The Swiss organization for implementing sustainable development initiatives, Helvetas, is interested in expanding its support program for Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses. In addition to existing projects in the humanitarian sphere and programs supporting exporters and professional development for workers, several new areas are planned. These include the development and support of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their integration into regional and cross-sectoral production chains. This was discussed during a meeting between Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Economy, Volodymyr Kuzio, and Helvetas' Coordinator for Recovery in Ukraine, Thomas Moje, and Helvetas' Director in Ukraine, Peter Basche.
"We discussed with representatives of the Swiss Helvetas the directions for implementing new joint projects in sectors that are priorities for Ukraine, such as construction and processing, renewable energy and cogeneration, agriculture and logistics. This concerns supporting micro, small, and medium businesses, as well as creating new production chains. We discussed possible cooperation in attracting private investments into the economy, cooperation between Ukrainian and foreign enterprises, and placing high-tech manufacturing from partner countries in our territory, including with the participation of the Swiss development agency SIFEM," emphasized Volodymyr Kuzio.
During the meeting, they also discussed expanding Helvetas' mandate to develop the private sector in Ukraine in key economic sectors that will be investment priorities from 2024 to 2027 and have the highest growth potential.
Another topic of discussion was providing assistance to Ukrainian cities, communities, and businesses to purchase and install energy equipment for distributed generation. This aims to increase the energy resilience of regions and Ukrainian entrepreneurs after Russia destroyed about 9 GW of Ukraine's maneuverable power generation capacity.
Helvetas is a Swiss organization that supports sustainable development initiatives worldwide. Its main areas of work include livelihood programs, economic recovery, and resilience building.
Helvetas collaborates with local communities, authorities, and other partners to optimally respond to humanitarian crises and promote long-term development. This cooperation involves training and providing resources to local NGOs, government agencies, and communities to enhance their preparedness for emergencies, respond to them, and recover afterward.
Helvetas combines a humanitarian approach with a development approach to strengthen sustainable crisis responses and increase the resilience and well-being of affected communities.
