Kiev to lobby for Ukrainian sugar producers' interests on European market

MOSCOW. Nov 21 (Interfax) - Ukraine's Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry and the National Association of Sugar Producers of Ukraine (Ukrtsukor) have signed a memorandum of cooperation to maintain stability on the domestic market, avert export restrictions and boost sugar exports, including to European Union countries.

Under the memorandum, the parties pledged to agree the maximum possible volume of sugar exports based on the preliminary balance of supply and demand in the 2023/2024 marketing year, Ukrainian media said, citing the press service for the Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry. They will also adjust these volumes depending the on spring sowing and vegetation of plants.

The ministry and Ukrtsukor will also discuss the ongoing situation and will determine export amounts.

The ministry reserves the right to initiate state regulation measures within the framework of the law in the event of threats to the food security of Ukraine. If the ministry does initiate measures to change the rules of foreign economic activity and introduce licensing and quotas, the parties will hold preliminary consultations.

Ukrtsukor, for its part will inform the ministry about the actual implementation and sugar export prospects. After receiving a notification from the ministry regarding the termination of exports, the association pledged to take all necessary measures to inform the public.

Also, the Agrarian Policy and Food Ministry will facilitate measure to build up the export potential of sugar, for which it will hold negotiations with the EU on continuing duty-free and quota-free sugar exports to the EU, the press service said.

The memorandum comes into force from the date of signing and is valid until September 1, 2024.