He reiterated the willingness of the Community to support the implementation of these reforms including through technical assistance and, once IMF lending is resumed, through macro-financial ass
istance. Both sides agreed that there was considerable potential to boost bilateral trade
and to stimulate a much greater inflow of direct investment from the EU into Ukraine and in general to help Ukraine's integ
ration into a wider area ...[+++] of economic cooperation in Europe. The President recalled that the European Summit in Helsinki last December had adopted an EU Common Strategy for Ukraine, noting Ukraine's European aspiration and welcoming Ukraine's pro-European choice. In this regard, Mr Patten underline
d the importance of using the potential of the PCA to deepen political and economic ties with the Union and to prepare Ukraine for accession to the WTO. He endorsed Ukraine's wish to complete accession to the WTO rapidly and encouraged Mr Yushchenko to persevere in taking the necessary steps. This would also make it possible to envisage in due time discussion on a bilateral free trade
area with the EU.
À cet égard, M. Patten a souligné l'importance d'utilis
er les possibilités offertes par l'accord de partenariat et de coopération pour approfondir les liens politi
ques et économiques avec l'Union et préparer l'adhésion de l'Ukraine à l'OMC. Il a approuvé le souhait de l'Ukraine d'adhérer rapidement à l'OMC et a encouragé M. Yushchenko à persévérer pour prendre les mesures nécessaires. Il serait ainsi possible d'envisager, en temps voulu, des discussions concernant une zone bilatérale de libre échange
avec ...[+++] l'UE.