Expert discussion on Trade Block: Will Ukraine Be Able to Expand its Export Capacity?

Keynote Points:

• The export indicators of Ukraine dropped fourfold with the war being the major factor affecting exporting possibilities.
• The maritime trade is dangerous so the commodities are currently exported by rail and road via the western border. Most of the cargoes are transported by lorries and the number of carriers who have obtained licenses has increased by 30% last month.
• Border crossing points have no sufficient throughput capacity to handle many vehicles.
• It is necessary to commission new border crossings but this will depend on infrastructure, namely, of access ways provided and on investment possibilities on both sides of the border.
• Ukrzaliznytsia plays the role of a guide providing carriers and road owners with information and showing opportunities. The open-business principle in place in Europe depends on connections and agreements with partners.
• A transition towards European gauge standards will depend on investment capabilities of private Ukrainian companies.
• It is necessary to diversify ports and design a new long-term business strategy.

Transcript of discussion (please follow the link)