Why have Ukraine and China not had high-level visits in recent years?
“Indeed, there have not been many official visits at the high level between the two nations in recent years. However, many of them did not happen for technical reasons.
We had planned the visit of ex-President Viktor Yushchenko to China in 2008 during the Olympic, but the circumstances did not permit him to come. We also invited ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to meet during the Davos Forum this year, but she was substituted by Vice Premier Hryhoriy Nemyrya. And still three members of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China visited Ukraine last year.
That’s why the meeting of the two leaders, Ukrainian President Victor Yanukovych and Chinese President Hu Jintao, during the nuclear security summit in Washington D.C. this April gave a huge impulse towards intensifying bilateral relations.
Discussion of China’s involvement in Ukraine infrastructural projects related to the Euro 2012 [soccer championship] took place already under Tymoshenko’s government. However, after the Washington meeting, projects are entering the stage of actual implementation.
China is also particularly interested in deepening ties in aerospace, defense and scientific sectors, and certainly agriculture.
In May, we are expecting the foreign minister of China to visit Ukraine and the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry to visit China later on this year. The Ukrainian president has already accepted the invitation of the Chinese president during the Washington summit to visit China this year.
All these visits will definitely have enormous impact on mutual cooperation. China considers Ukraine an extremely important partner.”
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and People’s Republic of China President Hu Jintao during their meeting at April 11-14 nuclear security summit held in Washington, D.C. The Chinese leader invited Yanukovych to China later this year, the first top-level visit between the nations for many years. Ukraine is obviously interested in Chinese investment, while China has expressed interest in deepening ties with Ukraine’s aerospace, defense and agricultural industries, among others. (Courtesy)
What are the pitfalls?
“Chinese nationals and businesses face extreme difficulties in obtaining legal resident and work permits. And many illegal immigrants from China would certainly prefer to run their business and live legally in Ukraine; however, it’s very hard to get authorization.
Security is another concern. Due to the instable situation in Ukraine, Chinese nationals often become victims of muggers and street gangs. In 2007, three Chinese female students almost died as a result of such a case. We are often informed about racist attacks, particularly aimed at vulnerable student community.
Chinese also often fall victims of extortion practices coming from Ukrainian law enforcement bodies.”
Many foreign business communities struggle with unclear and changing Ukrainian legislation. Is that the case with Chinese businesses as well?
“It’s not even the main problem. The Ukrainian legislation base is actually improving with each year. However, when it comes to actual implementation of this legal base, the human factor steps into the picture, bringing corruption and abuse of authority.”
Can you tell us more about Chinese investors in Ukraine?
“Chinese businessmen do not know much about Ukraine, its economy and vast possibilities. They need to have it explained to them. Ukraine is definitely lacking in promotion of its market abroad.
And my message to Ukrainian leadership would be to create the most comfortable conditions for Chinese investors on Ukrainian market, if you expect them to come.”
What about Ukraine’s understanding of China?
“During Soviet times, many Chinese students attended Ukrainian universities and Ukrainian back then had already gained certain knowledge and concepts about China.
Modern Ukrainians obviously express great interest towards ancient Chinese philosophy, martial arts, dance, hieroglyphics, etc. Every year, the number of students willing to master Chinese increases as well. And the Wushu Association in Ukraine has some 10,000 members.
While the interest is high, the actual level of understanding of China in Ukraine still remains very low. And that’s something we have to work on mutually.”
What’s your message to the Chinese community in Ukraine?
“Ukraine is a country of broad opportunities. Come to Ukraine, seize your chance. Work hard and contribute to the development of Ukraine and mutual cooperation between the two nations.”
China at a glance
Population: 1.3 billion people.
Ethnic Origins: Chinese: 91.9 percent; minorities: 8.1 percent.
Official Language: Mandarin.
Religion: Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism, as well as Christian and Muslim minorities.
Type of State: The People’s Republic of China is a communist state. Deng Xiaoping had suggested the phrase “market socialism” to reflect the capitalist evolution. The Chinese Communist Party allows little political dissent or free speech.
Type of economy: Country with the highest gross domestic product growth rate in the world over the last 10 years, although much of the population remains in poverty.
GDP: $8.789 trillion
Per capita gross domestic product 2009: $6,600
Ukraine-China facts:
Bilateral Trade Turnover: 2009- $5.7 billion.
Export from China to Ukraine: 2009 – $3.6 billion
Import from Ukraine to China: 2009 – $2.17 billion
China’s investment into Ukrainian economy: $15.9 million
Major commodities exported from China to Ukraine: textile products, automobiles, equipment and mechanisms, footwear, headwear, haberdashery.
Major commodities exported from Ukraine to China: mineral ores, semiprecious stones, equipment and mechanisms (nuclear reactors, boilers, etc).
Kyiv Post staff writer Nataliya Bugayova can be reached at [email protected].
Read also ‘World in Ukraine: Ukraine hopes for China investment’ byNataliya Bugayova and Maryana Polyakova.
