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 assistance. 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 integration 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 Ukrain
...[+++]e's pro-European choice. In this regard, Mr Patten underlined 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'utiliser les possibilités offertes par l'accord de partenariat et de coopération pour approfondir les liens politiques 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.
