Richer access for Icelandic products to Ukraine

An updated free trade agreement between the EFTA States and Ukraine was signed in Kiev in Ukraine today. Logi Einarsson, Minister of Culture, Innovation and University, signed the agreement on behalf of Iceland.

This is stated in Announcement from the Government of Iceland.

The agreement stipulates improved market terms for product trade between Iceland and Ukraine, but negotiations on the update lasted from 2023 until the end of last year.

Logi says in a conversation with mbl.is The new issue in the contract reflects today’s business reality and refers to the rules on electronic commerce, on small and medium -sized businesses and sustainable business.

Everyone benefits from free trade

« Then, of course, there are additional updates. This includes greater access for Icelandic meat products, processed foods and sweets while Ukraine can import vegetables, grains, processed foods and beverages to some extent. »

Thus, the minister says that exporters on both sides of the negotiating table benefit from the updates and adds, in line with the spirit of the day, that everyone benefits from free trade.

Enough in the backyard

Flame is on his first visit to Ukraine after Russia began invading a neighboring state in 2022.

He says it is very remarkable to be there.

« It’s peaceful. Of course, you see a lot of soldiers and police, who are like that, but we haven’t been aware of sirens or anything for the last 24 hours. We understand that the last 24 hours have been the only quiet day for a very long time, » says Logi.

He says it is scary to know about the backyard in the backyard.

« Right now when I’m talking to you, I’m on the new rehabilitation and production center of Ossur, which they are coming up with, and here are of course some former soldiers who are enjoying their services. »

Flame then tells about a visit to a cemetery in Kiev from this morning. « Yes, we visited this morning a cemetery that has become far too full of new tombs of young people, so this is so tangible in that sense. »

He says that people do not want to let the situation destroy their lives. « People are on the stroll and cafes and such, as daily life is in more peaceful places. »

Visits UNESCO offices

The minister will also use the trip and attend the UNESCO offices, education, science and the United Nations Cultural Institute, in the city.

« We are going up to UNESCO afterwards and hearing the sound in them. Since then we have had incidental conversations with other ministers who have been here, » says Logi, but the minister and suite say goodbye to Knaugarð early in the morning and go to Warsaw in Poland by bus.

« It will be about a 10 -hour bus ride to Warsaw and then just home, » says Logi.