On August 24, 2013 Ukraine will celebrate 22 years of the Independence. Ukraine began a new life, having a strong potential inherited from the disintegrated Soviet Union. After two decades of the intensive work in order to transform national economy to the market one and strengthening the Government structures the young country has established itself well among world nations.

Yet the country has been showing economic growth for many years running.  In spite of the world financial crises Ukraine continues to show sustained development of its economy.

Now, thanks to the political stability established in the country, it has an investment climate favorable as never before. This means an opportunity to modernize the economy, introduce the latest technologies, build new factories, and create jobs. Ukraine could potentially become one of the leading countries in Europe with sufficient foreign direct and portfolio investment.

Ukraine is the important subject of the international relations. The main strategic aim of Ukraine is to become the full member of the European Union.  Meanwhile, the country maintains the good relationship with all countries of the World.  Today the determining of new trade and economic partners on all continents becomes one of the most important tasks for the foreign policy of the Country.

Malaysia was among the first countries, which recognized Ukraine's independence. Last year both countries celebrated the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral relationship.

Ukraine and Malaysia enjoy warm and friendly bilateral relations. Over the past years the Ukrainian-Malaysian collaboration has been developing successfully, especially in trade and economic areas. In particular, Ukraine has become one of the major exporters of Malaysian palm oil in the world and the largest in the Central and Eastern Europe. The bilateral cooperation in the chemical, steel and agricultural industries has been strengthened every year. During the first five months of 2013 the bilateral trade constituted about RM 918 million (Malaysian export RM 783 million and import RM 184 million).

It should be also noted active bilateral cooperation in military, technical and scientific spheres. Ukraine is one of the very few countries that can design and manufacture not only its own satellites but also rocket launchers. Two Malaysian satellites “TiungSAT-1” and “MEASAT-1” were launched by Ukrainian rockets. There are also good perspectives for the implementation of the bilateral projects in shipbuilding and aviation, as well as in the energy sector.

Ukraine and Malaysia have good experience of cooperation in higher education, during 22 years of independence in Ukrainian universities have been educated over 2,200 highly qualified Malaysian professionals. The most Ukrainian universities provide education in English for very reasonable prices. Specialists educated in Ukraine have been traditionally valued highly abroad. 

To further promote tourism development in Ukraine, the Government of Ukraine since the year 2011 considerably simplifies visa procedure for Malaysian citizens. Meanwhile, it is worth mentioning that the Government of Ukraine has started the negotiation process on partial abolition of visa requirements with Malaysia. Now the appropriate draft Agreement is in the final stages of approval by Malaysian Side and we hope that it could be already signed by the end of this year.