Australia and Ukraine conclude WTO-related negotiations

ESSENDON, Australia - Australia and Ukraine concluded negotiations and signed a protocol of mutual access to markets of goods and services within the framework of Ukraine's integration into the World Trade Organization (WTO) on May 19.

Bilateral negotiations on this issue commenced in 1993.

"This is a positive outcome which sees Ukraine receiving Australian support in taking its rightful place internationally," said Stefan Romaniw, chairman of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations (AFUO).

"Ukraine offers many economic opportunities, and Australia should avail itself to these opportunities," Mr. Romaniw said.

Australia listed over 15 criteria for Ukraine's accession when negotiations commenced in 1993. These have now been met with required normal protocols being signed.

"The AFUO expects with this agreement the Australian government will seek stronger economic relations with Ukraine." "This untapped market needs to be exposed to Australian business" Mr. Romaniw said.

Ukrinform quoted a representative of Ukraine's Ministry of the Economy as saying, "Ukraine managed to protect the interests of its national sugar producers, which was a stumbling block in the WTO negotiations with Australia.

Ukraine has concluded negotiations with all 45 countries of the working group of Ukraine's accession to the WTO. Ukraine also has concluded negotiations with Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Colombia, though protocols have yet to be signed. Ukraine intends to join the WTO by end of 2006.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, June 4, 2006, No. 23, Vol. LXXIV

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