I am constantly trying to tell you about the development of trade, economic and business relations between Israel and Ukraine, because I believe that this issue is not being covered enough.

In my opinion, prospects of bilateral cooperation are great and cold figures demonstrate that.

To date, Ukraine's export to Israel is estimated at about $ 900 million each year, import from Israel to Ukraine is $ 400 million The trade turnover between Ukraine and Israel increased by more than 49% in the first year after the introduction of visa-free regime. Now the goods turnover between our countries is more than $ 1 billion per year, and despite the war, crisis, numerous threats that exist in both countries, this figure is constantly growing.

The next significant step in the development of bilateral relations between our countries should be the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). According to Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy Vladyslava Rutytska, soon the next round of talks on the issue will be held.

To date, a priority in bilateral relations is the agricultural sector. This concerns, above all, the food industry. After the signing of the FTA, Ukraine will receive new prospects for farm producers. In particular, Ukrainians will be able to sell Ukrainian beef to Israelis. In addition, as I have already said, Ukraine is the main supplier of grain from which Israelis bake their famous matzah: there is more than half of “Ukrainian” matzah in Israel. Already today we have established cooperation in the field of agriculture, trade, culture, science, technology, medicine, the construction of commercial and residential real estate is developing.

But all this propositions are done for B2B format – business to business, and we want it to shift to S2S – state to state. If you look through my posts, you will see, that few times a week I write about what Ukraine can take after Israel: for medicine, for army, for security, regarding technologies etc. All this will work if state will act as a representative of interests of its citizen. Today Ukrainian farmers sell their goods on the internal market for the minimum price. Israel – is the market, that will in stable manner and with pleasure will purchase Ukrainian goods, and for currency – you can agree this is a good perspective. Main issue lies in the fact, that for realization our officials should continue working and do not stop on the achieved.

It shouldn’t be forgotten about the investment cooperation with Israel, for witch strong legislation base is already formed, including agreement on encouragement and mutual protection of investments. But like many other agreements in Ukraine they work only on paper.

Today for Ukrainian business to work and not just fight for its existence, our officials have to develop legislation that will work not only on paper. Israelis are ready for cooperation, we only have to create suitable conditions for investments to come.

In my opinion base spheres where government should concentrate its attention is modernization of enterprises, fight with corruption, as well as the reform of the public procurement system. Hopefully, in the near future we will see a change for the better in these areas.