On Friday, 27 October, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman met with the head of the French company Engie Isabelle Kocher, the press service of Ukrainian government said.
Engie provides up to 20% of gas supplies to Ukraine and now its management is exploring the possibilities for further cooperation in projects to increase gas production in Ukraine.
"The oil and gas sector in Ukraine has long been totally closed. After changing the state policy and introducing new technological and innovative solutions, we were able to change the trend. Today we set the task for Ukraine to turn from n importing into an energy-independent country. To make this possible we need to become more open, change the regulation system, attract investments and technologies," Groysman said as quoted by his press office.
Groysman welcomed Engie's plans to take part in the development of oil and gas complex of Ukraine.
"We note the ambitiousness of reforms, first and foremost in the oil and gas sector, which your government declares. We aim to increase the local production of gas in Ukraine to eventually make Ukraine an exporter and supplier of gas. We are ready to support your country on the path of reforms," Kosher said in her turn.
Engie (formerly GDF Suez) has signed a contract with Ukrtransgaz in October 2016 that enabled Engie to store gas in Ukrainian storage facilities. The company started gas deliveries to Ukraine in January 2017.