October 3 2003, 10:02 Interfax-Ukraine

Bill to extend duty-free grain imports to Jul. 1, 2004 adopted in first reading

Verkhovna Rada (Parliament of Ukraine) Thursday adopted in the first reading the bill, stipulating establishment of zero import duty for grain crops, which is to stay in effect till July 1, 2004. The bill was favourably voted by 312 deputies out of 427. The Head of Parliament charged the farm committee to prepare the bill and to submit it to Parliament till the next plenary sitting, in order that it be considered in the second reading.

Current edition of the law about state regulation of imports of agricultural commodities stipulates the zero import duty for grains to stay in effect till December 31, 2003.