Chamber unites with Ukraine counterparts on key date
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce has lent support to counterparts in Ukraine - as the country marks a significant day in its history.
As well as being the 31st anniversary of Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union, today also marks six months since the beginning of the Russian invasion.
The conflict has led to widespread condemnation from the international community and unparalleled action from leaders around the world.
In a show of support for colleagues at the Kyiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the GBCC welcomed trade advisor Dmytro Bespalov to Birmingham.
Mr Bespalov joined the GBCC 's international director Mandy Haque for a tour of Birmingham Wholesale Markets where future opportunities were identified for when the Ukraine is able to resume its full trade programme with the UK.
Mandy Haque, the Chamber 's international director, said: “The business community here in Greater Birmingham has been united in shock at Russia 's invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts remain with the Ukrainian people whose lives have been devastated by the crisis.
“It was a pleasure to be able to meet with Dmytro and welcome him to Birmingham at what is, of course, a very difficult time.
“Although trade between the UK and Ukraine is difficult right now, it is important that we maintain links with our Chamber colleagues in Kyiv to ensure that businesses are ready when the time is right for trade to resume in full. ”
In the four quarters to the end of Q1 2022 - prior to the Russian invasion - total trade in goods and services between the UK and Ukraine was worth £1.9 billion, according to the Department for International Trade (DIT).
The top five goods exported from the UK to Ukraine during this period were specialised machinery, cars, medicinal and pharmaceutical products and textile fibres other chemicals.
The UK 's top five goods imported from Ukraine were iron and steel, vegetable oils and fats, cereals, oil-seeds and oleaginous fruits and animal feeding stuffs.
Andrew Barnes, general manager of Birmingham Wholesale Markets, said: “We delighted to welcome Dmytrov to Birmingham Wholesale Markets.
“We were able to introduce him to a number of tenants - and potential opportunities for trade with Ukraine were identified.
“We look forward to welcoming him again in the future when the time is right to progress trade links with Ukraine. ”
Pictured: Mandy Haque, Dmytrov Bespalov and Andrew Barnes