Free Trade Area Agreement with the CIS was initiated by Ukraine, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said in the interview with the country's central TV channels, ForUm correspondent reports.
According to PM, Ukraine is especially interested in introducing a clear framework for trade within the Commonwealth, avoiding arbitrariness, when quotas and other trade restrictions are introduced and abolished at random, depending on the political situation. "It is Ukraine, who was struggling long and hard to finally sign such an agreement. For us it gives more than 40% of trade turnover, and our exporters should be sure that no one will put them any obstacles in future," the head of the government said.
Azarov continued: "This process was difficult, as each signatory country sought protecting its economy and industry. So first, the decision to sign the agreement was reached at the meeting of the Presidents of the CIS countries, and then the key contradictions were agreed upon. In fall, the compromise was reached in St. Petersburg. Indeed, the agreement is not perfect. It has moments we are not satisfied with. But in general it corresponds to our interests. The agreement solves a number of issues of economic development. "
With regard to the ratification period, not much time has passed since its signing, according to international standards. "The standard period, including time for the study of all the documents – is a year. Such complex and important agreements are rarely ratified fast," the Prime Minister concluded.
