Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Sergiy Tigipko says increase of Ukraine's exports to Asian countries a foreign policy priority.

"It is very difficult for many Ukrainian manufacturers, in particular engineering plants, to finish on European and U.S. markets; hence, there is potentially high demand for their production in Asian and Middle Eastern countries. The government should form conditions that will help them enter these markets," Tigipko noted at a World Bank workshop.

Tigipko mentioned that to raise exports to Asian countries is especially important, considering the fact that international financial organizations forecast the economic growth rate in the European Union will be lower than that in Asian countries.

Ukraine's authorities have to focus specifically on this issue when promoting traditional Ukrainian export goods such as metallurgical, chemical, engineering, and agricultural goods.

Tigipko added the Cabinet of Ministers had launched to draft an agreement on the set-up of a free trade zone with Turkey.

Tigipko mentioned Ukraine should simplify its visa procedures for potential investors, particularly those from the Middle East, as well as the procedures for registering investments.