On Wednesday, June 26, 2024, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, met with Yuliia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy.
During their meeting, the ministers discussed the role Canadian companies can play in Ukraine's reconstruction, notably by contributing technology, equipment and expertise. They also explored priorities and challenges related to strengthening trade ties between Canada and Ukraine.
Minister Ng expressed Canada's continued and unwavering military, economic and political support for Ukraine. She acknowledged the immense pressure that the Ukrainian economy is currently under and stressed that direct financial support from donor governments will not suffice; the private sector will need to be supported as well.
The ministers noted the upcoming entry into force of the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement on July 1, 2024. The modernized agreement will serve as a comprehensive framework to continue supporting bilateral trade and investment. It will also invigorate development of private sector commercial ties between Canada and Ukraine.
