The first foreign market opened by Ukraine this year is the meat market of the African state of Côte d’Ivoire. Ukrainian exporters are now allowed to supply beef, lamb, and poultry, both as whole carcasses and in the form of processed products. The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection has officially confirmed that all required certificates have been approved, effectively opening the market, ProAgro Group reports.

Pork, however, remains excluded for now, as the Ivorian market is not yet open to this category. Even so, the development represents a positive opportunity for Ukrainian producers, offering new markets, new opportunities, and potential new contracts.

As expected, the process involves a certain level of bureaucracy: each exporter must obtain authorization from the relevant local ministry, and every shipment of meat requires a separate import permit. In other words, before Ukrainian poultry embarks on its journey to Africa, exporters must complete a mandatory documentation process.

Nevertheless, the outcome is considered worthwhile. Ukrainian meat products are gaining access to the African continent, which could mark the beginning of a new and promising chapter in trade relations.

At the same time, exporters will need to take local economic realities into account. Around 39% of Côte d’Ivoire’s population lives below the poverty line, on less than $2.15 per day, while the average monthly wage is about $150. As a result, Ukrainian suppliers may need to offer highly competitive prices to gain a foothold in the local market.

As previously reported, the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection is also actively engaging with representatives of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) regarding the potential opening of the U.S. market to Ukrainian poultry meat and poultry products.