July 11, 2014 - Kyiv, Ukraine - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada

The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, on behalf of the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today announced Canadian support to train horticultural farmers to improve agricultural practices and have better access to financing and new markets in Ukraine. Minister Fast made the announcement following his meeting with the Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, Mr. Ihor Shvaika, during his trade and development mission.

“Canada is among the strongest international supporters of Ukraine’s efforts to restore stability and implement democratic and economic reforms,” said Minister Fast. “Canada has been steadfast in its support for the new Ukrainian government and in its opposition to Russian aggression and occupation in Ukraine. We continue to encourage sustainable economic development to create prosperity for all Ukrainians. Our efforts are focused on, helping to create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises in key sectors such as agriculture, through improving business practices, increasing access to markets and financing, and creating jobs.”

“The goal of Canada's international development program in Ukraine is to improve economic opportunities for Ukrainians in a strengthened democracy,” said Minister Paradis. “Canada is working with the Government of Ukraine to assist with the reforms needed to realize the country's full economic potential and build a sound public institutional and legal environment.”

Quick Facts

• In 2014, Ukraine was confirmed as a country of focus for Canada’s international development efforts and identified as a priority country under Canada’s recently released Global Markets Action Plan. Canada has been providing development assistance to Ukraine since that country’s independence in 1991.
• Prime Minister Stephen Harper was the first G-7 leader to visit Ukraine after the Euromaidan protests, and the first foreign leader to meet bilaterally with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko following his inauguration on June 7, 2014.
• Canada supports efforts to improve the business-enabling environment in Ukraine, restore confidence in financial institutions and increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, including in the agricultural sector, by diversifying skills and increasing access to credit.

src:news.gc.ca