On March 2, the Ukrainian-Danish Business Forum was held in Kyiv. The largest delegation of Danish business since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion took part in the event – 38 leading companies, as well as about 300 participants from Ukrainian enterprises, specialized associations and the public sector.
The main goal of the forum was to deepen economic cooperation and launch new joint Danish-Ukrainian projects.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine Oleksiy Sobolev thanked the Government of Denmark for its leadership and practical support to Ukraine, and Danish business for its readiness to invest in Ukraine today.
“Denmark is one of Ukraine’s most loyal partners, providing powerful humanitarian and military assistance and attracting large-scale investments in recovery. An example is the reconstruction of the water supply system in Bucha or infrastructure projects in the Mykolaiv region, which Denmark patronizes. Danish companies are also expanding production in Ukraine, opening new lines. They are not waiting for ideal conditions or the end of the war to invest and establish cooperation. And this is a great example for other partners,” Oleksiy Sobolev noted.
Separately, the minister noted the effective cooperation with the Danish Export-Investment Fund (EIFO), which over the past two years had implemented 24 transactions in Ukraine for 440 million euros. And it was thanks to the risk reduction tools from EIFO that it was possible to unblock the deal for 450 million euros between DTEK and Vestas, which allowed continuing he development of the Tiligul wind power plant. EIFO also launched a unique tool – insurance of investments in Ukrainian defense enterprises with coverage of up to 70% of risks, which will allow to strengthen investments in this industry.
The forum participants discussed risk reduction tools, state incentives and financial support opportunities. Investors were also told about the possibilities of supporting projects through the government office UkraineInvest, which operated on the principle of a “single window”.
“Ukraine’s investment opportunities over the next 10 years exceed $300 billion. This is not just reconstruction – it is structural modernization and integration into global value chains. Now an important step is the practical development of a joint pipeline of projects and the conversion of developments into specific investment agreements. UkraineInvest as a single government window provides navigation of opportunities, matchmaking, facilitation of access to financing and support of state support for projects with capital investments of over 12 million euros,” noted Maryna Khlystun, Executive Director of UkraineInvest.
During the sectoral sessions, the forum participants discussed the needs for the restoration of water utilities, heat and power, energy and energy efficiency, reform priorities and successful international experience. Ukrainian companies also presented specific investment projects. In addition, direct negotiations were held between Ukrainian and Danish companies. (Economy Ministry)