also in this issue:

National Day Message by the Ambassador of Ukraine

Page 2

Wide opportunities of a brand new market in Europe

Page 3

TOP 7 places to visit in Ukraine

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Ukraine Digest, Friday, August 23, 2013

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ambassadors message

n August 24 Ukraine The 22nd Anniversary celebrates its 22nd Anof Ukraines niversary of IndependIndependence is a ence. milestone for our In 1991 Ukrainian people proved European aspirations. their choice of democratic and prosUkraine and the EU are perous Ukraine, free from the Soviet now at the final stage of legacy. As the Ambassador of Ukraine concluding the ambitious to the United Kingdom, I note with document - the Association particular pleasure that Great Britain Agreement. was among the very first countries to Volodymyr Khandogiy, The Deep and Comprehensive Free welcome this remarkable event. The Ukraines Ambassador to the UK Trade Area, which is a part of the Ukraines independence was recogagreement to be signed, will shape nised by the UK in December 1991. Summit in Vilnius this November. Ukraine-EU economic relations for This year marks the 22nd AnTo make it happen the Ukrainian years to come, opening additional opniversary of our Independence with Government worked out a detailed portunities for British and European Ukraine as a Chairman-in-Office of program of transformations in all companies in Ukraine. the OSCE. The OSCE Chairmanship spheres of life under European standSigning of the Association Agreeconstitutes an important moment ards, a road map of rapprochement ment will be a logical step for my for my country and we use this time with the EU, a tool for consolidation country, which will confirm Ukraines to work together with our partners of European values. There is still much intensions to remain in the Eurotowards a better Europe. We set tasks to be done, but Ukraine demonstrates pean family. Ukrainians have always to strengthen democracy and human quite a remarkable progress in this considered themselves as belongrights within European framework, area. The reforms, which we have ing to the European nations. This to develop economic and political undertaken, are aimed to adjust our corresponds with a vision of wider cooperation and energy security. market, its industrial and agricultural Europe by the United Kingdom. BritThe 22nd Anniversary of Ukraines capacities to the European economic ish Prime Minister David Cameron Independence is has emphasised that the also a milestone Signing of the Association Agreement will be European Union should for our European a logical step for Ukraine, which will confirm extend its membership aspirations. Ukraine its intensions to remain in the European deeper into the former and the EU are now family. Ukrainians have always considered Soviet Union. at the final stage themselves as belonging to the European nations. This weekend more of concluding the than 45 million of ambitious document - the Associaarea. Implementing these reforms Ukrainians will be celebrating the Intion Agreement. A great deal of work means that European business will re- dependence Day with the firm belief has been already done the docuceive an opportunity to operate freely that Ukraine will enjoy the support ment has been initialled and ready within the Ukrainian market based on of its partners and become closer to for signing at the Eastern Partnership clear standards and rules. Europe.

www.ukremb.org.uk

Friday, August 23,1, 2013 Ukraine Digest, Thursday, August 2013

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economy

Ukraine is a thriving market on the cross-roads of major trade routes, represented by 46 mln dynamic and well educated consumers with a highly developed transport infrastructure and banking system

Due to a strong emphasis on engineering, mathematics and the sciences Ukraine has a highly educated and skilled labour force. The IT industry in Ukraine is booming

A considerable number of British/ International companies are already successfully operating in Ukraine including BP, Royal Dutch Shell, British Airways, etc.

The volume of bilateral trade between Ukraine and the UK exceeded US$3.1 billion in 2012. In the first quarter of 2013 bilateral trade rose by 32%

Ukraine has 5 cities with a population over 1 million people and 13 with a population of more than 300,000 people and a fast growing sophisticated and young middle class

Ukraine possesses Europes thirdlargest shale gas deposits of 1.2 trillion cubic metres

30% of the worlds black soil resources; the worlds largest sunflower oil exporter in 2012 and ranking high in the global wheat and coarse grain exporters in 2013

Ukraine is in the worlds top 5 countries of major space capabilities and is a significant exporter of conventional defence equipment to some 60 countries

A huge industrial potential including engineering design and aerospace giving rise to the largest aircraft ever built

www.ukremb.org.uk

Ukraine Digest, Friday, August 23, 2013

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tourism

Crimea is a fascinating region to

explore, as well as a great place to spend a vacation. Crimean resorts is a prime vacation destination for millions of tourists from all over the world. Crimean health resorts are famous for their mineral waters as well as wines. The temperature of the water of the Black Sea usually ranges between 2225C during summer months and is usually warm enough to swim in untill late October

Kamyanets-Podilsky,

one of the oldest cities in Ukraine, is considered a phenomenon of great cultural importance. A rocky island skirted by the tight loop of the Smotrich River flowing in a picturesque canyon, served as a unique pedestal on which over more than a thousand years both well-known and anonymous masters created a miracle in stone. Kamyanets-Podilsky is striking for the harmonious blend of landscape and architecture.

Odesa is referred to as the Pearl of

the Black Sea is the 3rd largest city in Ukraine, the largest city along the Black Sea, and the most important city of Ukraine for trade. Odesas mild climate, warm waters and sunlit beaches attract hundreds of thousands of people year around. Its shady lanes, beautiful lightly pastel buildings and cozy squares impart to the city a certain air of intimacy. Odesa is simply enchanting with its marvelous architecture. Odesas history as a thriving enterprise has left the city with some splendid architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries and a multifaceted, irrepressible spirit.

Ukraine is a jewel on the worlds tourist map. It welcomed over 21.9 mln tourists in 2011 and successfully co-hosted the UEFA European football championship in 2012.

www.ukremb.org.uk

Ukraine Digest, Friday, August 23, 2013

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tourism

Easy to travel

No visas required - British citizens have not required a visa for short-term travels to Ukraine. Less than two days overland to the Ukrainian border. Three hours by air; 3 daily return flights LondonKyiv as well as 3 low-cost flights per week from Luton. Other connections through major EU airports.

Lviv is the pulsating heart of Ukraine, and the

main square, pl Rynok, is the bustling heart of Lviv. Plonked in the middle is the huge ratusha (town hall), around which mill clutches of camera-toting tourists and quick-footed locals. The aroma of freshly milled coffee beans wafts across the square from the citys legendary cafes, and summer tables tumble out across the Habsburg-era cobbles as old Soviet-era trams rumble past.

Around 83,260 British nationals visited Ukraine last year. Carpathian Mountains are considered to be the Green
Pearl of Ukraine. A beautiful mix of natural areas, forests, meadows, shepherds and humans living in harmony with nature is what makes the mountains so ttractive to tourists. Its soothing wooded slopes, rough stony trails, flower-filled upland pastures and wide, snaking valleys make this prime hiking, biking and skiing territory. Needless to say, the Carpathians are home to Ukraines highest peak, Mt Hoverla, a fairly easy trek from nearby villages, as well as several ski resorts.

The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve

Kyiv is one of the most charming and exquisite European

cities.Walking through its historic center, one experiences the vibrancy of a small college town, a place packed with young people and street life. Yet the city panorama is one of a kind, from magnificent cathedrals to wooded river walks. One of the most charming strolls in the city is along Andriyivsky Uzviz. Often referred to as Kyivs Montmartre, it offers an eclectic mix of flea markets and galleries where one can find original crafts. Small galleries off the beaten path represent the work of local painters. Ukrainian art is a promising market with good prices.

is Europes largest wetland, located in a huge delta in Ukraines far southwest where the Danube dumps its cargo of water and silt into the Black Sea. Few make the effort to reach this far-flung chunk of fertile Ukrainian territory, but those who do are rewarded with some astoundingly beautiful scenery, colourful birdlife, memorable days out on the water and serene evenings in drowsy Vylkovo, nicknamed the Ukrainian Venice thanks to its network of canals.

For more information, please, contact Oksana Kyzyma, Press Secretary of the Embassy of Ukraine to the UK Issue #20, August 23, 2013

Tel.: 020 7727 6312 E-mail: press@ukremb.org.uk Address: 60 Holland Park, London W11 3SJ

In the preparation of this issue materials of traveltoukraine.org, lonelyplanet.com were used