THE CURRENT STATE, FEATURES AND PROSPECTS OF UKRAINE'S COOPERATION WITH ASEAN MEMBER COUNTRIES

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyze the main areas of foreign economic cooperation of Ukraine with ASEAN member countries and to determine the future prospects of their interaction. The article examines the trade and economic relations of Ukraine with ASEAN member countries during 2014-2022. An analysis of the volume of trade in goods between the parties is presented, which indicates a gradual increase in trade turnover from 2015 to 2021 and its further reduction in 2022 due to the start of a full-scale war The main categories of export and import of goods between Ukraine and ASEAN member countries in 2022 have been determined, which include grain crops, vegetable fats and oils, telecommunications equipment, metal products, etc. The geographical structure of trade operations was analyzed and the most popular export and import destinations for Ukraine, such as Malaysia and Vietnam, were determined. It is proven that, despite the gradual increase in trade volumes, the level of investment activity between the parties remains low, which is determined by a number of negative factors, including the war with Russia, corruption and the uncertainty of the legal environment in Ukraine. Positive factors that increase the investment attractiveness of Ukraine for the countries of Southeast Asia are considered, in particular, the geopolitical position and the presence of a highly qualified workforce. Based on the data of the National Bank of Ukraine, it was determined that the largest number of investments in Ukraine comes from Singapore, in particular, in enterprises in the fields of industry, trade and agriculture. The existence of significant potential for the development of trade and economic relations between Ukraine and ASEAN member countries has been proven. Ways of intensifying bilateral cooperation were proposed, such as the implementation of joint projects in the field of information technology and infrastructure, increasing the volume of Ukrainian exports and the creation of special economic zones. The need to sign trade agreements and expand business ties for the further development of cooperation between Ukraine and ASEAN member countries is highlighted.