20 Ukrainian technology companies have completed preparations for two business missions to Japan. The training helped the companies better understand the Japanese market, prepare presentations of their products and establish communication with potential partners. Some of the companies have already departed for Japan.
The preparatory programme, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, concluded with a joint event ahead of the participants' departure. The event brought together representatives of government institutions, Ukrainian businesses and international partners.
Participants included Japanese Ambassador to Ukraine Yo Osumi, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Ukraine Osamu Hattori, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Natalia Denikeieva, Adviser to the Minister of Economy and Environment of Ukraine Andrii Teliupa, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Gennadiy Chyzhykov, and UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine Miodrag Dragišić.
"Japan has valuable experience and knowledge to share, while Ukrainian innovation and resilience can create new opportunities for Japanese businesses. We see great potential in this mutually beneficial cooperation and hope these missions will pave the way for long-term partnerships. I wish all participating companies a safe journey and success in Japan," Ambassador Yo Osumi said, thanking Ukrainian partners for their continued efforts to strengthen business ties between the two countries.
"Strong business partnerships are built on mutual trust, understanding each other's cultures and a shared willingness to work together, seize opportunities and overcome challenges. JICA remains committed to supporting Ukraine's sustainable recovery and strengthening long-term cooperation between Ukrainian and Japanese businesses," said Osamu Hattori, Chief Representative of JICA in Ukraine.
He also emphasised the importance of investing in human capital to establish lasting business partnerships.
"We want Ukrainian companies to play a more significant role in global value chains and contribute to the development of critical technologies on which other countries and industries depend. Japan is a strong partner in this regard: its industrial expertise, high standards and manufacturing capabilities can help Ukrainian teams improve their solutions and expand their applications," said Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation Natalia Denikeieva. Ukrainian companies, in turn, have engineering talent, practical experience and the ability to move quickly. We hope these contacts will develop into long-term partnerships in which Ukrainian and Japanese companies jointly develop solutions and create value for both sides," she added.
"Even in the most difficult circumstances, Ukrainian companies continue to innovate and work towards the future. This mission is an opportunity to combine Ukrainian creativity with Japanese expertise, turning the friendship between our countries into partnerships that will help our businesses grow and our communities recover," said Andrii Teliupa, Adviser to the Minister of Economy and Environment of Ukraine.
He thanked Japan for its solidarity and continued support for Ukraine's recovery.
"It is symbolic that we are seeing Ukrainian companies off to Japan from the Resilient Business Hub, established with the support of UNDP and the Government of Japan. Just as this hub enables entrepreneurs to continue operating despite the challenges of war, Ukrainian businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience, finding ways to adapt, innovate and grow," said Gennadiy Chyzhykov, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These missions now give companies an opportunity to learn from Japan's expertise in world-leading technologies, present their own solutions and build partnerships that benefit both countries," he added.
"Despite the challenges of war, Ukrainian businesses continue to innovate, create jobs and contribute to economic recovery. With support from the Government of Japan, UNDP has already trained more than 700 Ukrainian business representatives and consultants to help them enter the Japanese market," said UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine Miodrag Dragišić. "We are now proud to support companies in taking the next step — turning their innovations into new business opportunities and long-term partnerships that will benefit both countries," he added.
One of the missions to Japan was initiated by Ukraine's Ministry of Economy and Environment. Participating companies will attend the Japan-Ukraine Advanced Technology Business Forum in Kobe and visit the CEATEC technology exhibition.
The forum will take place on October 20, 2026, and will focus on civilian technologies. The programme will also include presentations of Ukrainian technological solutions and meetings with Japanese businesses.
The second initiative involves Ukrainian companies participating in Ukraine-Japan Business Matching under the Japan-Ukraine Tech Co-Creation Project, implemented by JICA.
The initiative aims to help Ukrainian and Japanese companies identify shared interests and opportunities for technological partnerships.
