Today's Contents
Reporter's Notepad:
- 5 tips for investors rebuilding Ukraine, from Olga Balytska, PwC's local real estate lead and EBA's recovery committee co-chair
Just The Facts:
- Ukraine updates free trade deal with Norway, Switzerland: no duties on industrial products and lower tariffs on agri goods
- Metinvest gets first monthly coal shipment from US 'as lifeline for Ukrainian steel'
- Belgium pledges €1 billion in defense aid for Ukraine in 2025
- Veon finalizes reorganization ahead of Kyivstar's listing on Nasdaq
- Vitagro prepares 26,000-tonne expansion of grain storage capacity in Khmelnytsky region
- Ukraine must build capital market infrastructure for post-war recovery, says NBU deputy governor
- European partners raise €10 million for UN-launched green recovery platform for Ukraine
- Ukraine, UNIDO launch second phase of eco-industrial parks program with CHF 3 million in Swiss funding
- Ukrainian, Danish wind industry associations partner to boost Ukraine's energy supply, restore damaged infrastructure
- Ukraine launches tax project with Finnish support to boost revenue base, reduce external financing needs
Here's What They Think:
- Responsible Statecraft: US-Europe split over SWIFT threatens to undermine Ukraine peace talks
- Kyiv Post: Ukraine needs to push on training experts for demining
Sober Second Thought:
- Industrial parks offer lifeline for Ukraine's business relocation and recovery, research paper says
The Rebuilders' Social
- Ukrposhta says EBRD to help rebuild destroyed branches with anti-drone defenses, Naftogaz meets Bergen Engines and Itera, and the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine meets Modulaire Group to discuss strategies for speedy reconstruction.
Dear Subscribers,
Here's another installment in our Tips for Investors series. Check out the full series so far at this link.
5 tips for investors rebuilding Ukraine, from Olga Balytska, PwC's local real estate lead and EBA's recovery committee co-chair
Olga Balytska offers frank advice to investors aiming to help rebuild her home country, conveying a sense of optimism and caution that prevails in much of the Ukraine:
Disregard Ukraine's absurdly exaggerated Wild West image, she says, but do your best not to end up in the Ukrainian court system. Rush to visit Ukraine now in the spring, but take your time to plan your investment carefully.
When Olga talks of reconstruction, she does so from the nexus of the Ukrainian and global business communities and the government and the private sector. For three years, she has served as co-chair of the Rebuild Ukraine Committee at the European Business Association (EBA), which represents the most influential companies operating in Ukraine.
For more than eight years, she heads Real Estate and Infrastructure at PwC Ukraine, and serves as a board member at the Center for Economic Strategy, the Kyiv-based think tank behind much research into the macroeconomics, human capital and business of Ukraine.
In this edition of the Tips for Investors article series, Balytska more than 20 years of experience as a lawyer, her expertise in construction and land use, engineering, transport and social infrastructure, and her details knowledge gained as a former member of the Kyiv City Council.
Five tips from Olga Balytska for investors rebuilding Ukraine
#1 - Don't Fear the Ukrainian Market
"Due to the number of hats I've been wearing, I've been speaking directly to businesses around the world and I can see that people still view Ukraine as the Wild West, where corruption is rampant, where everything is unclear and where wild animals are probably roaming the streets. Give me a break! That is completely not true."
"There is some kind of prejudice toward Ukraine regarding corruption. Yes, it exists, but it's less than in Turkey or Brazil, according to the 2024 Transparency International index."
"Corruption exists everywhere, to a certain extent, but we are doing our homework. We've created anti-corruption agencies, compliance procedures are established and corruption is being minimized."
"So my first tip to investors is 'don't be afraid to invest.' It's not as bad as described."
#2 - Do Your Best Not to Ed Up in the Ukrainian Judicial System
"If you end up in the Ukrainian judicial system, you would need to hire lawyers and you could face a long pause. And, potentially, the decision may not be taken based on the evidence, but based on other considerations. In many cases it is considered an obstacle."
"We are expecting that the judicial system of Ukraine will be changed, but the main thing businesses try to do for now is to never get to court. Solve your dispute on the ground, amicably, with mediation."
"In many cases, external legal systems can be applied – English law and international arbitration are the most commonly used. In some cases it's not possible, for example in real estate. In business-to-business relationships, though, external systems would be preferable."
"In my experience, substantial investments of, say, $10 million or more use foreign jurisdictions and international law because investors feel on the safe side."
"And always comply fully with the law. Some people will say 'In Ukraine, it's possible to do it this easier way, or take that shortcut to getting things done. No one will see. No one will know.'"
"It does not work. Ultimately, it leaves you in a grey area with things like international financing.
#3 - Hire Good Ukrainian Lawyers and Partner with Local Experts
"After exploring a bit of Ukraine, the very next thing you do is to hire good Ukrainian lawyers. Because generally, every investor who comes to Ukraine understands investment terms they know what the word 'yield' means, etc. The meaning is clear. In the legal environment, though, it is completely unclear."
"There is a number of such legal questions you should get answered before you even consider investing in Ukraine."
"For example, I was just in Poland at a conference conferences and an Italian investor asked me a question that lots of people were thinking but that would never have occurred to me. He asked 'if I invest in Ukraine, and something happens to my employees during a missile attack, will I go to jail? Someone somewhere had told this rumor and they were struggling with it."
"No, of course you won't go to jail. First, you are not responsible for general practice because you have your director. But even the director is not responsible if the protocols are complied with - you should tell the employees where the bomb shelter is, you should not lock the door, etc. There are lots of these rumors."
"In other matters too, you need local partners who will help you navigate through the specifics of the environment. And you need very reputable local partners."
"I would not recommend, when you are not aware of Ukraine, to come on your own. Even if you take the best consultants of the world and best connections and every everything would be perfect to understand the environment and narratives you'd better to start with a local partner."
#4 - Study the Sector, Benefits and Geographic Area
"I would emphasize investing strategically."
"Some areas are clearly strategic, like agriculture - Ukraine has 2.4% of the world's arable land. We are #1 in production of sunflower and sunflower oil. So the possibilities there are very high."
"I would strongly suggest investing in construction materials, because they will obviously be very much in need during the reconstruction and you can get incentives for production. Sheet glass, concrete, cement, mineral wool insulation, PVC profiles. The government will definitely prioritize these areas and you can get state help."
"Investment in IT and everything connected to IT will be booming and booming. Also because you can find good IT guys and good people in Ukraine."
"Energy - everything related to energy. The energy sector accounts for about 13% of the reconstruction needs."
"Then there's government programs to look at, like the government 'investment nanny' program for investments of more than €12 million. This will cover as much as 30 of your capex."
"Then geographically - Ukrainian territory can be divded into riskier and less risky areas, so that's something you want to look at."
"And industrial parks. There are about 100 industrial park areas in Ukraine, where you can have tax benefits, exemption from import duties in new equipment and other benefits, as well as a guaranteed electricity supply and other benefits."
#5 - Prepare Thoughtfully but Do So Now
"Right now we are coming to the spring season, with no more threat of lack of heating. It's the best time to come to Ukraine. Take the opportunity to be ready to be among the first to invest when there is some kind of ceasefire, or even without a ceasefire."
"Come here, arrange meetings. The government is quite open, so it's possible to arrange meetings with authorities through the European Business Association and through consultants like the PwC."
"Speak with consultants. Speak with other companies from your country operating in Ukraine. But now, in spring, visit for a fews days - just look around, understand a little about the environment and the opportunities and potential."
"If you want to be young and healthy, you need to invest in Ukraine, because it's really inspiring and it makes you think about that, but also it's very good for your business to launch. It's really as a ground to launch."
Ukraine updates free trade deal with Norway, Switzerland: no duties on industrial products and lower tariffs on agri goods
Ukraine on Tuesday signed an updated free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), whose members include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, which fully eliminates duties on industrial goods for Ukrainian exporters and lowers or completely removes tariffs on a wide range of agricultural products.
"The modernized agreement will support Ukraine's recovery and economic growth, strengthen ties between Ukraine and EFTA states, and benefit economic operators across various sectors," Ukraine's Economy Ministry said in a press release.
Under the new FTA, the number of duty-free goods increased by 66.2% overall. The agreement also secures the current 0% rates for a range of goods that were previously excluded from its coverage, as per the statement.
The new agreement introduces three new sections: e-commerce, including simplifying online trade, regulating e-signatures and contracts, and administering paperless trade; small and medium-sized enterprises, including improving SME access to information, and supporting cooperation through dedicated SME contact points; and trade and sustainable development.
In 2024, the trade turnover between Ukraine and EFTA countries reached nearly €1.3 billion. Over the past five years, Ukrainian exports to EFTA countries grew at an average rate of 4.9%, while imports from EFTA countries to Ukraine increased at an average rate of 9.3%.
The main items that Ukraine exports to EFTA states include fats and oils, precious stones and metals, clothing and accessories, furniture and mattresses, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
The existing FTA between Ukraine and the EFTA states was signed in June 2010.
Metinvest gets first monthly coal shipment from US 'as lifeline for Ukrainian steel'
Metinvest, the metals and mining business owned by SCM, has received its first shipment of coking coal from the US this year, providing a "lifeline for Ukrainian steel" in wartime, according to a company press release.
The delivery—80,000 tonnes of high-quality coal—arrived via the bulk carrier Bison from United Coal Company (UCC), Metinvest's US-based mining asset in the Appalachian region, according to a company press release.
The shipment comes at a critical time, following the suspension of operations at Ukraine's Pokrovske Coal due to increased frontline risks, energy shortages, and concerns over worker safety. Pokrovskoye Coal Group is the only producer of coking coal in Ukraine, which is essential for the operation of metallurgical enterprises.
SCM Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Natalya Yemchenko said in a LinkedIn post the shipment provides a "lifeline for Ukrainian steel" in wartime.
Metinvest expects to receive similar monthly shipments moving forward, aimed at sustaining operations at its steel plants in Zaporizhzhia and Kamianske, according the release. The continued supply is intended to support tens of thousands of jobs, ensure uninterrupted production as well as support for Ukraine's logistics and rail transport.
"Although coking coal import is more expensive than its domestic equivalent due to logistics, this is an important step to help the Ukrainian economy,” said Yuriy Ryzhenkov, CEO of Metinvest.
Belgium pledges €1 billion in defense aid for Ukraine in 2025
Belgium will provide €1 billion in defense aid to Ukraine this year and plans to allocate the same amount each following year, the Office of the Ukrainian President said on Tuesday.
The announcement follows a meeting in Kyiv between Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.
De Wever was joined by representatives from 10 Belgian defense companies, with a main focus of the meeting on joint arms production and investment in Ukraine's defense sector, Zelensky's office said in a press release.
"We need to help Ukraine build greater self-defense capabilities and also prepare Europe for potential future aggression from Russia. It's essential that we work together so that the private sector sees attractive opportunities to invest and help expand our collective defense manufacturing capabilities," said De Wever.
Zelensky thanked de Wever for the aid, saying that Belgium provided consistent support to Ukraine since the start of the Russian full-scale invasion.
"This includes defense, political, and humanitarian support, in particular support for Ukrainians in Belgium. But most importantly, at the heart of our partnership is a shared sense of justice, Zelensky said.
Zelensky also stated that Ukraine appreciates Belgium's support of its EU membership bid and that Belgium is among the countries committed to participating in the coalition of those capable of guaranteeing Ukraine's security.
Veon finalizes reorganization ahead of Kyivstar's listing on Nasdaq
Telecoms group Veon said on Tuesday it has completed the reorganization of Veon VEON Holdings B.V. and concluded THE consent solicitation process it first announced on Jan 13.
These developments mark a key step toward the planned business combination with Cohen Circle Acquisition Corp. I, which is expected to result in Kyivstar Group Ltd.—the parent company of Ukraine's largest digital operator, Kyivstar—listing on Nasdaq under the ticker KYIV.
The reorganization included a legal demerger in the Netherlands, through which Veon Holdings B.V. has been refocused exclusively on Kyivstar and its related assets, according to a company press release. Veon's remaining core businesses have been transferred to newly created Dutch entities.
As part of the process, Veon also obtained approval from holders of its 2027 bonds to transfer the issuer from Veon Holdings B.V. to VEON MidCo B.V.
Veon disclosed in March it signed a business combination agreement with special purpose acquisition company Cohen Circle to list Ukraine's leading digital operator, Kyivstar, on Nasdaq.
Vitagro prepares 26,000-tonne expansion of grain storage capacity in Khmelnytsky region
Vitagro, the Ukrainian diversified agricultural conglomerate, is expanding its grain storage capacity in the Khmelnytsky region, with the completion of two new silos capable of storing 11,000 tonnes, Interfax-Ukraine reported.
The company is also preparing to build a site with a 15,000-tonne capacity using grain sleeves, according to the report.
Construction began in autumn 2024, with a total investment of approximately UAH 153 million ($3.7 million) for the first phase.
"Along with increasing storage volume, we will also add another working tower, allowing for simultaneous reception of two different crops and the parallel loading of grain onto rail and road transport," said Oleksandr Kulyhin, Vitagro's Director of Grain Storage.
Upon completion, the elevator’s total storage capacity will rise to 66,000 tonnes, according to the report. The project is expected to be finished by early summer 2025, in time to store the new winter crop.
Vitagro, founded in 1998, is one of Ukraine's largest industrial groups, with operations spanning agriculture, energy, processing, construction, and chemicals. The company owns assets across several regions, including Khmelnytsky, Rivne, Volyn, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kyiv, according to the report. During the full-scale invasion, the group built and launched five processing enterprises.
According to the Unified State Register of Legal Entities and Individual Entrepreneurs, the ultimate beneficiary of Vitagro is MP Serhiy Labaziuk, a member of the "For the Future" parliamentary faction.
Ukraine must build capital market infrastructure for post-war recovery, says NBU deputy governor
Ukraine needs to develop its capital market infrastructure to attract both private and international investment for post-war recovery, First Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), Kateryna Rozhkova, said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
"We will not build a second London Stock Exchange, but our capital market must be proportional to the size of our economy," Rozhkova said. "It's important that Ukraine not only passes a law but also prepares the financial market infrastructure for the post-war period."
Currently, Ukraine's domestic financial market is largely centered on government bonds, which Rozhkova said is expected under wartime conditions. However, she highlighted emerging examples of alternative instruments, such as corporate bonds issued by Nova Poshta and NovaPay, according to the Interfax-Ukraine report.
"For companies and municipalities, raising funds through the stock market is a viable alternative to bank lending. It's clearly cheaper. But the necessary tools and procedures are still missing," she said.
Rozhkova also highlighted the successful integration of the NBU's depository with international depository Clearstream in 2019, which helped increase the share of non-residents in the government bond market to 16% prior to the war.
"Now we want to expand this 'link' to municipal and corporate bonds. But this will require procedural changes and updates to the regulatory infrastructure," she noted.
Rozhkova pointed out that the limited size of Ukraine's banking sector—which she said is a tenth the size of Poland's—constrains its ability to finance large-scale projects. Consortium loans and direct financing from parent Western banks could offer a solution.
European partners raise €10 million for UN-launched green recovery platform for Ukraine
European partners have raised about €10 million to support the Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian government.
Contributors included Italy, France, Finland, Japan, and Czechia, the government said in a press release, noting that Germany contributed €5 million last year.
"The war has already caused over €85 billion in damage to Ukraine's environment. However, to formulate a comprehensive recovery strategy for all areas of life in the country, taking into account environmental impacts, we are discussing all damages and losses today," said Environment Minister Svitlana Grynchuk.
"This approach will enable us to create a clear 'matrix' of projects with the least burden on the environment," she added.
On April 7, the First Stakeholders Forum of the Platform for Action on the Green Recovery of Ukraine took place with some 800 participants, according to the release.
Grynchuk said the platform is preparing its first initiatives with support from Finland, Italy, Czechia, and Germany, which will be presented at the URC2025 in Rome this July.
The platform was launched last year in Berlin by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
UNEP said at the time the platform would bring together Ukrainian and international partners to define "green recovery" for Ukraine, considering its EU accession status. It also aims to accelerate policy, legislative, and institutional reforms, ensuring government-wide commitment to a sustainable post-war recovery.
Ukraine, UNIDO launch second phase of eco-industrial parks program with CHF 3 million in Swiss funding
Ukraine and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) on Tuesday launched the second phase of the Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP-II) with CHF 3 million ($3.5 million) in funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
The project aims to demonstrate the potential of eco-industrial parks to boost the environmental, economic, and social performance of businesses while supporting sustainable industrial growth, Ukraine's Economy Ministry said in a press release.
During the five years of the first phase of the project (2019-2024), energy audits were carried out and pilot industrial parks were upgraded. Steps were taken to update laws to support the eco-industrial park model, and work started on creating a national standard for these parks, which is expected to be approved by May 2025, the ministry said.
The new phase will build on these efforts and extend them across the country. It will support attracting investors, cutting emissions, reducing energy costs for businesses, and increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian manufacturing.
"This is not just assistance – it's a signal of trust in Ukraine. Together with our international partners, we are investing in sustainable development, security, and a new industrial ecosystem," said Ukraine's Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.
Ukrainian, Danish wind industry associations partner to boost Ukraine's energy supply, restore damaged infrastructure
The Danish wind industry association, Green Power Denmark, said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with its Ukrainian counterpart, the Ukrainian Wind Energy Association (UWEA), to support Ukraine's energy security and help rebuild its heavily damaged energy infrastructure.
"If we can support Ukraine in recovering in any way, we will do so without hesitation," said Green Power Denmark CEO Kristian Jensen. "Green Power Denmark is ready to share our world-leading expertise, as well as that of the Danish wind energy sector, in the development and deployment of wind power."
Before Russia's invasion, Ukraine relied heavily on nuclear, coal, and gas for electricity, making its energy system rigid and dependent on imports. Rebuilding offers a chance for a major green shift, with plans to expand solar and wind energy, both on land and eventually offshore in the Black Sea, Green Power Denmark said in a press release on Tuesday.
"Danish expertise, technology, and investment can help Ukraine develop both onshore and offshore wind energy. Green Power Denmark’s support is a powerful signal that Ukraine is ready to move forward despite the challenges we face," said UWEA Chairman Andriy Konechenkov.
The collaboration will focus on sharing knowledge and practical experience in wind energy development. Moreover, UWEA and Green Power Denmark will create training programs, workshops, and study tours for Ukrainian energy professionals.
Danish companies are already playing a key role in advancing renewable energy in Ukraine. Wind turbine manufacturer Vestas is one of the companies actively involved in the country's wind energy development. Most recently, Vestas secured an order to supply 64 wind turbines with a combined capacity of 384 MW for the Tyligulska project, developed by Ukraine's DTEK.
Ukraine has set a target of expanding its renewable energy capacity by 24 GW by 2030.
Ukraine launches tax project with Finnish support to boost revenue base, reduce external financing needs
Finland and Ukraine are cooperating on a new tax project to enhance the transparency and digitalisation of Ukraine's tax administration as well as its capacity to manage and implement reforms, according to Finland's foreign ministry and the State Tax Service of Ukraine.
The Finnish Tax Administration (VERO) and its Ukrainian counterpart, the State Tax Service of Ukraine (STS), will implement the project, with a budget allocation from Finland of €1.6 million for 2025–2028.
The project, titled "Building Trust in the State Tax Service of Ukraine," will also contribute to the fight against corruption and support Ukraine's progress toward EU accession, Finland's foreign ministry said in a release.
"An efficient and reliable tax administration lays the foundation for sustainable reconstruction and increasing private sector activity in Ukraine," said Finland's Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio.
It was officially launched with an event held in Helsinki on April 7, with a memorandum of understanding signed by Ruslan Kravchenko, the STS head, and VERO Director General Markku Heikura, according to an STS release.
"I am grateful to my Finnish colleagues for their willingness to share their experience. We strive for qualitative changes in the State Tax Service that would meet international standards," said Kravchenko.
The Ukrainian State Tax Service serves over 32 million taxpayers and 3.5 million businesses, according to the release. It also a comprehensive regional network, consisting of 25 regional directorates, five interregional directorates, and 119 tax inspectorates.
Responsible Statecraft: US-Europe split over SWIFT threatens to undermine Ukraine peace talks
A disagreement between the US and the EU on whether to allow limited access by a major Russian bank to the payment messaging service SWIFT as part of a maritime ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine threatens to derail the peace talks, Ian Proud, a former British diplomat, wrote in an op-ed for Responsible Statecraft.
"If allowing Russia limited access to the payment service moves negotiations forward, it's well worth it," Proud wrote, noting that excluding Russia from SWIFT in the first place did not bring such dire economic consequences for the country as initially expected.
Kyiv Post: Ukraine needs to push on training experts for demining
Ukraine is grappling with a familiar challenge in its demining efforts: a lack of qualified personnel, and although the number of deminers has nearly doubled from around 2,000 in 2022 to over 4,000 today, it remains far below what's needed to clear the country's land, Olena Kryzhanivska, a Ukrainian policy analyst, wrote in an op-ed for the Kyiv Post.
Demining is getting harder due to new, harder-to-detect mines. While experts know how to handle old Soviet mines, Russia is using more advanced weapons, like undetonated bombs dropped by drones. This makes ongoing training and updated tools vital—any gap in knowledge can be deadly, Kryzhanivska wrote.
Industrial parks offer lifeline for Ukraine's business relocation and recovery, research paper says
As Ukraine faces the task of rebuilding its war-torn economy, brownfield and greenfield industrial parks are emerging as essential tools in the strategic relocation of enterprises as well as in attracting investment and supporting post-war recovery, Ukrainian economists Volodymyr Anatoliiovych Panchenko and Dmytro Mykolaiovych Zakharov wrote in a research paper in local scientific journal Economics, Management and Administration.
Brownfield projects—reusing abandoned industrial sites—offer a faster, cost-effective route for businesses needing to relocate quickly. In contrast, greenfield developments—constructed from scratch on undeveloped land—are more adaptable for long-term growth and high-tech industries but require more time and capital. The authors argue that Ukraine needs to blend the strengths of both, supported by strategic planning, financial incentives, and targeted policy.
Data from the paper suggests that Ukraine fully utilizing this potential will not be an easy task. As of late 2022, 60 industrial parks were registered in Ukraine, yet only 4 were fully operational, and 23 had no management at all. By 2024, 18 new parks were added to the registry, showing progress, but infrastructure and funding remain major barriers. Roughly 50% of new parks were built on former industrial sites, while the rest were developed on greenfield plots—each with distinct challenges in terms of readiness and access, according to the paper.
Cost and environmental impact also set these two models apart. Brownfield projects tend to be cheaper due to existing infrastructure and offer environmental benefits by limiting new land use. However, they often come with pollution concerns and the need for costly cleanups. Greenfield projects, while cleaner and more flexible, demand higher upfront investments and longer construction timelines.
To address these gaps, the Ukrainian government has allocated about UAH 1 billion ($25 million) in state incentives, with up to UAH 150 million available per project. For parks located in de-occupied territories, government co-financing can cover up to 80% of costs. These incentives also include tax exemptions, reduced import duties, and favorable land lease terms, which significantly improve investment appeal.
Labor shortages, however, threaten to undermine these efforts, as per the paper. The war has displaced millions, including skilled professionals vital to industrial operations. As a result, businesses are struggling to hire qualified workers, delaying their ability to ramp up production. Some have invested in training and upskilling, but this requires time and financial resources that not all companies have.
Ukraine's policy also recognizes different management models suited to various regional and economic needs. The developer model brings in private firms to build and manage parks; the community model involves local governments in park planning; and the industrial model is centered around anchor businesses that attract suppliers and related industries. Each has its pros and cons depending on the park's location and goals.
The authors stress that industrial park development must be part of a larger strategic vision. Brownfield revitalization, for instance, could help revive urban centers and utilize Ukraine's vast stock of abandoned Soviet-era factories. Greenfield projects, meanwhile, offer blank slates ideal for new, innovative sectors and export-oriented manufacturing.
Ultimately, a dual-track approach—revitalizing brownfields while selectively building new greenfields—paired with strong state support and smart regional planning, will be key to rebuilding Ukraine's industrial base. The paper calls for continued research into improving state aid mechanisms and better aligning park development with market demand.
Social Media Posts
Igor Smelyansky, CEO of Ukrainian national postal operator Ukrposhta, posted that Russian attacks have hit three Ukrposhta branches in the past two days, including one in the Sumy region and two in Donetsk.
He said the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will help restore some of the damage add an anti-drone defense system. He added that the Sumy branch had already been restored from a prior hit.
Naftogaz Meets Bergen Engines and Itera
State-owned oil and gas company Naftogaz of Ukraine recapped a meeting between Naftogaz Acting Chairman Roman Chumak and John Erik Rov, CEO of Bergen Engines and Jon Erik Hogberg, COO of Itera, to discuss potential cooperation in energy and digital technologies.
Talks focused "on opportunities to digitalize natural gas production in Ukraine using advanced IT solutions, data analytics, and cloud technologies to boost well efficiency," according to the Naftogaz post.
CBU Meets Modulaire Group
Confederation of Builders of Ukraine CEO Oleksandr Chervak met with representatives from the US modular services provider Modulaire Group to discuss plans to "accelerate the reconstruction process in Ukraine."
"Special attention was paid to the implementation of modern modular solutions for the rapid construction of infrastructure," the CBU said in the post.
Prozorro Promotes Digital State UA
Prozorro, the Ukrainian public procurement system designed to maximize transparency, promoted the new Digital State UA platform designed to showcase Ukraine's digital ecosystem abroad.
The post said the platform is designed for "governments keen to learn from Ukraine’s digital transformation journey" as well as "nternational businesses and investors seeking new opportunities in Ukraine’s IT sector" and others.
URN Daily: Sense Bank and Ukrgasbank for sale? And US seeks to cancel $4.7 billion of Ukraine's debt
