Ukraine deputy FM highlights ‘shared vision’ with Jordan

AMMAN — Trade in goods between Ukraine and Jordan in the first eight months of 2021 amounted to $129.714 million, according to Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Dymtro Senik.

Exports of goods from Ukraine to Jordan in the first eight months of 2021 increased by 3.5 per cent when compared with the same period in 2020, and amounted to $126.580 million. 

Jordan’s exports to Ukraine in the same period decreased by 9 per cent and amounted to $3.134 million, according to a statement from the Ukraine embassy.

“Jordan is a reliable partner of Ukraine. Our countries have a shared vision on a number of critical issues and meet all the requirements necessary for an enhanced bilateral partnership with a particular focus on trade relations and food security,” Senik said during a meeting with the press in Amman at the Ukrainian embassy on Monday.

Senik noted that both countries stand for re-globalisation and multilateralism as the only way for the international community to overcome the challenges and risks associated with the post-COVID world.

“Jordan has traditionally been known to be a key cornerstone for the regional stability in the Middle East. Thus, both countries share a lot of responsibility and a lot of potential,” he continued.

Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Jordan and Ukraine, with Senik adding that “this time has allowed us to strengthen the foundations of bilateral relations through active cooperation in trade, economic, political, military and security spheres”.

During his visit to Jordan, Senik met with Minister of Agriculture Khalid Hneifat to discuss how Ukraine can contribute to increasing the level of efficiency of agricultural production in the Kingdom.

He also met with Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Ahmad Hanandeh to discuss the ways in which Ukraine can become Jordan’s partner in developing e-governance, entrepreneurship and training of digital skills.

“We are planning to sign memorandums of understanding between the Council of Exporters and Investors under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and several leading Jordanian business associations,” Senik said. 

“During the meetings with the unions of Jordanian businesses in different spheres, we are going to approve a roadmap of joint B2B events for the upcoming year, which will provide an opportunity for companies from the two countries to establish cooperation,” he said.

He pointed out that Ukraine has a government application of digital transformation services similar to the Jordanian Sanad application. 

“This indicates the existence of a common vision in the field of digital transformation between the two countries,” Senik added.

Senik said that approximately 2,000 Jordanian students study annually in Ukraine, adding that “the opening of the full-fledged Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Kyiv could become an effective tool for building permanent business linkages and following up Jordanian students’ current issues.” 

“We welcome Jordanian investors in Ukraine. We have recently established a special tax intensive for investors whose investment exceeds 20 million euros, as they will have a special legislation,” he said.

He noted that there is a huge potential for joint projects between the countries, especially in infrastructure and agriculture, emphasising that Ukraine has 30 per cent of the world’s most fertile land. 

“Ukraine is ready to contribute in food security for Jordan and the region as well,” Senik added.

Senik also highlighted the importance of the return of direct flights between Ukraine and Jordan, noting that he would discuss the adoption of vaccination certificates in both countries to encourage tourism.