The Vice Prime Minister for Reconstruction – Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, Oleksii Kuleba, along with his team, held a meeting with the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden, Benjamin Dousa. The topic of the discussion was expanding cooperation. The meeting also involved First Deputy Minister Aliona Shkrum, Deputy Minister Marina Denysiuk, and the Head of the Reconstruction Agency, Serhiy Sukhomlyn.
"We are pleased to welcome the Minister to Kyiv and to have the opportunity to discuss our priorities for reconstruction and potential investment opportunities for rebuilding. We invite the Swedish private sector to participate in the implementation of projects. We would like to express our gratitude for the framework strategy for cooperation for 2023–2027 approved by the Swedish government, with its focus on supporting critical infrastructure, economic development, and enterprise. We also thank Swedfund for providing financial and advisory support to Ukrainian communities in the fields of water supply, wastewater treatment, energy efficiency, and heating. Eleven communities are receiving help in preparing the technical and economic justification for water supply projects, and eight communities are receiving support in the areas of heating and waste management. Sweden is our reliable partner in the implementation of reconstruction projects based on transparency, sustainable development, and European values. We strive to continue and expand this cooperation," said Oleksii Kuleba.
During the meeting, the focus was on attracting investment for reconstruction projects. Aliona Shkrum shared with Swedish colleagues how the implementation of investment projects is planned. She emphasized that the Ministry is working on creating the most favorable investment conditions for both international financial organizations and the private sector. This includes providing guarantees, transparency, and a clear mechanism for attracting investments and using funds.
Serhiy Sukhomlyn outlined the main projects of the Reconstruction Agency for the Swedish delegation, suggesting that Sweden participate in some of them. Among the topics discussed was the potential involvement in a waste recycling project, utilizing part of the waste for generating thermal electricity. Serhiy Sukhomlyn pointed out that Sweden's expertise in this field could be valuable to Ukraine.
He also highlighted that the recent creation of the Centralized Procurement Organization within the Agency was an important step for accelerating project work and saving funds for optimal use.
Marina Denysiuk added that, thanks to the work of the CPO, procurement for large construction projects would become transparent and efficient. She emphasized that the CPO also creates equal conditions for all communities in the implementation of reconstruction projects.
Benjamin Dousa, in turn, expressed Sweden's support for Ukraine and noted that Sweden is ready to continue exploring ways of cooperation and addressing the urgent needs of reconstruction.
For reference:
Sweden’s total assistance since the beginning of the full-scale invasion amounts to $7 billion. In 2023, Ukraine became the largest recipient of Swedish international aid.
