Ukraine starts to export grain via Croatia's seaports - Economy Ministry

MOSCOW. Sept 7 (Interfax) - Ukraine has begun exporting grain through Croatian seaports, Ukrainian media reported, citing the Economy Ministry's press office.

"Ukrainian grain has already started to be exported via Croatia ports. We are grateful for this opportunity. Though this is a niche trade route, it has already gained popularity. We are ready to develop it by expanding the capacity of the transport corridor. We think this logistics route will play an important role in bilateral trade between our countries," Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Sviridenko said at a one-on-one meeting with Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic in Bucharest.

The two discussed bilateral trade and exports of Ukrainian grain, the press office said. They underlined the importance of a joint solution to the issue of restrictions on Ukrainian exports and opening new trade routes.

The European Commission in May 2023 banned the import of wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed from Ukraine to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania at these countries' demand. On June 5, the European Commission extended the ban until September 15.