An extensive report presented at the annual Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine is an indispensable compendium for entrepreneurs considering capital involvement in Ukraine.
During the annual Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine held in Berlin, the Ukrainian authorities presented the Ukraine Investment Guide, offering a comprehensive list of examples of investment projects in the energy, infrastructure, agriculture and IT services sectors. The material contains key information for business representatives interested in the development of the economic situation in Ukraine, the currently implemented projects for the reconstruction and modernization of the country, and practical information on doing business.
The guide emphasizes the need for a detailed analysis before making an investment decision due to the challenges related to the ongoing war, but also indicates strategic investment opportunities that arise with international reconstruction projects in Ukraine. The document contains a list of 95 investment projects in Ukraine requiring around USD 27 billion in funding.
Presenting the report, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Sviridenko pointed out that despite the war, Ukraine remains open to investment.
In 2023, foreign investors invested USD 4.25 billion in the Ukrainian economy, which exceeds the level of 2016-2017. The Ukrainian government expects a further increase in the activity of foreign investors. They hope that international financial assistance and co-financing mechanisms with the participation of international financial institutions will be an incentive for international business. An additional incentive is to be the currently implemented war risk insurance solutions, like those proposed by the Polish Export Credit Insurance Corporation (KUKE).
The report draws attention to the investment programs available to business, simplified investment procedures and access to infrastructure and municipal services, as well as tax and customs reliefs. It is pointed out in the report that the war has created significant recovery needs in many sectors, and investors will be able to benefit from the projected post-war economic growth, especially if this is accompanied by reforms aimed at EU accession.
Particularly valuable for Polish entrepreneurs considering investing in Ukraine may be the chapter on practical tips for foreign investors, which describes entry regimes, setting up a business, investment restrictions and taxation. The existing financial environment, including the Ukrainian Framework Investment Plan, derisking mechanisms, financial support from the state, and government incentives, were also discussed.
The Investment Guide was prepared by the Kyiv School of Economics in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. It has 240 pages and is available on the official website of the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine 2024: https://www.urc-international.com/conference-materials-urc-2024
As part of the Berlin Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, many thematic and sectoral meetings were also held, including the Reconstruction Forum. The dominant theme was the reconstruction of energy infrastructure destroyed because of massive Russian attacks. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other donors have announced a total of nearly USD 2 billion for the reconstruction of energy infrastructure.
At the Conference, letters of intent were also signed between Kredobank, Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego and the European Commission regarding the increase in funds for the "EU Support for Ukrainian Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs)" program. The EC has allocated an additional EUR 20 million for the project, which will enable Kredobank to grant loans to companies operating in Ukraine.
Kredobank's CEO Jacek Shugaev pointed out that loans for EUR 19.6 million have already been granted under the project, mainly in frontline areas.
