent and combat ASF, but also in other veterinary issues.

Reference: In January-September 2017, the export of Ukrainian agro products to the Czech Republic amounted to $ 18,577 million. Main products: butter - $ 2.5 million, fruits and nuts - $ 1.8 million, various other food products - $ 1.7 million, oilseeds crops - $ 1.2 million, residues and waste products of the food industry - $ 1.2 million and others. Import amounted to $ 18.5 million, with key products: oil seeds - $ 1.8 million, confectionery products - $ 1.9 million, various other food products - $ 1.4 million, cheeses and yoghurts - $ 1.3 million, live animals - $ 1.3 million.