In trade and economic co-operation with Ukraine, Belarus will consider the interests of the countries of the Customs Union troika

By Marina Shumilo

In trade and economic co-operation with Ukraine, Belarus will consider the interests of the countries of the Customs Union troika

According to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Ukraine, H.E. Mr. Valentin Velichko, the process of the realisation of economic part of the agreement on the association of Ukraine with the European Union is rather long, and on separate positions it is calculated for several years. “Therefore, when duty-free production starts flowing in and is competitive in the markets of the Customs Union, then most likely, it will be necessary to consider a question of the country of origin. While at present time there are no restrictions, the free trade zone operates,” said Valentin Velichko.

Answering the question on whether the Belarusian side excludes the application of protective measures, the diplomat noted that Belarus will operate based on the interest of the countries of the Customs Union troika.

Valentin Velichko noted that, despite the difficult situation in Ukraine, trade and economic co-operation of Belarus with this country is at quite a good level and that the export of Belarusian production to Ukraine during the current year stands at about 98 percent of the level of last year. The basic export goods are oil products, agricultural machinery and foodstuffs.