Growth in exports of grain, agricultural products and confectionery was forecast. “As for opening the Ukrainian market for European products, we will be holding additional consultations and decisions will be made after them to remove all speculation that it may negatively affect the Ukrainian economy,” he said.

“That is why the east may be calm. All that proceeds within the framework of bilateral co-operation between Ukraine and Russia may keep going,” he said, referring to eastern regions of the country backing closer ties with Russia.

“There have been and are no grounds for Russia’s putting up trade barriers to Ukrainian goods,” he said.