The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) is interested in expanding its collaboration with Ukraine. The agency is particularly considering involvement in humanitarian demining projects and co-financing projects in various sectors with international financial organizations.
This was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Ministers of Economy Volodymyr Kuzio and Ihor Bezkaraivnyi and the AECID delegation in Kyiv, led by AECID Director Anton Leis and with the participation of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Spain to Ukraine, Ricardo López-Aranda Jague.
During the meeting, Ihor Bezkaraivnyi explained that the Ukrainian government is working on creating a demining market. A key element of this market—compensating farmers who have paid for demining services on their land—is already operational, with 90 applications from farmers seeking state assistance. Additionally, crucial aspects of mine action include searching for and implementing innovative solutions, organizing land clearance based on comprehensive criteria considering social, economic (including agricultural), environmental, and other related factors.
Bezkaraivnyi noted, "In the field of mine action, Ukraine has created a broad international coalition, involving countries, international organizations, donors, and producers. We are constantly working on expanding cooperation with partners and have proposals in various areas of this field. We have projects related to data innovations that they can join. We encourage strengthening cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers and mine action operators to expedite the demining of Ukrainian lands."
Another important topic of discussion was cooperation with AECID in the areas of reconstruction, investment attraction, and support for small and medium-sized businesses.
Currently, AECID is actively working in Ukraine, focusing on supporting the resilience of the private sector and vital economic infrastructure through the Ukrainian banking system and private investments. The agency collaborates with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and supports projects aimed at strengthening energy resilience in schools and educational centers affected by Russian military aggression, among other humanitarian projects.
Deputy Minister of Economy Volodymyr Kuzio stated that Ukraine is interested in attracting investment to its economy and enhancing cooperation between Ukrainian and Spanish businesses. Spanish businesses are also showing interest in working in Ukraine. For instance, a month ago, a Ukraine-Spain business forum was held with representatives from over twenty large Spanish companies.
Kuzio added, "We have prepared an Investment Guide that includes an overview of Ukraine's investment landscape, an analysis of priority sectors—energy, infrastructure, agriculture, green metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, critical materials, and IT. The guide also presents 95 investment projects worth 27 billion USD. This guide will help investors navigate the opportunities Ukraine offers."
The Ministry of Economy will continue to provide the necessary information for investors to make decisions and facilitate contacts between foreign and domestic companies.
One of the key issues in investment decisions regarding Ukraine or collaboration with Ukrainian companies is investment protection. During the meeting, it was noted that the Spanish government is offering 30 million euros for insurance of exports to Ukraine, which creates additional opportunities for intensifying cooperation.
The parties also discussed the possibilities of involving AECID, COFIDES, and Spain's Export Credit Agency (CESCE) in financing projects in Ukraine and supporting SMEs, either independently or in partnership with international financial organizations. AECID representatives indicated that the agency is prepared to co-finance projects in engineering, energy, transport, equipment supply, and other areas with international financial organizations.
Note: The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) is a Spanish autonomous agency responsible for managing state policy on international development cooperation. The agency develops, implements, and manages development cooperation projects and programs, both directly using its resources and in collaboration with national and international bodies and non-governmental organizations.
In Ukraine, AECID has implemented and is implementing several projects. For example, Spain, through AECID, launched an unprecedented humanitarian package totaling over 55 million euros in 2022-2023. AECID supported the Ukrainian maternal and child hospital system by purchasing 30 mobile incubators for premature infants.
