Ukraine and Turkey agree to extend permit-free trucking

MOSCOW. March 1 (Interfax) - Ukraine's Restoration Ministry and the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure have agreed to extend the permit-free cargo transportation arrangements, Ukrainian media said, citing the Restoration Ministry's press service,

The measures apply to two-way cargo transportation and transit, the ministry said.

"Approximately 15% of our exports to Turkey are delivered by road. Turkish companies import nearly 60% of the total volume of goods to us by road," Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Restoration Minister Alexander Kubrakov said.

Under these measures, no permits are required for cargo transportation and transit. They also apply to the entry of empty trucks.

Ukraine also secured the Turkish side's agreement to increase the number of cargo transportation permits to and from third countries and permits for bus services to 3,500 and 400, respectively.

"We are negotiating the possibility of performing irregular bus rides. We have agreed on 400 permits for such services. Some of these permits will be delivered to Ukraine soon to be issued to carriers," Ukrainian Deputy Restoration Minister Sergei Derkach said.

As reported, Ukraine has permit-free cargo transportation arrangements with 35 countries, including EU states.