Agricultural trade expansion took a significant step forward on Monday. Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Ma Shengkun met with two Ukrainian officials in Kyiv. He met with Iryna Ovcharenko, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture. He also met with Serhii Tkachuk, head of the State Service on Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Ambassador Ma signed a protocol with Tkachuk on behalf of China’s General Administration of Customs. The protocol covers inspection, quarantine, and sanitary requirements for Ukrainian wheat flour exported to China.
Ambassador Ma spoke positively about China-Ukraine cooperation in the agricultural sector. He stated that the signing of the protocol will further expand bilateral agricultural trade. It will also enrich the content of the China-Ukraine strategic partnership. Ma emphasized that agricultural cooperation between the two countries is highly complementary. He noted that this cooperation holds great potential for both nations. China is willing to further strengthen relevant cooperation with Ukraine. The goal is to benefit the peoples of both countries.
Ovcharenko stated that China is Ukraine’s largest trading partner. China also serves as an important destination for Ukrainian agricultural exports. She expressed confidence that the protocol will create a new growth point for bilateral agricultural trade. Ovcharenko thanked both negotiating teams for their long-term efforts. Those efforts focused on securing bilateral protocols on market access for agricultural products. She said Ukraine is willing to continue expanding the range of agricultural products it exports to China.
Tkachuk provided assurances about product quality and standards. He said Ukraine will ensure the quality of agricultural products exported to China. Ukraine will also maintain high standards for all shipments. Tkachuk expressed willingness to work with the Chinese side on further cooperation. Both countries aim to strengthen agricultural trade significantly. They also want to enhance the position of their agricultural products in the international market.
Moreover, the signing comes at a strategically important time for Ukraine. The country continues to face economic challenges due to the ongoing war with Russia. Agricultural exports remain a vital source of foreign currency for Kyiv. China has become an increasingly important trading partner for Ukraine in recent years. The wheat flour protocol follows previous agreements on corn, barley, and sunflower oil. Ukraine hopes to diversify its agricultural exports to reduce dependency on European markets. China seeks reliable food supplies to feed its large population.
Both sides expect to negotiate additional product protocols. Potential future agreements could cover meat, dairy, and processed foods. Ukrainian officials have expressed interest in accessing China’s massive consumer market. Chinese importers have shown growing demand for high-quality Ukrainian products. The war has disrupted traditional Black Sea shipping routes for Ukrainian exports. However, alternative land and river routes have kept trade flowing. Both capitals view agricultural cooperation as a pillar of their bilateral relationship.
