Ukrainian-Portuguese commission to meet after 6-year pause

MOSCOW. Oct 28 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian-Portuguese joint commission on economic cooperation is to gather for its third meeting on November 15, 2024, Ukrainian media have reported with reference to a statement on the Economy Ministry's website.

The commission gathered for its first meeting in Kiev on April 3, 2009 and the second in Lisbon on June 20, 2018.

"I am thankful to the Portuguese economy minister that, after a lengthy pause of over six years, we will hold a third meeting of the Ukrainian-Portuguese commission on economic cooperation. This important decision will enable us to deepen our trade and economic cooperation and engage Portuguese companies in recovery projects for Ukraine," the statement quoted Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Sviridenko as saying.

Dialogue between Ukrainian and Portuguese businesses could help encourage investments in the Ukrainian economy and increase trade between the two countries, she said.

Trade between Ukraine and Portugal amounted to $293.7 million in 2023, having grown by 49.4% from 2022, the ministry said. Exports from Ukraine to Portugal also increased by 64.6% to $223.5 million last year.

Moreover, trade continued to grow in 2024, as well, increasing in January-August by 15.1%, or by $29.2 million, compared to the same period last year.

Portuguese Economy Minister Pedro Reis said Portuguese companies have displayed an active interest in cooperation with Ukraine.