(d) joint research and development activities aimed at encouraging scientific progress and the transfer of technology and know-how;
(e) training through mobility programmes for researchers and specialists;
(f) the organisation of joint scientific and technological development events/measures;
(g) implementation measures aimed at the development of an environment conducive to research and the application of new technologies and adequate protection of the intellectual property results of research;
(h) enhancement of cooperation at regional and international level, notably in the Black Sea context, and within multilateral organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Group of 8 (G8), as well as in the context of multilateral agreements such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) of 1992;
(i) exchange of expertise on management of research and science institutions in order to develop and improve their capacities of conducting and participating in scientific researches.
Article 377.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by Chapter 9 of Title V (Economic and Sector Co-operation) of this Agreement.
Chapter 10. Industrial and Enterprise Policy
Article 378.
The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation on industrial and enterprise policy, thereby improving the business environment for all economic operators, but with particular emphasis on Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Enhanced cooperation should improve the administrative and regulatory framework for both Ukrainian and EU businesses operating in Ukraine and in the EU, and should be based on the EU's SME and industrial policies, taking into account internationally recognised principles and practices in this field.
Article 379.
In order to achieve the objectives set out in Article 378 of this Agreement, the Parties shall cooperate in order to:
(a) implement strategies for SME development, based on the principles of the European Charter for Small Enterprises, and monitor the implementation process through annual reporting and dialogue. This cooperation will also include a focus on micro- and craft enterprises, which are extremely important for both the EU and Ukrainian economies;
(b) create better framework conditions, via the exchange of information and good practice, contributing to greater competitiveness. This cooperation will include the management of structural changes (restructuring) and environmental and energy issues, such as energy efficiency and cleaner production;
(c) simplify and rationalise regulations and regulatory practice, with specific focus on exchange of good practice as regards regulatory techniques, including the EU's principles;
(d) encourage the development of innovation policy, via the exchange of information and good practice regarding the commercialisation of research and development (including support instruments for technology-based business start-ups), cluster development and access to finance;
(e) encourage more contacts between EU and Ukrainian businesses and between these businesses and the authorities in Ukraine and in the EU;
(f) support the establishment of export promotion activities in Ukraine;
(g) facilitate the modernisation and restructuring of both Ukrainian and EU industry in certain sectors.
Article 380.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by Chapter 10 of Title V (Economic and Sector Co-operation) of this Agreement. This will involve representatives of EU and Ukrainian businesses.
Chapter 11. Mining and Metals
Article 381.
The Parties shall develop and strengthen their cooperation in relation to the mining and metals industries, with a view to promoting mutual understanding, improvement of the business environment, information exchange and cooperation on non-energy issues, relating in particular to the mining of metallic ores and industrial minerals. This cooperation is without prejudice to the provisions regarding to coal as referred to in Article 339 of this Agreement.
Article 382.
In order to achieve the objectives set out in Article 381 of this Agreement, the Parties shall cooperate in order to:
(a) exchange information on the basic situations of their mining and metals industries;
(b) exchange information on the outlook for the EU and Ukrainian mining and metals industries in terms of consumption, production and market forecast;
(c) exchange information on measures taken by the Parties in order to facilitate the restructuring process in these sectors;
(d) exchange information and best practices in relation to the sustainable development of the mining and metals industries in Ukraine and in the EU.
Chapter 12. Financial Services
Article 383.
Recognising that an effective set of rules and practices in the area of financial services is needed to establish a fully-functioning market economy and in order to foster trade exchanges among the Parties, the Parties agree to cooperate in the area of financial services with a view to:
(a) supporting the process of adapting financial services regulation to the needs of an open market economy;
(b) ensuring effective and adequate protection of investors and other consumers of financial services;
(c) ensuring the stability and integrity of the global financial system;
(d) promoting cooperation between different actors of the financial system, including regulators and supervisors;
(e) ensuring independent and effective supervision.
Article 384.
1. The Parties shall encourage cooperation between relevant regu- latory and supervisory authorities, including information exchange, sharing of expertise on financial markets and other such measures.
2. Special attention shall be paid to the development of the admin- istrative capacity of such authorities, inter alia through personnel exchanges and joint training.
Article 385.
The Parties shall promote gradual approximation to recognised inter-national standards on regulation and supervision in the area of financial services. Relevant parts of the EU acquis in the area of financial services are covered in Chapter 6 (Establishment, Trade in Services, and Electronic Commerce) of Title IV (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement.
Article 386.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by Chapter 12 of Title V (Economic and Sector Co-operation) of this Agreement.
Chapter 13. Company Law, Corporate Governance, Accounting and Auditing
Article 387.
1. Recognising the importance of an effective set of rules and practices in the areas of company law and corporate governance, as well as in accounting and auditing, for creating a fully-functioning market economy and for fostering trade, the Parties agree to cooperate:
(a) on the protection of shareholders, creditors and other stakeholders in line with EU rules in this area, as listed in Annex XXXIV to this Agreement;
(b) on the introduction of relevant international standards at national level and gradual approximation to EU law in the field of accounting and auditing, as listed in Annex XXXV to this Agreement;
(c) on further development of corporate governance policy in line with international standards, as well as gradual approximation to the EU rules and recommendations in this area, as listed in Annex XXXVI to this Agreement.
2. The Parties will aim at sharing information and expertise on both existing systems and relevant new developments in these areas. In addition, the Parties will seek to improve information exchange between the national register of Ukraine and business registers of EU Member States.
Article 388.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by Chapter 13 of Title V (Economic and Sector Co-operation) of this Agreement.
Chapter 14. Information Society
Article 389.
The Parties shall step up cooperation on the development of the Information Society to benefit citizens and businesses through the wide- spread availability of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and through better quality of services at affordable prices. This cooperation will also facilitate the access to the markets for electronic communication services, encouraging competition and investment in the sector.
Article 390.
Cooperation shall aim at implementing national Information Society strategies, developing of a comprehensive regulatory framework for electronic communications, and increasing Ukraine's participation in the ICT research activities of the EU.
Article 391.
Cooperation shall cover the following subjects:
(a) promotion of broadband access, improvement of network security and more widespread use of ICT by citizens, business and administrations by developing local content for the Internet and introducing online services, in particular e-business, e-government, e-health and e-learning;
(b) coordination of electronic communication policies with a view to making optimal use of the radio spectrum and interoperability of networks in Ukraine and the EU;
(c) strengthening of the independence and administrative capacity of the national regulator in the field of communications in order to ensure its ability to take appropriate regulatory measures and enforce its own decisions and all applicable regulations, and to guarantee fair competition in the markets. The national regulator in the field of communications should cooperate with the competition authority on the monitoring of these markets;
(d) promotion of joint projects for research in the field of information and communications technology in the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon 2020.
Article 392.
The Parties shall exchange information, best practices and experience, undertake joint actions with the aim of developing a comprehensive regulatory framework and ensure efficient functioning of, and undistorted competition in, the electronic communications markets.
Article 393.
The Parties shall promote cooperation between Ukraine's national regulator in the field of communications and the national regulators of the EU.
Article 394.
1. The Parties shall promote gradual approximation to the EU law and regulatory framework in the sphere of information society and electronic communication.
2. Relevant provisions as well as the EU acquis concerning information society and electronic communication are covered in Appendix XVII-3 (Rules applicable to telecommunication services) to Chapter 6 (Establishment, Trade in Services, and Electronic Commerce) of Title IV (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement.
Article 395.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by Chapter 14 of Title V (Economic and Sector Co-operation) of this Agreement.
Chapter 15. Audio-Visual Policy
Article 396.
1. The Parties shall cooperate to promote the audiovisual industry in Europe and encourage co-production in the fields of cinema and television.
2. Cooperation could include, inter alia, the training of journalists and other professionals from both the printed and electronic media, as well as support to the media (public and private), so as to reinforce their independence, professionalism and links with other European media in compliance with European standards, including standards of the Council of Europe.
Article 397.
Gradual approximation to the EU law and regulatory framework and international instruments in the area of audio-visual policy shall be carried out in particular as set out in Annex XXXVII to this Agreement.
Article 398.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by Chapter 15 of TITLE V (Economic and Sector Co-operation) of this Agreement.
Chapter 16. Tourism
Article 399.
The Parties shall cooperate in the field of tourism with the aim of developing a more competitive tourism industry, as a generator of economic growth and empowerment, employment and foreign exchange.
Article 400.
1. Cooperation at bilateral, regional and European levels would be based on the following principles:
(a) respect for the integrity and interests of local communities, partic- ularly in rural areas;
(b) the importance of cultural heritage;
(c) positive interaction between tourism and environmental preser- vation.
2. Relevant provisions concerning tour operators are contained in Chapter 6 (Establishment, Trade in Services, and Electronic commerce) of Title TV (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement. Relevant provisions concerning movement of persons are covered by Article 19 of this Agreement.
Article 401. Cooperation Shall Focus on the Following Aspects:
(a) exchange of information, best practices, experience and "know- howâ transfer, including on innovative technologies;
(b) establishment of a strategic partnership between public, private and community interests in order to ensure the sustainable development of tourism;
(c) promotion and development of tourism products and markets, infra- structure, human resources and institutional structures;
(d) development and implementation of efficient policies and strategies, including appropriate legal, administrative and financial aspects;
(e) tourism training and capacity building designed to improve service standards;
(f) development and promotion of community-based tourism.
Article 402.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by Chapter 16 of Title V (Economic and Sector Co-operation) of this Agreement.
Chapter 17. Agriculture and Rural Development
Article 403.
The Parties shall cooperate to promote agricultural and rural development, in particular through gradual approximation of policies and legislation.
Article 404.
Cooperation between the Parties in the field of agriculture and rural development shall cover, inter alia, the following areas:
(a) facilitating mutual understanding of agricultural and rural develop- ment policies;
(b) enhancing administrative capacities at central and local levels for the planning, evaluation and implementation of policies;
(c) promoting modern and sustainable agricultural production, respectful of the environment and of animal welfare, including extension of the use of organic production methods and the use of biotechnologies, inter alia through the implementation of best practices in those fields;
(d) sharing knowledge and best practices of rural development policies to promote economic well-being for rural communities;
(e) improving the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and the efficiency and transparency of the markets as well as conditions for investment;
(f) disseminating knowledge through training and information events;
(g) favouring innovation through research and promoting extension services to agricultural producers;
(h) enhancing harmonisation of issues addressed within the framework of international organisations;
(i) exchanging best practices on support mechanisms for agricultural policies and rural areas;
(j) promoting the policy of quality of agricultural products in the areas of product standards, production requirements and quality schemes.
Article 405.
In pursuing the above cooperation, without prejudice to Title IV (Trade and Trade-related Matters) of this Agreement, the Parties shall support gradual approximation to the relevant EU law and regulatory standards, in particular those as listed in Annex XXXVIII to this Agreement.
Article 406.
A regular dialogue will take place on the issues covered by Chapter 17 of Title V (Economic and Sector Co-operation) of this Agreement.
Chapter 18. Fisheries and Maritime Policies
Section 1. Fisheries Policy
Article 407.
1. The Parties shall cooperate on mutually beneficial matters of common interest in the fisheries sector, including conservation and management of living aquatic resources, inspection and control, data collection, and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
2. Such cooperation will respect their international obligations concerning management and conservation of living aquatic resources.
Article 408.
The Parties shall take joint actions, exchange information and provide support to each other in order to promote:
(a) good governance and best practices in fisheries management with a view to ensuring conservation and management of fish stocks in a sustainable manner, and based on the ecosystem approach;
(b) responsible fishing and fisheries management consistent with the principles of sustainable development, so as to conserve fish stocks and ecosystems in a healthy state;
(c) cooperation through Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs).
Article 409.
With reference to Article 408 of this Agreement, and taking into account the best scientific advice, the Parties shall step up the cooperation and co-ordination of their activities in the field of management and conservation of living aquatic resources in the Black Sea. The Parties will promote wider international cooperation in the Black Sea with the aim of developing relations within an appropriate RFMO.
Article 410.
The Parties will support initiatives, such as mutual exchange of experience and providing support, designed to ensure the implementation of a sustainable fisheries policy based on priority areas in the EU acquis in this field, including:
(a) management of living aquatic resources, fishing effort and technical measures;
(b) inspection and control of fishing activities, using the necessary surveillance equipment, including a vessel monitoring system, as well as development of corresponding administrative and judicial structures capable of applying appropriate measures;
(c) harmonised collection of catch, landing, fleet, biological and economic data;
(d) management of fishing capacity, including a functioning fishing fleet register;
(e) improving the efficiency of the markets, in particular by promoting producer organisations, providing information to consumers, and through marketing standards and traceability,
(f) development of a structural policy for the fisheries sector, paying particular attention to the sustainable development of coastal communities.
Section 2. Maritime Policy
Article 411.
Taking into account their cooperation in the spheres of fisheries, transport, environment and other sea-related policies, the Parties shall also develop cooperation on an integrated maritime policy, in particular:
(a) promoting an integrated approach to maritime affairs, good govemance and exchange of best practices in the use of the marine space;
(b) establishing a framework for arbitrating between competing human activities and managing their impact on the marine environment by promoting maritime spatial planning as a tool contributing to improved decision-making;
(c) promoting sustainable development of coastal regions and maritime industries as a generator of economic growth and employment, including through the exchange of best practices;
(d) promoting strategic alliances between maritime industries, services and scientific institutions specialising in marine and maritime research, including the building of cross-sectoral maritime clusters;
(e) endeavouring to improve maritime safety and security measures and to enhance cross-border and cross-sectoral maritime surveillance in order to address the increasing risks related to intensive maritime traffic, operational discharges of vessels, maritime accidents and illegal activities at sea building upon the experience of the Coord- ination and Information Centre in Bourgas;
(f) establishing a regular dialogue and promoting different networks between maritime stakeholders.