EconomyPolitics ITF Results: logistical ties with the EU, increased port capacity, and an infrastructure recovery fund. Monday, December 2, 2024

Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery Oleksiy Kuleba stated during the International Transport Forum (ITF) that Ukraine is doing everything necessary to integrate into the European transport space and is calling on its partners to develop logistics routes.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the government plans to approve a strategy for the development of road and rail checkpoints and access roads. He also stressed the need to extend the Agreement on the Liberalization of Freight Transport between Ukraine and the EU.

“In the first 1.5 years of the agreement, imports to Ukraine increased by 44%, exports by 48%. The figures indicate that liberalization benefits both sides,” Shmyhal said.

To support exports, Ukraine is working on expanding capacity at its Danube ports and modernizing them, as well as restoring and optimizing operations at the Odesa ports.

ITF participants agreed to strengthen their support for Ukraine’s recovery. They declared a common desire to develop new logistics routes and strategic connections and create a fund to provide for Ukraine’s infrastructure recovery, which Ukraine’s partners will fill. Sweden will make an initial contribution of SEK8M ($733,776).