KYIV, April 26 - The participation of international companies in the management of Ukraine's gas transportation system (GTS) can improve its competitiveness, German Ambassador to Ukraine Ernst Reichel said.

"Specifically, on the gas transmission system, we do believe that the participation and investment of foreign companies could play a big, positive role in order to make the gas transmission system more competitive. We are entering a phase where it is likely that there will be more competition for the Ukrainian gas transmission system, and so it needs initiatives to make it more viable and cost effective. International investment and participation in the management can play a major role. Also the European Commission is making proposals in this direction," he said in a joint interview with French Ambassador Isabelle Dumont to Interfax-Ukraine.