Sea exports through the "grain corridor" have been operating for a month, according to the Istanbul agreement. Can the restoration of sea exports be considered effective?

The UAC Deputy Chairman Denys Marchuk told about this on the air of Media Center Ukraine-Ukrinform:

"The Istanbul agreement really had to be signed, because the export of agricultural products is, first of all, the inflow of foreign exchange earnings into the country. Secondly, Ukraine has shown the world that it is a guarantor of food security. Thirdly, the ships that were able to leave the ports of Greater Odessa exported 1.7 million tons in August, and as of September 4, have increased indicators to 2 million tons. It is already clear that the export potential through Odesa ports by the "grain corridor" is at least 3 million tons, it is real, and we will work on it."

The UN and Turkey act as guarantors of the security of the grain corridor, but diversification of export routes is needed and is taking place.

"Diversification is happening, we are increasing export by rail and through river ports. In August, the Danube ports handled 1.6 million tons of food, by the railway - about 1 million tons, and vehicles - more than 600,000 tons. Alternative ways of export do not stop, they will continue to develop," Denys Marchuk emphasized.

Ukraine hopes for the automatic extension of the Istanbul Agreement.

"We hope that the "grain corridor" will be active not just for 120 days, but longer, and the action will be automatically extended, because we as a state fulfill our obligations. If the agreement is extended, then the Odesa ports will close the export issue of 3-3.5 million tons in the fall, if adding river ports and other routes, Ukraine can export agricultural products at the level of 7 million tons per month," summarized Denys Marchuk.