Japan's JETRO to open office in Ukraine

MOSCOW. Aug 20 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Economy Ministry has registered an office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to be opened in Kiev shortly.

"The opening of a JETRO office in Ukraine is a strategic step resulting from productive negotiations with the Japanese government, which ushers in a new era of cooperation between our two countries," Ukrainian media quoted Deputy Economy Minister and Trade Representative Taras Kachka as saying in a statement published on the ministry's website.

"We're seeking to create an appealing business environment that would attract Japanese investments and facilitate strong partnership between Ukrainian and Japanese companies," he said.

Japan plans to provide $188 million on economic recovery projects for Ukraine, focusing particularly on the energy sector, utilities, and critical infrastructure and on supporting businesses, Kachka said.

"The opening of a JETRO office will speed up the implementation of Japanese technologies in our country and open new markets for Japanese brand products to be manufactured in Ukraine," Kachka said.

JETRO is an independent administrative institution under the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to promote Japan's trade and economic cooperation with other countries.