A post-Brexit UK-Ukraine free trade pact should be negotiated as soon as possible by Britain and Ukraine

A post-Brexit UK-Ukraine free trade pact should be negotiated as soon as possible by Britain and Ukraine, Bate C. Toms, chair of the British-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, told an investment conference in Kyiv on Tuesday. “Brexit offers huge possibilities for Ukraine,” Toms said, referring to Britain’s scheduled March 30 exit from the EU. Noting that Ukraine’s free trade pact with the EU limits food exports, Toms said: “The UK imports half of its food — and the UK is the biggest food importer in Europe and Ukraine is Europe’s biggest exporter.” He predicted that protectionist protests by British farmers would be limited: “Two thirds of UK food production is meat and dairy — and cheap feed is what they need.” The possibility for an FTA will be discussed during Ukraine Week in London, Oct. 8-14. He predicted a new agreement could be in place next year.