Official: Ukraine wants to expand trade with Turkey

By Talha Yavuz

ANKARA (AA) - Ukraine intends to increase its trade volume with Turkey, the country's deputy economy minister said Friday.

Noting that the countries already had a trading volume of $5 billion, Taras Kachka, Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Economy, told Anadolu Agency that the aim is to create a balanced growth environment for both countries.

"We're so close to completing a free trade agreement. We're almost in the position to see light at the end of the tunnel," he said.

Kachka noted that the two countries still had reservations in some areas such as agriculture and steel products, investments, service sector, but stressed that talks were ongoing.

He stated that Turkey is among Ukraine's top five trading partners, pointing out that the development of commercial and economic dynamics strengthened ties as well.

Kachka predicted that the balance in trade volume could tip in favor of Turkey for the first time.

"The reason behind this is that Turkey is one of the most important exporters of diesel fuel to Ukraine, which is a source of diversification for us, because we're dependent on Russia and Belarus on diesel fuel."

Cooperation between the countries in the high-tech and defense sectors is also promising and this is a sign of long-term systematic cooperation, he added.

Kachka also underlined that Ukraine is interested in Turkey's experience in public health and transportation.

* Writing by Yunus Girgin in Ankara