Saudi Arabia interested in coeration with Ukraine’s agricultural sector – Koval

That's according to Ukraine's Minister of Agrarian Picy and Food, Vitalii Koval, who is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia as part of a government delegation, Ukrinform reports, citing the Ministry of Agrarian Picy and Food.

Koval stated that meetings had already been held with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment, Khalid Al-Falih, and Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Abdulrahman Al-Fadli. Discussions focused on preparing an economic mission comprising government officials and business representatives.

"Members of the Ukrainian delegation met with Saudi entrepreneurs. More than 80 business representatives interested in coerating with Ukraine attended the meeting. I thanked them for supporting our country and believing in its future despite all challenges. For example, Continental Farmers Group, a company with Saudi investment, is already cultivating 200,000 hectares of Ukrainian land. They are among the t ten largest taxpayers in the agricultural sector, having paid over UAH 1.6 billion in taxes last year. They also plan to expand their erations, particularly in grain and potato farming in the western regions," Koval said.

Another notable example is the Saudi company SALIC, which has invested in one of Ukraine's largest agricultural hdings, MHP, acquiring a 12.6% stake. Koval noted that he discussed potential expansion of coeration with SALIC's CEO.

"It is pleasant that the Saudi side sees growth potential in Ukraine. We discussed portunities for coeration in cr cultivation, veterinary medicine, and feed production. There is also business interest in the joint develment of livestock farming and organic production. We are moving forward," Koval added.

Read also: Minister Koval: Small farms in Ukraine obtain EUR 20M from EU in 2024

A Ukrainian delegation is currently on an official visit to Saudi Arabia. During a meeting in Radh on February 16, Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, presented investment portunities in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and other sectors. The discussions also covered the participation of Saudi companies in Ukraine's privatization efforts.