Photo – Government of Ukraine
July 2, 2024. KYIV, UKRAINE. On June 26-27, Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) joined a business delegation that travelled to Ukraine, led by the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development.
“Minister Ng’s visit to Kyiv was an important opportunity to strengthen commercial and people-to-people ties between Canada and Ukraine,” stated Chyczij. “As Russia continues to wage a genocidal war of aggression against Ukraine, Canada’s support is crucial in ensuring Ukraine’s victory against Russia. Increasing trade between Canada and Ukraine and promoting investment in Ukraine strengthens Ukraine’s economic resilience and benefits Canada’s private sector. It is a win-win-win – for Canada, for Ukraine and for freedom in Europe.”
The business delegation included representatives from sectors that are important to Ukraine’s immediate needs, such as cybersecurity (BlackBerry), defense (General Dynamics Land Systems), mining and industrial services (Cameco), and aerospace and defense (CAE).
The delegation participated in a CEO Round Table with Ukrainian business leaders, hosted by the CEO Club in Kyiv and the Canada Ukraine Chamber of Commerce. Canadian businesses have stressed the need for risk insurance for companies wanting to invest in Ukraine. Export Development Canada, recently signed an MOU with other export-credit agencies across the G7 to collaborate on this very issue.
Chyczij participated in meetings with Yulia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Economy of Ukraine, where Minister Ng and Deputy PM Svyrydenko issued a joint statement on the entrance into force of the updated Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement.
Minister Ng, Chyczij and the Canadian delegation paid tribute to Ukraine’s fallen Heroes, visiting the Wall of Remembrance near Mykhailivsky Sobor.
The Canadian delegation attended a Canada Day celebration organized by the Embassy of Canada to Ukraine. The delegation also toured a critical energy infrastructure site, where they saw the devastating impact of Russia’s targeted and systemic attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
Alexandra Chyczij’s interview with Espreso TV can be viewed below:
Minister Ng’s interview with the Kyiv Independent can be accessed below:
Canada trade minister: Revamped trade deal shows commitment to Ukraine for ‘decades to come’
