Press Service of the Vice Prime Minister
Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, August 2, 2010 

SERHIY TIHIPKO: THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR OBSTRUCTING UKRAINIAN GRAIN EXPORTS SHOULD BE PUNISHED

Press Service of Vice Prime Minister, Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, Aug 2, 2010

KYIV - Any government decisions that result in illegal delays of exported grain must be immediately withdrawn, Vice Prime Minister Serhiy Tihipko said today at a meeting during which government interference in the export of grain was discussed.

The meeting chaired by the vice prime minister was attended by representatives of the State Customs Service, Ukrzaliznytsia, State Committee for Regulatory Policy and Entrepreneurship as well as grain exporters [and representatives of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) and the Ukrainian Agrarian Confederation.]   

According to Tihipko, this year’s grain yield is expected to be close to 40 million tons. Taking into account the approx. 6 million tons of remaining carry-over grain, Ukraine fully meets domestic demand and can export 17 million tons of grain.

UNLAWFUL BLOCKING OF GRAIN EXPORTS
“There are no economic reasons to prevent grain export,” believes Tihipko. The vice prime minister stressed that recent unlawful decisions by the State Customs Service and Ukrzaliznytsia resulted in the blocking of grain exports.

“As a result of such unlawful actions, agricultural producers and exporters are suffering losses, and the business and investment climate in Ukraine is worsening, having a negative impact on the country’s international image,” said the government official. 

Tihipko pointed out that current conditions are favorable for the sale of Ukrainian grain. “By preventing the export of grain, government officials are depriving farmers of the money their earned,” stressed the vice prime minister.

THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR HUGE LOSSES TO BUSINESS AND STATE SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE
Tihipko also told meeting participants that he will demand that those responsible for creating obstacles and hindering business be punished. “The responsibility of business and government must be mutual. If tax evasion is a criminal offense, then those officials responsible for causing huge losses to business and the state should also be held accountable.”

NOTIFY CABINET OF MINISTERS ON ANY GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE OR RESTRICTION OF BUSINESS
Letters signed by the vice premier demanding an urgent halt in legally tyranny have already been sent to government agencies (including the Prosecutor General of Ukraine). Serhiy Tihipko also urged representatives of business, professional associations and industry groups to notify the Cabinet of Minister Council of Entrepreneurs on any government interference or restriction of business.

LINK: http://www.kmu.gov.ua/control/uk/publish/article?art_id=243566232&cat_id=243316861