Deputy Secretary Andrews Wraps Up a Successful Trip to Ukraine and Kazakhstan

Deputy Secretary Andrews returned from Ukraine and Kazakhstan where he met with senior government and private sector leaders. His visit underscored the importance of these countries to the United States government and business community, further advancing the Department’s commercial diplomacy agenda. In Ukraine, Deputy Secretary Andrews applauded recent reforms that have improved the country’s business climate, but he reminded Ukraine’s leadership team that continued progress is needed. In Kazakhstan, Andrews congratulated the country on 25 years of independence and diplomatic relations with the United States.  He highlighted the role that U.S. companies can play in helping Kazakhstan achieve its economic development goals, noting that Kazakhstan’s ability to attract trade and investment is hindered by several business environment challenges. 

Excited to be in Astana, Kazakhstan @USembassyAstana to strengthen the bilateral commercial relationship between our two countries.

— Bruce Andrews (@DepSecAndrews) July 12, 2016

Had a productive meeting w/ MFA Erlan Idrissov about US support for Kazakhstan's economic prosperity. pic.twitter.com/jszFDPBW0s

— Bruce Andrews (@DepSecAndrews) July 12, 2016

I am honored to play a part in bolstering & extending our 25 years of diplomatic relations & economic partnership w/ Kazakhstan.

— Bruce Andrews (@DepSecAndrews) July 13, 2016

I discussed how US firms can aid Kazakhstan's econ development w/ Vice Minister of Investment & Development Khairov. pic.twitter.com/iOPf7txTmM

— Bruce Andrews (@DepSecAndrews) July 12, 2016

I learned more about Baiterek Holding's strategic objectives to support SMEs & innovation from Chairman Dosayev. pic.twitter.com/ICHzrkiOk7

— Bruce Andrews (@DepSecAndrews) July 12, 2016

Welcome to Kyiv @CommerceGov Deputy Secretary Bruce Andrews. Excellent start @Kabmin_UA this morning. https://t.co/XNcIdyqQ5N

— Geoffrey Pyatt (@GeoffPyatt) July 14, 2016

I discussed @PennyPritzker's US-Ukraine "Road Map" in a bilateral meeting w/ Vice Prime Minister Kubiv pic.twitter.com/kebGWsDOf1

— Bruce Andrews (@DepSecAndrews) July 14, 2016

This "Road Map" is indicative of the growth of US-Ukraine econ relations and the further reforms UK can take to improve its business climate

— Bruce Andrews (@DepSecAndrews) July 14, 2016

Ukraine Finance Minister Danylyuk & I discussed long-term reforms to customs & tax related issues in Ukraine pic.twitter.com/7oCvpNy5uT

— Bruce Andrews (@DepSecAndrews) July 14, 2016

Great discussing Ukraine's digital e-government initiatives with Dep Head of @TheBankova, @dshymkiv pic.twitter.com/PcSiNrzvFQ

— Bruce Andrews (@DepSecAndrews) July 14, 2016

My trip to Ukraine has made me optimistic that further economic reforms will make Ukraine's business climate more welcoming to investors.

— Bruce Andrews (@DepSecAndrews) July 15, 2016