Ukrainian mayors meet with Finnish business leaders – working towards strategic cooperation
A delegation of more than 40 decision-makers aiming to revive the Ukrainian economy is currently in Finland. The aim of their five-day visit is to strengthen business between the countries. The World Bank has estimated that the cost of reconstruction in Ukraine has already exceeded EUR 500 billion.
- About 40 representatives of companies and cities from Ukraine have arrived in Finland to increase reconstruction cooperation with Finnish companies and cities.
- The main event, the Ukraine-Finland Recovery Forum, will be attended by Finns from over 70 companies. Representatives of municipalities, public administration and higher education institutions will also be present.
“This is a historic step in the development of the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Finland. We are building bridges and creating a solid foundation for joint projects and mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries. Ukraine is recovering and developing. It can offer unique opportunities for international business,” says Henry Shterenberg, CEO of Economy of Trust Ukraine.
The main event of the visit, Ukrainian-Finnish Economic Recovery Business Forum, will be hosted by Economy of Trust Ukraine, which promotes these partnerships; Mayors’ Club Ukraine, Sweco, an expert in planning and consulting; and Business Finland. There will be roughly 70 Finnish companies and six Finnish cities participating in the event.
Finland to claim a role in the reconstruction of Ukraine
The Ukrainians are looking for partners in Finland and are set to visit, for example, Ämmässuo waste sorting station, Helen, and Vantaan Energia. They will also meet other companies in the construction and energy sectors. What is one of the most important locations they will visit is the Merihaka shelter.
“In many countries, civil refence shelters are simple shrapnel shelters, while in Finland, they are designed to withstand shock waves from explosions, radiation and toxic gases, and you can get out of them even if the building above collapses. In peacetime, the shelters serve as parking garages, storage units and recreational facilities,” says Jyrki Härkki of Business Finland. Among other things, Business Finland will advise Finnish companies about the Ukrainian market and is one of the main organizers of the Forum.
Energy of Trust Ukraine aims to develop industrial park concepts, and another main organizer, Sweco has been involved in the survey work.
“We have had a presence in Ukraine for more than 30 years and have carried out more than 100 projects in the water supply, energy and industry sectors. We want to offer our extensive know-how for the reconstruction of Ukraine. We can use our expertise to help rebuild a safe and sustainable Ukraine. It is vital that we secure Finnish cooperation for this,” says Sweco Finland CEO Thomas Hietto.
More information
Henry Shterenberg
CEO and Founder
Economy of Trust Ukraine
Yuliya Chufistova
Member of the Presidium and Chair of the Expert Council
Mayors’ Club Ukraine
+380 999 803 804
yuliya.ch@mayorsclub.org
Jyrki Härkki
Senior Advisor, Reconstruction of Ukraine
Business Finland
+358 40 343 3455
jyrki.harkki@businessfinland.fi
Thomas Hietto
CEO
Sweco
+358 40 047 4093
thomas.hietto@sweco.fi
Communications
Maria Arruda
Head of Communications
Business Finland
+358 400 933 913
maria.arruda@businessfinland.fi
Photos: Business Finland
Business Finland is the Finnish government organization that provides innovation funding and internationalization services, promotes travel and investments, and attracts talents to Finland. Business Finland’s around 450 experts work in 12 offices globally and in 15 regional offices around Finland. Business Finland is part of the Team Finland network. www.businessfinland.fi. www.businessfinland.fi