Minister Ng launches public consultations on possible modernization of Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement

February 15, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, today announced the launch of public consultations on the possible modernization of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA).

On July 2, 2019, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced their mutual interest in expanding the existing CUFTA.

This builds on the long-standing personal and economic relationship between Canada and Ukraine and speaks to Canada’s continued commitment to supporting Ukraine as it becomes a stable and prosperous country.

The entry into force of CUFTA on August 1, 2017, was an important milestone in the Canada-Ukraine bilateral relationship. It has generated significant growth in bilateral trade over the past few years and has created commercial benefits for Canadians and Ukrainians alike.

Consultations on modernizing this agreement will provide businesses, industry and all Canadians the opportunity to help Canada define its interests in its negotiations with Ukraine. They will inform how the government diversifies and expands Canada’s preferential access to Ukraine while ensuring that this creates opportunities that will benefit everyone.

All Canadians are encouraged to participate in the consultation, which will take place from February 15 to March 16, 2020.

To share your views or concerns on a potential modernization of the CUFTA, please visit Global Affairs Canada consultations.

Quotes

“Canada is committed to ensuring that Canadians and businesses have access to the opportunities and customers available in the global marketplace. A more interconnected world creates real, tangible benefits for everyone—creating more good, middle-class jobs for Canadians and strengthening our economy. Through this public consultation, I encourage all Canadians to have their say on the future modernization of our landmark free trade agreement with Ukraine.”
- Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade

Quick facts

On December 2, 1991, Canada was the first Western country to recognize Ukrainian independence.
CUFTA entered into force on August 1, 2017, immediately eliminating tariffs on 86% of Canada’s merchandise exports to Ukraine.
Since CUFTA came into force, 2-way merchandise trade between Canada and Ukraine has grown from $278 million in 2015 to $346 million in 2018.
In 2018, Canada’s top exports to Ukraine were mineral and fuel oils, fish and seafood, machinery and pharmaceuticals. Canada’s top imports from Ukraine included iron and steel, electronic equipment, paints, dyes and tanning products, and machinery.

Associated links

Contacts

Ryan Nearing
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
[email protected]
343-203-7332

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
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