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Indeed, Ukraine runs a significant trade deficit with both the EU and Russia in 2019 that was $1.4bn in September 2019, but which Ukraine can comfortably finance thanks to the crica $14bn in remittances from Ukrainians working overseas. In effect one of Ukraine’s biggest and most successful export products has been labour.
In creating ‘New Customs,’ Maxim Nefyodov, head of the service, purged 80% of customs officials in Kyiv and 40% of officials at border posts – about 500 people​. By abolishing the old customs agency earlier this year, the government freed Nefyodov from civil service restrictions on hiring and firing. Prime Minister Honcharuk hailed Sunday’s opening of ‘New Customs’, saying: “I personally warn every bribe-taker or smuggler, the time of the schemes you made a fortune has passed.”
21​ UKRAINE Country Report​ February 2020 ​ ​www.intellinews.com