Ukraine is finalizing preparations for negotiations on the "industrial visa-free" agreement, according to Shmyhal.

The Cabinet of Ministers plans to finalize all internal preparations for negotiations on signing the "industrial visa-free" agreement with the European Union in the near future.

This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a government meeting reported.

According to him, only one bill remains to be approved, which the government intends to submit to the Verkhovna Rada shortly. After this, Ukraine will be able to move on to the official process of concluding the agreement.

"The industrial visa-free regime is a unique tool for supporting Ukrainian businesses and integrating into the European economy, which involves mutual recognition of product certification. This will enhance export opportunities and reduce bureaucracy and the time required for Ukrainian goods to enter the European market,” Shmyhal explained.

He noted that one of the reasons for this success was the "economic visa-free regime," whereby most Ukrainian goods enter the EU without tariffs, duties, and quotas. The government aims to discuss its extension with the EU and solidify it on a permanent basis through amendments to the Association Agreement.

Discussions with the EU will also cover the extension of the "transport visa-free regime," which means that Ukrainian road carriers no longer require special permits. Last year, exports by road transport reached over 10 million tons valued at $14.7 billion, which is a 5% increase compared to 2023.

Background. Previously, Mind reported that candidate status for EU membership opens new opportunities for Ukrainian businesses. One of these is the "industrial visa-free regime," or the ACAA Agreement, which aims to eliminate technical trade barriers for industrial products between Ukraine and the EU. The parties have been working towards this event for nearly 18 years. After the agreement is signed, Ukrainian manufacturers will be able to label their products with the CE mark and sell them in EU countries without additional certification. Potentially, the ACAA agreement could cover up to one-fifth of Ukrainian exports to the European Union. Moreover, Ukrainian products recognized by the EU will find it easier to enter other global markets.