KIEV, Oct. 25 – Trade in commodities between Ukraine and Russia in the first nine months of 2012 hit $33.5 billion due to liberalization and facilitation of customs procedures, according to Ukraine State Customs Service Chief Ihor Kaletnik.

"The two countries' customs agencies have proven that they are able to work according to international standards. Considerable results have been achieved thanks to this. In particular, the liberalization and facilitation of customs procedures have translated into an increase in trade," he said during an official opening ceremony at the Customs Service 2012 international exhibition in Moscow.

Kaletnik stressed that both countries' customs services actively use a risk analysis and management system. They implement a program to upgrade customs information systems and apply advanced customs control technologies.