The UK and Ukraine have revealed plans to secure a new digital trade agreement to help Ukraine rebuild its economy and protect livelihoods following Russia’s invasion.
Total trade between the UK and Ukraine was worth £1.9bn in 2021 and UK exports of digitally delivered services accounted for 73% of all UK services exports to Ukraine in 2020.
The new agreement will aim to support Ukrainian businesses by cutting red tape and helping them to trade with the UK more efficiently through technology such as electronic transactions, e-signatures, and e-contracts, ministers insist.
International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “Putin’s brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine has had devastating human consequences. The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine and will use trade as a force for good to help the country rebuild its modern economy after this barbaric war.
“Our partnership with Ukraine will help them seize the brighter days ahead, and we will continue to do everything in our power to protect Ukrainian jobs, livelihoods and families.
Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK Vadym Prystaiko added: “The UK has shown unwavering support throughout this illegal invasion and the ties between our governments have never been closer.
“While we fight fearlessly for the freedom of our nation, many Ukrainians also look ahead to how we will rebuild our country. Strengthening our economic ties through this landmark digital trade agreement will support our IT industry, which is set to become a major driver of economic growth for our businesses and cities.”
The agreement follows a direct request from President Zelenskyy’s government, which has identified supporting the digital economy as one of its areas of focus for the recovery and reconstruction of the country.
In July the Trade Secretary also launched a new UK-Ukraine Infrastructure Taskforce, which is building partnerships between UK and Ukrainian businesses to help repair damaged and destroyed infrastructure including bridges and homes in and around Kyiv.
The marketing industry is also supporting Ukraine; in June, WPP and Zelenskyy’s government have joined forces to attract investment into the country and help rebuild its economy.
WPP agencies from Ukraine, Poland and Czech Republic will work with Ukraine minister of culture and information policy Oleksandr Tkachenko and his colleagues on ‘Advantage Ukraine’ to demonstrate that Ukraine is open for business.
Meanwhile, the UK Advertising Association and the CBI are supporting a European-wide scheme which gives Ukrainians access to UK job vacancies.
The platform, AdAid.eu, has been created by the Polish National Association SAR in collaboration with the Ukrainian National Association, and is designed to connect Ukrainian advertising professionals with employers from other European countries.
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