Ukraine Trade Policy Project (TPP)

Status: Completed

IDG implemented the Ukraine Trade Policy Project (TPP) to expand export opportunities for Ukraine’s private sector, and to promote the diversification of the country’s export markets in a two-year project. In order to increase Ukraine’s ability and to address foreign trade pressures, IDG focused on the implementation of three project components:

  • Expanding Ukraine’s capacity to utilize tools available through the World Trade Organization (WTO) system
  • Improving communication and coordination of WTO issues within both the Government of Ukraine (GOU) and with external stakeholders
  • Assessing and improving Ukraine’s WTO compliance

Amongst other achievements, the Ukraine Trade Policy Project contributed to a nationwide Ukrainian anti-piracy campaign that included the production of three IP anti-piracy videos, which is still ongoing following the conclusion of the project.

Region

  • Europe and Eurasia

Country / Countries

  • Ukraine
Europe and Eurasia

Areas of Expertise

International Trade

IDG focused on capacity building to overcome barriers to trade in Ukraine using international trade tools. Through training sessions and analysis, IDG offered recommendations for public, private, and academic stakeholders in the areas of WTO compliance, EU integration, including anti-dumping trade remedies, DCFTA, EU Association Agreement alignment, e-commerce harmonization, and effective use of regional trade corridors.

Trade Facilitation

IDG guided the establishment of a modern Customs Clearance Zone (CCZ) at the Port of Odessa, which would allow the efficient clearance of imports. IDG also assisted in developing plans for a Single Window system, a centralized submission portal where cross-border traders can submit official documents for increased efficiency and cost savings. IDG worked with the Government of Ukraine to create laws that simplify and expedite customs clearance processes, decrease unnecessary customs inspections, and remove legal gaps in goods valuations.

Regional and Global Trade Agreements

IDG facilitated the Government of Ukraine and the Ukrainian’s private sector diversification into beneficial trading opportunities, including those provided by WTO and the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). With IDG’s support, Ukrainian officials participated in numerous meetings, forums, and other events with key WTO Members on regional and global issues of common interest. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT), the State Fiscal Service (SFS), and the private sector, IDG conducted a WTO conformity assessment of policies, laws, and regulations, which identified gaps in the trading framework and developed an action plan to ensure implementation of key WTO obligations, as well as the alignment of the regulatory framework with international standards.