On October 4, 2017, Kyiv hosted the special-purpose Silk Road Trade Finance conference organized by Joint Stock Company the State Export-Import Bank of Ukraine, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the International Chamber of Commerce.

The event’s key purpose was to promote development of international cooperation and trading relations between Ukraine, Asian and Middle East countries.

The forum was attended by officials and senior officers of the Government and the National Bank of Ukraine, Asian countries’ embassies, banks, export and insurance agencies, legal firms, representatives of large Asian corporate companies, including Samsung Corporation, Itochu Corporation, ZTE, as well as Ukrainian exporters and importers that cooperate with Asian and Middle East countries.

The latest trends in international trade, ways to enhance cooperation between banks and corporate customers, as well as issues and certain aspects of documentary business with Asian and Middle East countries were highlighted in the course of the Forum.

“Trade with Asian and Middle East countries that historically are Ukraine’s trading partners has a great growth potential”, commented Oleksandr Shchur, Member of the Board of Ukreximbank. “Ukreximbank applies all modern trade finance instruments; furthermore, it is the largest recipient of the EBRD credit facility under the Trade Facilitation Programme and, respectively, is ready to guide Ukrainian exporters and importers in order to promote trading relations”.

“Today we are the proud hosts of an unprecedented trade finance executive forum, which aims to cover the latest trends in trade and to facilitate interaction with new market players. It provides a platform for bringing together senior banking and legal professionals from Amman, Beijing, Cairo, Dubai, London, Tokyo, Taipei and Seoul, who can meet key Ukrainian partner banks and corporates that are engaged in trade with Asia and the Middle East. By running this conference, we are opening a new chapter in reviving trade links along the ancient Silk Road,” said Kamola Makhmudova, chair of the conference, and Senior Banker in the EBRD’s Financial Institutions team.

The forum is expected to become a traditional event in the international business community, annually play host to trade finance specialists from the countries across the world, and contribute to strengthening Ukraine’s positions in global trade.