ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY AS A FACTOR OF STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATION IN UKRAINE`S FOREIGN TRADE
Abstract
The article examines the role of Ukraine’s economic diplomacy in the structural transformation of its foreign trade amid global economic changes and geopolitical challenges. The relevance of the study is determined by the urgent need for accelerated post-war recovery, diversification of foreign economic relations, and modernization of the national economy, which significantly increases the importance of diplomatic instruments in promoting and protecting Ukraine’s economic interests internationally. The purpose of the article is to identify the key directions through which economic diplomacy contributes to strengthening Ukraine’s international economic position and supporting structural modernization of the national economy. The essence of economic diplomacy is clarified as an important tool for advancing national economic priorities in the international arena, while internal and external factors intensifying Ukraine’s economic diplomatic activity are analyzed. Internal factors are primarily related to the necessity of post-war economic recovery and the deep structural modernization of the economy based on post-industrial development principles. The study further analyzes trends in Ukraine’s foreign trade, highlighting structural imbalances and the significant yet underutilized export potential of domestic producers. In this context, the key mechanisms and instruments of economic diplomacy that expand access for Ukrainian goods and services to foreign markets are identified. The findings demonstrate that effective use of diplomatic channels plays a crucial role in supporting domestic exporters, diversifying import supply sources, strengthening economic cooperation with foreign partners, and forming a positive international image of Ukraine. The full-scale armed aggression of the Russian Federation has further amplified the role of economic diplomacy as a mechanism for mobilizing international financial assistance, consolidating macro-financial support programs, ensuring the operation of critical infrastructure, and attracting investment for reconstruction and economic recovery. Strengthening the activities of Ukraine’s diplomatic institutions and expanding trade and economic missions abroad is shown to enhance the competitiveness of Ukrainian producers in global markets and contribute to the long-term structural transformation of the country’s foreign trade.
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