The Ukrainian Seaports Authority (USPA) and Qatar Ports Management Company (MWANI Qatar) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides for cooperation on increasing cargo volumes between Ukrainian and Qatari seaports, particularly increasing Ukrainian grain exports, the CFTS portal reports, citing the Ministry of Infrastructure.
The document provides for Qatari investments in Ukrainian port infrastructure, primarily operation of the ports of Olvia and Kherson as concessions, as well as cooperation in the port of Yuzhny.
"The signing of the memorandum opens the way for future implementation of many projects, which we discussed in detail with the general director of Qatar Ports Management Company (MWANI Qatar), Abdulla Al Khanji, during his visit to the ports of Yuzhny and Odesa. Primarily, this involves operation of the ports of Olvia and Kherson as concessions. Qatar is also very interested in cooperation in the port of Yuzhny, which, in accordance with the USPA’s strategy, will start processing the largest vessels that can pass through the Bosporus in the coming years," said Raivis Veckagans, the head of the USPA.
As reported, a delegation from the Ukrainian Ministry of Infrastructure presented draft projects for concession and privatization of Ukrainian seaports during a visit to Qatar in January. "Agreement was reached on cooperation in the maritime industry, on concession projects and privatization of Ukraine's seaports, and on development of a Europe-Asia hub. We expect a Qatari delegation to visit Ukraine to discuss this issue in the near future," said Minister of Infrastructure Volodymyr Omelian.
