A meeting was held with the Delegate of the Swiss Federal Council for Ukraine, Ambassador Jacques Gerber, regarding reconstruction projects supported by the Swiss Government. From the Ministry for Development, First Deputy Minister Aliona Shkrum and Deputy Minister Marina Denysiuk participated in the meeting.
The main focus of the discussion was the launch of reconstruction projects in the areas of railway infrastructure and housing, supported by the Swiss Government, and the expansion of cooperation. For projects under the Ministry’s responsibility, CHF 76 million has been allocated.
“Thanks to the implementation of projects supported by Swiss companies, critical infrastructure will be restored, jobs will be created, and new opportunities will emerge for communities. This is a vivid example of how international partnership translates into real change for people,” emphasized Aliona Shkrum.
As part of these initiatives, a new factory producing fasteners for the transition to European-gauge tracks will be established in Kremenchuk, along with production of contact wires for railway electrification. In the housing sector, modular homes for internally displaced persons (IDPs) will be built in Vinnytsia and Sumy regions, and windows will be replaced in damaged buildings in Kharkiv and other frontline areas.
The relevant programs have been included in the Unified Project Portfolio, allowing Swiss-supported projects to be implemented without delays. Preparatory work is currently underway, with project implementation set to begin in October.
The Ministry is considering the possibility of further engaging Swiss grants for co-financing public-private partnership (PPP) projects. The parties also discussed cooperation with Swiss railway companies and the Swissrail association to develop the transport sector.
“We can structure the next call for proposals for Swiss companies around critical infrastructure and housing construction. We already have successful projects, and we see that Swiss companies are interested in cooperation. This could become a key area for partnership,” noted Marina Denysiuk.
At the meeting, the Swiss side presented a new initiative under the Project Preparation Facility (PPF). The main goal of the initiative is to assist local communities in preparing project documentation in line with the priorities of the Medium-Term Plan.
The project also aims to strengthen the financial departments of communities and improve their institutional capacity in implementing public investment management reforms.
