OREANDA-NEWS. May 30, 2013. While the official visit to the Republic of Finland Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, OSCE Chairman-in-Office Leonid Kozhara met with representatives of the Finnish business community, led by the Director General of the Central Union of business life Jyri Jukka Hakamies.

The meeting was attended by leaders of more than 20 leading companies, which are successfully operating on the Ukrainian market, including Konecranes, UPM, Orion Pharma, Metso, KONE Lifts, Cargotec.

Minister L.Kozhara informed about the progress of structural reforms aimed at consolidation favorable investment and business climate in Ukraine. He emphasized the irreversibility of the elected by Ukraine the strategic course towards European integration. In this context, the Minister said that the signing of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement in November, which provides for the establishment of a free trade agreement (FTA) is a common task for Ukraine and for our partners from EU member states.

In turn, the Finnish business representatives expressed full support for the conclusion of the Agreement.

As part of an open debate it was discussed issues of doing business in Ukraine, particularly in the context of tax, customs and judicial reforms.

Following the discussion Finnish side noted sequence of Ukrainian leadership in addressing issues of foreign investors. It also expressed satisfaction with the efforts of both governments aimed at strengthening relations between by Ukraine and Finland in trade, economic and investment spheres.

Summarizing the discussion, L.Kozhara emphasized the openness of Ukrainian authorities to constructive dialogue with the business community.