Bilateral trade top priority for Ukraine
Ambassador Oleksiy Shovkoplias talked to the Viet Nam News on the occasion of Ukraine's National Day today.
Welcome as the new Ukrainian Ambassador to Viet Nam. Do you have any specific plans to boost relations between our two countries during your term here?
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Ambassador Oleksiy Shovkoplias |
First of all, let me thank you for your congratulations and for your invitation to interview me on the occasion of Independence Day of Ukraine.
The Declaration of Independence of Ukraine Act was adopted by the Parliament of Ukraine on August 24, 1991. The Act established Ukraine as an independent, democratic state. This year I celebrate National Day in Ha Noi.
This is my first time in Viet Nam. When it was proposed that I be the Ambassador in Viet Nam, I accepted with pleasure and without hesitation. Now, even after my first impression, I may say that I am working in a very beautiful country with nice and intelligent people.
You know, of course, that Ukraine and Viet Nam have a long history of relations and both sides can be proud of their backgrounds.
Our two countries have big potential for co-operation in any field which is of interest to both sides.
Neither Ukraine nor Viet Nam may be satisfied with the trade turnover of past years and this year especially.
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Kiev is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country. The city has a population of about 2.7 million. — VNA/VNS File Photo |
I am going to be active and creative to change the situation for the better. Bilateral trade and economic relations will become a top priority for the Embassy of Ukraine in Viet Nam.
There have been no summit level exchanges between Ukraine and Viet Nam in the past six years. Why is this? Can we expect the resumption of diplomatic visits?
It is true that we have not had meetings between our presidents, prime ministers and ministers of foreign affairs for a long time. And of course such a situation has not helped our bilateral relations.
Just several weeks ago we had political consultations in Kiev at the deputy ministers of foreign affairs level of Ukraine and Viet Nam. We agreed that this autumn the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine would pay a visit to Ha Noi. We are planning a visit by the President of Ukraine to Viet Nam at the beginning of next year. I am sure these meetings will provide give an impulse to the bilateral relations in all spheres.
Ukraine's investment in Viet Nam was US$3.9 million at the beginning of this year, which is still modest. Does this reflect the distance between us or are there other reasons? In what fields are Ukrainian investors interested in Viet Nam?
| Ukraine at a glance Area: 603,700sq.km Population: more than 45.9 million Language: Ukrainian Capital: Kiev Currency: hryvnia (UAH) National flag: Two equal horizontal bands of light blue and yellow |
Although distance is influencing the investment process, we can overcome this obstacle. One of the reasons for the modest investment is the financial crisis. There are other explanations as well. I am sure the situation will change. Viet Nam is attractive for Ukrainian investors. We should work on this together.
Among priority sectors, I would mention machine manufacturing, aircraft building, shipbuilding and energy, including participation in the building of nuclear power plants. We may also work together in research activities.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanucovyk, at a meeting with the Vietnamese Ambassador to Ukraine in May, said he expected the two countries would co-operate in energy, agriculture and exploiting minerals. How is this co-operation going?
Concerning energy, we have already built several hydroelectric power stations and, as I have said, we are interested in participating in Viet Nam's nuclear power programme. Agriculture is also important for both sides. We are also working on a co-operation agreement in agriculture to be signed during our President's visit to Viet Nam at the beginning of next year. Ukraine and Viet Nam have enormous potential for co-operation in this area. On the matter of mineral exploitation, Ukraine has the experience and skilled personnel; we are making the first steps in this field in Viet Nam.
It has been more than six months since the presidential election in Ukraine. Are the Ukrainian people happy with the policies launched by the new president?
After the presidential elections in Ukraine we have a new political and economic situation in our country. Now we have harmonised the work of three branches of power, the President, Prime Minister and Parliament to direct their efforts to the main goal: the welfare of the Ukrainian people. Now we have a good chance for economic reforms. A professional team has successfully started this process under the leadership of the new President. As a result, the State Committee of Statistics of Ukraine reports the average salary in Ukraine has increased by 16.4 per cent over the first six months of this year compared with the same period last year. In June alone the average salary increased by 19.8 per cent compared with the previous June. I think these figures answer your question. — VNS