PUTRAJAYA, Aug 4 — Malaysia and Ukraine have agreed to expedite the setting up of a joint trade commission to enhance two-way business and trade potentials.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in a joint press conference with visiting President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, after their bilateral meetings here today, said they discussed the possibility of Malaysian companies participating in long-term projects such as healthcare and tourism in Ukraine.

Both leaders also agreed there were possibilities for Malaysian companies to take part in airport management, highway construction and toll management, power generation and public housing, he said.

“As a result of this, enthusiasm for Malaysian companies to participate, we agree to participate in the joint trade commission as soon as possible to allow our companies to participate in privatisation projects in Ukraine,” he said.

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To increase the tourist arrivals, Najib said, Malaysia and Ukraine agreed to begin discussions on visas on arrival to facilitate more visitors from Malaysia to Ukraine and vice versa.

Najib, in welcoming Poroshenko’s maiden official visit to Malaysia, said it would enhance the people-to-people relations, especially the business community.

Meanwhile, Poroshenko said, Ukraine had considered Malaysia as one of the important partners in Asia-Pacific.

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He said there was mutual interest to expand the whole spectrum of bilateral relation to boost the trade and economic relations.

Poroshenko said Ukraine had a lot to offer Malaysia and among the issues discussed today were aircraft supply and provision of food products.

On the agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income which Malaysia and Ukraine inked today, Poroshenko said, it would provide business opportunities and encourage the investors of both countries to revive business quantum. — Bernama