Ukraine has a range of concerns about the position of the European Union in the talks on the creation of a free trade zone, Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov has said.
The rRelevant issues were discussed at a meeting between Azarov and European Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht in Kyiv on Thursday, a correspondent from Interfax-Ukraine reported.
"I would like to draw your attention to a range of issues that have to be discussed. These issues are ones of principle for us and require solutions," Azarov said at the meeting.
In particular, according to Azarov, Ukraine is concerned about giving up export subsidies in bilateral trade and giving up setting import prices for agricultural goods.
According the Ukrainian premier, Ukraine also would like to consider the issue of tariff quotas and a reduction in tariff duties.
"This means a gradual increase in quotas and a reduction in duty rates," he said.
In addition, Ukraine would like to give up using tool of trade protection in free trade, Azarov said.
"We are especially concerned about the situation in the service sector," Azarov said.
Another important issue, according to the Ukrainian premier, is motor transport, and Ukraine is also concerned about the issue of energy resources.
"We joined the Energy Charter and the exclusion of the free trade of energy resources makes our participation in the European Energy Charter almost unreasonable," Azarov said.
The premier also noted that this was not the full list of Ukraine's concerns.
