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The parties discussed the scaling of Finnish financial and investment assistance for the restoration of Ukrainian infrastructure amid the consequences of the war. At least 5 areas of cooperation of mutual interest were also presented. These are IT, energy sector, education, agro-processing, use of biotechnology.
The event was organized by Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (ULIE) and the Confederation of Finnish Industry (EK). In total, more than 170 participants from both sides joined the event, among them - Olga Dibrova, Ambassador of Ukraine to Finland, Consul of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland Joonas Heiskanen, representatives of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, Chernihiv Regional State Administration, Ministry of Education of Finland, Nokia, Business Finland and others.
Jyri Häkämies, Director General of the Confederation of Finnish Industry, noted in his speech that Finland supports Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and also said that national companies have left the Russian market. He noted the interest of Finland in cooperation in energy, IT and organization of joint supply chains of goods and raw materials to the EU market.
Anatolii Kinakh, President of Ukrainian League of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, also added the sector of alternative energy sources, decarbonization, development of the processing industry of the Ukrainian agro-industrial sector, industrial innovation in industry.
He noted that last year the trade turnover between the countries increased by 34% and amounted to 492 million USD.
Ambassador Olga Dibrova spoke in more detail about the assistance of Finland. According to her, the country helps in the defense, humanitarian and financial spheres. Joint projects in education are being implemented, including the creation of a modern Finnish school in Ukraine. Finland is ready to support the expansion of the presence of Ukrainian business in its market and the EU market in general. Thus, two large retail chains S-Group and K-Group (more than 3 thousand supermarkets together) offered to place Ukrainian goods on their shelves.
"The Minister of Energy of Finland informed that the first batches of energy equipment had already been sent to Ukraine. Generators, etc. are being raised from private businesses and municipalities," said Ms. Dibrova.
In total, more than 300 million euros of assistance has been provided, Consul Joonas Heiskanen said.
Finland is involved in projects to rebuild Chernihiv region which has suffered significantly from Russian aggression. As of August, Finland has paid for 13 projects to repair schools in the region. Relevant meetings have already been held at the level of ambassadors and the head of the Regional Military Administration to systematize cooperation.
Dmytro Ivanov, Deputy Head of Chernihiv Regional State Administration, told more about the needs of Chernihiv region.
According to him, out of 11 thousand damaged objects of residential infrastructure, administrative buildings 1.8 thousand have already been repaired. In the region, 30 bridges were destroyed, 27 of which have been restored (most of them - with temporary structures). Mine clearance of the territories is another problem.
"There are 6 modular towns for citizens who have lost their homes in the region. Now we are actively working on the idea of creating a special economic zone, trying to keep the business as much as possible and facilitate its work. If in March 2022, 15% of companies were working, now - 90%. However, many have partially resumed their activities," the official said.
Yevhen Balychev, Nokia representative, noted that the company cooperates with all mobile operators in Ukraine, providing reliable communication. In particular, it provided up to 35% of the necessary equipment.
Presentations were made by the companies:
- from the Finnish side - Enersense (provides energy services on the principle of zero emissions), Business Finland (promotes financing of innovation, trade, investment and tourism);
- from the Ukrainian side - LLC "Dnipro Association K" (biotechnology in construction, recycling), ViteoHemp (innovative eco-products), LLC "Novel Telecommunication Solutions" (public warning systems), UaRenew project (construction of housing for IDPs).
They also talked about the green transition in Finland and Ukraine. Janne Pelo, Chief Climate Advisor at the Confederation of Finnish Industry, and Myroslav Tabakharnyuk, Head of the Decarbonization Center at the ULIE, outlined the current situation and both supported the prospect of cooperation between the two countries.
The webinar was the first large-scale event of Ukrainian and Finnish businesses over the past year. The organizers promise to continue business communications.
Background: The Confederation of Finnish Industry (EK) is the leading business organization in Finland. It has been a partner of ULIE since 2018 (signed agreement).