The long-awaited "grain agreement" between representatives of Ukraine, Turkey, the UN and the Russian Federation has been in effect for more than a month. Since then, more than 1,5 million tons of grain have passed through the ports of Odesa, Yuzhnoye, and Chornomorsk. However, these indicators are still disproportionate to that year's exports, because in 2021, Ukraine exported 84 million tons of grain.
This was discussed at the panel discussion "Consequences of Russian aggression on global food security", the participants of which were the delegation of the Parliament of Great Britain, diplomats from the USA and representatives of the World Food Program. At the invitation of the Regional Development Agency, they met with members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and representatives of Ukrainian business.
One of the main problems in the export of food by river and sea routes is the Sulin canal controlled by Romania. There are long queues due to the small number of pilots working with ships, therefore, in the future, the range of goods exported through this "corridor" should be expanded.
Another important problem is that the grain production technology in Ukraine is outdated and needs updating. And due to the increase in prices on the world market and the increase in the cost of transporting goods, Ukrainian farmers will not receive a profit.
As Oleksandr Seleznyov, an Odesa businessman, emphasized, now the freight costs about 100 dollars, which means that the Ukrainian manufacturer does not receive this money.
"The thing is, the buyer pays the market price, and our farmers don't get that $100. And with prices that started around $120 at the beginning of the season, these are direct losses for our farmers. Therefore, if courts come here with fertilizers or raw materials for our industry, this money will be saved and it will finally reach the farmers," said Oleksandr Seleznyov.
Also, as Oleksiy Zlenskyi, director of the ARR, said, the Agency managed to find investors for the development of maritime business in Odesa. In particular, one of the investment companies agreed to repair several terminals in the Reni port.
In particular, the restoration of the Rhenia port will allow to expand the amount of exports, which will help not only the countries dependent on Ukraine in terms of length, but also restore our economy. After all, river, sea, road and rail transport passes through this transport hub.
"The regional development agency of the Odesa region cannot influence the war, but we can find investments for the development of maritime business in the region. We already have a lot of applications from potential investors," said Oleksiy Zlenskyi.
