Ukraine is finalising free trade agreements with Canada, Israel and Singapore alongside negotiations for a similar pact with the European Union, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said.

"Thus Ukraine is shaping a more favorable trade climate for our cooperation with many countries," Azarov told the Boao business forum on the southern Chinese island of Hainan.

Ukraine, a major exporter of grain, steel and chemicals, has been talking to the EU about a free trade accord for three years. Ukraine needs access to the lucrative European market to help local industries upgrade obsolete technology. (Reuters)