Japan Supports Ukraine on Its Way to WTO

Tokyo supports Kyiv’s aspirations to become WTO member and hopes to sign as soon as possible a bilateral Ukrainian-Japanese protocol, On Access to Goods and Service Markets, needed for WTO entry, stated Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi during her visit to Ukraine, which ended on September 2, 2003. Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych expressed his hope for an influx of Japanese investment and further development of Ukrainian-Japanese business relations.

President Kuchma also spoke about Ukraine’s interest in deepening cooperation with Japan. In his words, “Tokyo’s peaceful policy is an important factor of global stability.” The head of state also mentioned Ukraine’s interest in intensifying economic cooperation with Japan, primarily in the investment sphere. The total volume of Japanese investment in Ukraine as of April 1, 2003, was $3.83 million, or approximately 0.1% of the total volume of foreign investment, with Japan in 26th place among the countries investing in Ukraine, reports Interfax. Leonid Kuchma made separate mention of his gratitude to Japan for active support and aid to Ukraine in implementing Chornobyl-related programs.

During the negotiations with then Foreign Minister Zlenko, who was replaced immediately after Minister Kawaguchi’s departure, an agreement was reached that Japan considers the possibility of helping Ukraine in the spheres of liquidating solid rocket fuel and ecological safety.