Ukraine hopes to reach an agreement with the WTO on tariff concessions to Ukraine, acting Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov told a Cabinet’s meeting, ForUm correspondent reports.
"This concerns only certain types of goods, accounting for only 3% of the total number in the customs tariff. We want strengthen protection of the Ukrainian market, to give a chance for domestic manufacturers in time of global crisis. We have every right to do so, such as Norway protects its cheese market," Azarov said and explained that Ukraine is interested in the best prices for meat and by-products from beef, pork and poultry. It also concerns flowers, vegetables and fruit, sausages, home devices, agricultural machinery, automobiles, furniture, etc.
"Everything happens in accordance with the WTO rules through negotiations and consultations with the countries concerned and does not mean automatically increase in existing rates of import duty. After all, Turkey, Canada, Brazil, Australia, India and almost all G20 member states have raised their prices for agricultural products from 10-15% up to 11-150% within the WTO. Why can’t we do the same? Ukrainian government protects and will protect the public interest. We are the part of the European and world community and look forward to an appropriate attitude to our state, our interests, our citizens," Azarov summed up.
