France plans to work with Romania to increase Ukrainian grain exports to developing countries, Reuters reported.
Romania is the EU’s second largest wheat exporter and largest corn exporter and has been one of the alternative routes to export grain from Ukraine.
Ukrainian grain had been trapped since Russia’s invasion in February, increasing food prices and raising fear of shortages.
The agreement, which French transport minister Clement Beaune said he would sign, would allow Ukraine to export more grains toward Europe and developing countries, especially those in the Mediterranean.
The draft agreement calls for increasing efficiency at the port of Galati, equipping border points in northern Romania, maximizing the use of grain containers stationed in the port of Constanta and increasing the capacity there and in the Sulina canal, Reuters reported.
It also calls for a medium-term strategy on the access of the corridor between Romania and Ukraine and provides pilings to optimize ship traffic. France will provide funding for the initial technical expertise and work with Bucharest to identify future financing.