KIEV, Feb. 17 - The U.S. has granted market-economy status to Ukraine, U.S. Deputy Commerce Secretary David Sampson announced Friday after talks with Ukrainian officials over trade and investment relations.

???This determination reflects the impressive economic developments that have occurred in Ukraine over the past several years,??? Sampson said in a Commerce Department. ???The announcement underscores our commitment to expanding our bilateral economic relationship that will lead our two countries to peace, prosperity and stronger commercial ties.???