China-Ukraine trade: amid Russian attacks in Black Sea, Beijing promises Kyiv negotiator it will boost imports

China’s commerce vice-minister Ling Ji met Ukraine’s deputy minister of economy Taras Kachka, the first senior-level Ukrainian visit since invasion began

Ling called on Kyiv to effectively guarantee safety of personnel and property of Chinese companies in Ukraine and their legitimate rights and interests

Reading Time:3 minutes

Wheat is harvested in a field near Kivshovata village, Kyiv region, on Tuesday. China’s commerce vice-minister Ling Ji has told Ukraine’s Taras Kachka that Beijing is ready to work with Kyiv to “actively” develop bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Photo: AFP

Published: 5:55pm, 21 Jul 2023Updated: 6:52pm, 21 Jul 2023

China will increase its imports from Ukraine, it told Kyiv’s trade negotiator who was in Beijing for the first senior-level Ukrainian visit since the start of the Russian invasion.

The commitment was made at a time when Moscow’s recent attack on Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea affected grain exports destined for China and damaged a Chinese consulate.

Beijing was ready to work with Kyiv to “actively” develop bilateral economic and trade cooperation, advance the strategic partnership between the two countries and promote study towards freer trade, China’s commerce vice-minister Ling Ji said on Thursday when meeting the visiting Ukrainian deputy minister of economy, Taras Kachka.

“China is willing to expand imports of high-quality products from Ukraine,” the statement by the Chinese commerce ministry quoted Ling as saying.

01:34

Crimea bridge 'emergency' caused by Ukrainian surface drones, Russia says

According to the Chinese release, Kachka, who is also Ukraine’s trade negotiator, said Kyiv hoped to expand exports of agricultural products to China.