Olga Kopeyka: effective export of grain from the country depends on development of infrastructure

To export grain effectively, Ukraine should become focused on the development of the relevant infrastructure. This is due to a stable trend in the growth of grain yields, which leads to its export. But the prepared infrastructure is needed for the successful export. This opinion was expressed by Olga Kopeyka. She is a legal advisor of the representative office of Bunge in Ukraine, as well as an expert of the USCC (United States Chamber of Commerce) in Ukraine on agro-industrial issues.
Kopeyka claims that there are some problems with export. In particular, the main one is the high cost of agricultural logistics. Its cost in Ukraine exceeds the cost of agricultural logistics in the countries of the European Union and America. For example, the cost of agricultural logistics in such countries as Germany and France is up to 40% lower than in Ukraine.
The expert sees the way out of the current situation in the changes in the work of “Ukrzalizhytsia”. She claims that there is a need to invest in the renovation and repair of rolling equipment. In addition, river transport needs to be developed. At the moment, there is a shortage of river berthing facilities in Ukraine.
Kopeyka proposes to focus on the development of railway and river transport, as well as on such facilities as berths, warehouses and elevators within next five years.

Olga Kopeyka notes that Ukraine has great potential in the export of grain, but its implementation depends on investments in infrastructure development. She also highlights the importance of government support in this process.

In addition, Olga Kopeyka talks about the need to develop technologies and innovations in agriculture, which can also help improve the efficiency of grain exports.