OREANDA-NEWS. August 03, 2012. Agroindustrial sector, manufacturing and processing of agricultural products may be the leading trend of the economy of Ukraine, said vice Prime Minister - Minister of Social Policy Sergiy Tigipko. The official said this during a working visit to Kirovohrad region.

"Agriculture should be an engine of the national economy. Today, Ukraine produces about 50 million tons of grain, and all the calculations show that we can double this amount. The leading agricultural companies have already demonstrated a very high level of productivity" - vice Prime Minister said.

According to Sergiy Tigipko, the state will do everything possible to ensure a favorable investment climate in agriculture. "We need investment in agriculture, manufacturing and processing of agricultural products, the introduction of new technologies", - vice Prime Minister said.

Mr. Tigipko believes that Ukraine has today become the leader of the export of sunflower oil, and it should strengthen its position in world markets for products of the agricultural sector.

"The fact that the agreement on free trade with the CIS countries ratified it is a very good signal. This is our market. Our products, including food, they know and like. This is a significant step forward. And after 6 months we will begin to discuss the reduction of restrictions on our products on the market. I think that's what we have to do with free trade zone with Europe. This will help our producers: we can produce today need to expand markets"- he said.