Ukraine Becomes Newest WISTA Chapter First member from the Former Soviet Union

Odessa, Ukraine -- Karin Orsel, President of WISTA (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association) announced today the formation of WISTA Ukrainian, the first member in what is known as the “Former Soviet Union” and the second chapter, after Poland, from Eastern Europe. WISTA Ukranian, the newest member of this international organization for women involved in the maritime transportation business and related trades worldwide, was established on the 1st of June 2012 at its First General Meeting held at the Annual International Conference entitled “Practice of maritime business. Project Cargo Black Sea 2012” in Odessa. This brings the total number of WISTA chapters to 33 globally.

“As the Ukrainian region is a very interesting market for the maritime industry, we are very pleased to being represented in this part of the world,” stated Orsel. “The country is globally an important market and supplier, in particular the world's third biggest grain exporter (as of 2011). They have two cities with a special status: Kiev and Sevastopol, this last city houses the Russian Black Sea Fleet under a leasing agreement. Most large cities have a river port and cater for the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers as well as the loading and unloading of freight and raw materials. International maritime travel is mainly provided via the Port of Odessa.“

“WISTA Ukrainian was founded in the form of a public organization for women at management level involved in maritime transportation business and related trades worldwide,” commented Natalia Myroshnychenko, one of the chapter’s founders and a senior lawyer at International Law Offices in Odessa. “This idea was quite topical as Ukraine is a country having a big shipping industry with 18 seaports and 10 river ports, there is a great number of local enterprises engaged in this industry.” Additional founders of WISTA Ukraine include Ms. Oksana Popova and Ms. Irina Voyevodina.

Added Orsel: “We are delighted that the leadership within the Ukraine propelled this chapter into existence so they can participate fully in WISTA’s Annual Meeting being held in Paris in October”.

Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) is an international organization for women in management positions involved in maritime transportation business and related trades worldwide. WISTA is a major player in attracting more women to the industry and in supporting women in management positions. With networking, education and mentoring in focus we can enhance members' competence and empower career success. This year’s Annual Meeting will be held October 3-5 in Paris, France.

WISTA is growing and currently counts over 1,600 individual members in 33 National WISTA Associations (NWAs). For more information, go to www.wista.net.