UKRAINIAN COMMUNITY LEADERS JOIN CANADA'S TRADE MISSION TO UKRAINE
Kyiv, Ukraine. Canada's Minister of International Trade had undertaken a 3 day (July 9-12) trade and development mission to Ukraine. He has met with key Ukrainian Government officials, business groups and civil society with a view to expanding bilateral trade, how to deepen our partnerships in energy, mining, education, aerospace, agriculture and agrifood and to look at win-win opportunities between Canada and Ukraine's new government.
"Minister Fast has an ambitious agenda matching trade enhancement and promotion between Canada and Ukraine, with a deep understanding of those key sectors where Canada and Ukraine can further enhance their relationships," stated Ukrainian Canadian Congress Executive Director Taras Zalusky, who accompanied Fast as part of the official delegation. "The accompanying delegation includes community, business and political leaders. The visit builds upon visits by Prime Minister Harper and Foreign Minister John Baird earlier this year."
The Minister's working visit includes an accompanying delegation composed of former Manitoba Cabinet Minister and UCC Dauphin branch president Len Derkach, Ivan Fecan, Bob Kozminski, Bob Onyschuk, Zenon Potichny, Oksana Prociuk, Lisa Shymko, Taras Sokolyk and Taras Zalusky, as well as 3 Members of Parliament - Ted Opitz, M.P., Chair Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group, James Bezan, M.P. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, and Mark Warawa, M.P.
"Canada is a trading nation and it is important at this time that we leave no stone unturned in terms of trying to increase our trade with Ukraine," stated Canada Ukraine Chamber of Commerce President Zenon Poticzny. "At this crucial time in Ukraine's history when it faces serious challenges in its economy and to its sovereignty, it is vital for Canada to work with the Ukrainian government as it has embraced Western values, signed the Association Agreement with the European Union and is working towards a Free Trade agreement with Canada. As Russia continues to destabilize Ukraine not only by military intervention but also through trade and economic blackmail, Canada can help open new economic opportunities for Ukraine."
