Gov't seeks to involve new retailers in supplying food to troops - economy ministry

The Government of Ukraine seeks to attract new retailers to the supply of food to the army units in order to increase competition.

This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Economy after the ministry officials met with those of the President’s Office and top managers of the largest retail chains, Ukrinform saw.

"The government is interested in large retail chains participating in food supplies to the army. Currently, companies engaged in the supply of food products are those procuring products from large retail chains. Since you already have these products in your assortment, you need to solve the issue of logistics. Our joint task is to ensure uninterrupted food supplies to the army," said Yuliya Svyridenko, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy.

The Ministry notes that the volume of food supplies for the Armed Forces stands at nearly UAH 42-43 billion annually. Therefore, the authorities seek to attract new players to the market in order to increase competition.

Retail officials agreed that for them this is an interesting proposal that needs further detailed elaboration. During the meeting, the parties discussed other problematic issues existing in the industry, in particular, legislative initiatives related to retail trade, relations with manufacturers, personnel reserve, credit programs, and liquor sale regulations.

The participants also discussed topical issues regarding price regulation and solving the issues of reducing debt to suppliers.

As reported, in order to ensure transparency in army food procurement, the Verkhovna Rada initiated a law on the partial disclosure of procurement information.