Ukraine has successfully exported nearly 1.5 million tonnes of agricultural products through a new alternative corridor, which was developed after Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. This information was cited by Oleksandr Kubrakov, Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Recovery and Infrastructure Minister, during the 6th German-Ukrainian Economic Forum.
“The No. 1 condition for the restoration of the economy is the ability to export through the deep-water ports in the Black Sea. From the moment Russia pulled out of the grain agreement, we started working on a new alternative corridor. And we’re already seeing the positive results – nearly 1.5 million metric tons have been exported,” emphasized Minister Kubrakov.
Kubrakov also mentioned that between August 2022 and July 2023, 32.9 million tonnes of agricultural products were shipped to Africa, Asia, and Europe. He stressed the importance of focusing on export logistics in order to handle larger volumes.
“The Danube plays a crucial role in this regard. When the ports in Odesa region weren’t operational, it accounted for almost 50% of all imports and exports. This serves as a major alternative route for us,” Kubrakov explained. He added that approximately 85% of the Dnipro gateways are in critical condition, requiring an investment of $165 million for modernization.
In the background, Russia’s withdrawal from the grain deal has resulted in 17 significant attacks on Ukraine and a subsequent 40% reduction in the export potential of Ukrainian ports.
However, Ukraine managed to resume the operation of the Greater Odessa ports independently, thanks to specific military actions, including an attack on a Russian landing ship in August. The three ports of the Greater Odessa are Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi.
After Russia unilaterally withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Ukraine opened registration for merchant ships and their owners to access temporary routes to and from the Odesa ports. The first vessel to utilize the Ukrainian Black Sea corridor arrived in Istanbul, Turkey, on August 18.
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