Businesses in the UK and Ukraine are expected to be boosted as a digital trade deal between the two countries comes into force . The UK – Ukraine Digital Trade Agreement ( DTA ) is one of the world ‘ s first digital – only agreements , with physical trading systems currently unavailable due to the war . Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the deal aims to modernize trading relationships and encourage ” greater digitalization of the economy .” Reynolds said : ” We ‘ re modernizing our trade relationship with Ukraine with one of the world ‘ s first digital only trade agreements . ” Greater digitalization of the economy is an important step in supporting Ukraine ‘ s economy and their fight for independence . This government will continue to lead the way in our unwavering support for Ukraine and its people .” Ukraine is one of the largest exporters of information technology services globally , with areas such as outsourcing , cybersecurity , artificial intelligence ( AI ) and mobile applications
in rapid development before the war . The deal is part of the UK ‘ s plan to aid Ukraine ‘ s post – conflict transition to a digital economy , with over half of our services exports to Ukraine already digitally delivered . Ukraine ‘ s first deputy prime minister and minister of economy Yulia Svyrydenko said : ” The support of Ukraine from the United Kingdom is unprecedented . We have felt it from the very first days of the full – scale war . The digital trade agreement between our countries is another manifestation of solidarity and support . ” Implementing this agreement will deepen Ukraine ‘ s participation in global supply chains , foster the development of small and medium – sized businesses , maintain free access for Ukrainian IT companies to the UK digital markets , and provide crucial support to our economy during the war and in the post – war reconstruction period .” dpa pa dge
Source: The Namibia News Agency