Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure and the EDGE international technical assistance project, funded by the government of Canada, on July 12 signed a joint action plan to support reforms in the maritime security sector.

According to the press service of the ministry, after the implementation of the planned activities, the Ukrainian maritime industry will approach international standards, which will help achieve better results when the country passes the audit of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in spring 2018.

"This audit is a good reason for us to completely change the maritime industry: we have made it competitive, open and effective. We have already updated the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, but it is extremely important for us that investors who enter the Ukrainian market feel comfortable and understand that their money brings efficiency both to their companies and to the industry as a whole," Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelyan said.

Ukraine for the first time will be audited by the IMO in February-March 2018. The subject of audit is the verification of Ukraine's compliance with international obligations in the maritime security sector. The action plan, in particular, provides for the promotion of implementation of relevant conventions in the country, strengthening public administration in the field of maritime security.