Ukraine and France sign four intergovernmental agreements worth €1 billion 300 million
Today, May 13, four intergovernmental agreements were signed in the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, during the working visit of the Minister of Economy, Finance and Reconstruction of the French Republic Bruno le Mere.
The signing of important documents was the result of the long and effective work of the Ukrainian-French Commission on Economic Cooperation, which is headed from the Ukrainian side by the Minister of Internal Affairs Arsen Avakov.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmyhal said that in 2020 the President of Ukraine approved a new National Security Strategy of Ukraine, which outlines 10 main priorities for further development. The French Republic is identified in this document as one of the strategic partners.
“Today we are opening a new page of bilateral cooperation between our countries. We are grateful to our French colleagues and friends who provide great assistance to Ukraine. I would especially like to thank the French Embassy in Ukraine and the Minister of Economy, Finance and Reconstruction of the French Republic Bruneau le Meru,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that the agreements signed today concern completely different areas. The largest project is the renewal of the fleet of freight electric locomotives of JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia”. However, all four Agreements are important and necessary for Ukraine, as all agreements provide for the localization of production at Ukrainian enterprises up to 35%. This will provide new jobs, experience of international cooperation and access to modern world technologies.
Co-chairman of the Joint Ukrainian-French Intergovernmental Commission, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov noted that all signed documents are of great importance for the strategic development of the industry.
“Projects to build an efficient water supply system in Kyiv and Luhansk region are equally important. In addition, there is the Prime Minister's Strategy, so we are signing an Agreement with Alstom on a strategically important industry - the railway,” he stressed.
Arsen Avakov, as co-chairman of the Joint Ukrainian-French Intergovernmental Commission, signed two agreements at once — on the joint production of 370 units of lifting machines for rescuers and a project to build an efficient water supply system in Kyiv.
Minister of Economy, Finance and Reconstruction of the French Republic Bruneau le Mer noted that France, together with President Emmanuel Macron, had made its choice in favor of Ukraine.
“Your country is a powerful state with significant economic potential. Ukraine and France have a lot in common and occupy leading positions in the agricultural sector and energy sector, therefore, in view of this, we must deepen our cooperation,” he said.
Bruno le Mer noted that the total amount of transactions is quite significant - 1 billion 300 million hryvnias. And a special role in the bilateral agreements was played by the co-chairman of the Joint Ukrainian-French Intergovernmental Commission, Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov.
The four signed intergovernmental agreements provide for:
Renewal of the fleet of freight electric locomotives of JSC “Ukrzaliznytsia”. 130 electric locomotives are expected to be delivered: 80 dual-system, 50 single-system machines. The cost of the project is 882.5 million euros. It is expected to create up to 7,000 new jobs.
Strengthening the protection of the population of Ukraine from emergency situations, namely the joint production of 370 units of lifting machines for rescuers at a height that is critically lacking for the firefighters of the Emergency Service of Ukraine. The cost of implementing the Agreement will be 300 million euros.
A project to improve water supply in the Luhansk region, by building new stations and drinking water networks. More than 20 settlements in the region will be provided with quality water. The cost is 70 million euros.
Project for the construction of an efficient water supply system in Kyiv. The quality of drinking water in the capital is expected to improve for more than 25% of local residents. The cost of the transaction is 70 million euros.
Recall that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine has already successfully implemented a project with the OSEA company on the construction of 20 state-of-the-art patrol boats for the State Border Guard Service, 5 of which will be built at the Nikolaev plant “Nibulon”. In addition, effective cooperation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the French company “Airbus Hellicopters” continues. The joint project includes the delivery of 10 modern helicopters - H-145, which are intended for the needs of the National Police, 24 helicopters - H-125, which will serve for the tasks of the State Border Service and 21 machines - H-225 for the National Guard and the State Emergency Service. A total of 55 modern French helicopters.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
