KIEV, June 7 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) said on Thursday it is considering a possibility to allow private companies to directly export and import arms.
According to the statement on the NSDC website, the decision on the possible arms trade liberalization could be adopted in the near future.
Oleksandr Turchynov, head of the NSDC, said the projected decision envisages that Ukrainian private manufacturers of military equipment and weapons will be permitted to export their products without the mediation of state-owned specialized companies.
The NSDC plans to allow Ukrainian arm producing companies to directly import military equipment for their needs, Turchynov said, adding that private companies, which have dealership agreements with foreign partners, could be also permitted to import weapons.
"This is a major step that will significantly strengthen our defense capability and give a powerful impetus to the development of the defense industry," Turchynov said.
Currently, only state-run companies in Ukraine are allowed to directly export and import weapons.
