Finnish companies to participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction

While continuing to suffer from the consequences of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine is busy preparing for reconstruction. Around forty Finnish companies, led by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio, will participate in Rebuild Ukraine, the exhibition and conference to be held in Warsaw on 14–15 November 2023.

Taking place in Warsaw on 14–15 November 2023, Rebuild Ukraine brings together companies around the world to showcase their solutions and to hear directly from Ukrainian representatives about their needs for coping with the damage caused by the invasion. Around forty Finnish companies will attend the conference. Convened by Business Finland, the business delegation will be led by Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio. Minister Tavio will speak at the opening of the conference and meet with Ukraine’s Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko. Other meetings have also been scheduled.

“There is a great practical, human and moral need for supporting the reconstruction. With such large-scale rebuilding, operations must be needs-based. The Warsaw exhibition is a good opportunity for Finnish companies to listen to their Ukrainian partners and present their solutions,” says Minister Tavio.

Supporting Ukraine is crucial. Finland has responded to the Ukrainian needs quickly, for example by providing defence materiel and other material support and by allocating development cooperation and humanitarian assistance funds to Ukraine. In addition to immediate assistance, however, Ukraine will need long-term reconstruction aid.

Finnish companies have expertise required in the key fields of reconstruction, including in energy-efficient and sustainable construction, the energy sector, clean transition, development of water and waste management, telecommunications, the education sector, and strengthening the rule of law. These sectors can comprehensively match Ukraine’s current needs. Reconstruction is also closely linked to Ukraine's prospects of EU membership and the necessary reforms for meeting the membership criteria.

Finland will draw up a national plan for participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction with contributions from the business community and the Team Finland network. The plan will include financing solutions to make it easier for Finnish companies to get involved and to improve the advisory services available to the business and industry. The first part of the two-part plan is due to be finalised by the end of the year.