FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS AS A FACTOR IN ENSURING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the role of foreign economic relations in ensuring the competitiveness of the national economy. It is substantiated that foreign economic relations constitute one of the key drivers of a country's economic development by promoting the expansion of international cooperation, integration into the global economy, the formation of competitive advantages, and the strengthening of the country's position in international markets. Scientific approaches to interpreting the essence of foreign economic relations are generalized, and it is established that their content is predominantly revealed through the system of foreign economic ties, forms of international economic interaction, and types of foreign economic activity.

A systematization of the main directions of foreign economic relations is proposed, including international trade, investment cooperation, production cooperation, financial and credit relations, and scientific and technological cooperation. Their contribution to enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy is identified, the economic outcomes of their implementation are substantiated, and the relationship between individual directions, economic outcomes, and the formation of the country's competitive advantages is established. It is proved that the integrated development of these directions creates preconditions for deepening international economic integration, expanding access to global markets, investment resources, advanced technologies, and global value chains.

Based on the findings of the study, directions for improving state policy in the field of foreign economic relations are proposed. These include supporting exports of high value-added products, intensifying investment cooperation, promoting international production cooperation, expanding financial support mechanisms for foreign economic activity, and stimulating scientific and technological cooperation.

It is concluded that enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy requires the comprehensive development of the main directions of foreign economic relations together with the improvement of state policy in accordance with the contemporary challenges of the global economic environment. The implementation of the proposed measures will contribute to strengthening Ukraine's international economic position and ensuring its sustainable economic development.