During a meeting between First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, and the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Jozef Síkela, the expansion of Czech companies' participation in Ukraine's recovery projects was discussed.
Czech companies, particularly in the railway, construction, mining, energy, and transport sectors, are currently implementing projects in Ukraine and actively seeking opportunities to expand their involvement in recovery projects.
The meeting took place on July 12 during a working visit to the Czech Republic.
"The government will fully support Czech companies in opening their offices and production facilities in Ukraine. Importantly, there is a growing desire among Czech companies to work in Ukraine. We already have a good example in the Dnipropetrovsk region, over which the Czech Republic has taken patronage. There, 20 Czech companies are operating and have invested $11.9 million in the Ukrainian economy. The Czech government is facilitating the active entry of Czech companies into the Ukrainian market. The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic financially supports Czech companies in obtaining contracts in Ukraine through the established 'Ukraine Fund.' Additionally, they have increased limits for the Czech export credit agency EGAP, which now insures contracts of Czech companies up to 5 million euros," said Yulia Svyrydenko.
The main issue on the agenda was the restoration of Ukraine's energy system, which has been heavily damaged due to systematic shelling by Russia. The Czech side expressed readiness to assist Ukraine in the restoration and protection of its energy capacities, particularly through the implementation of renewable energy projects.
The parties also discussed attracting investments, particularly through the Ukraine Investment Framework under the Ukraine Facility. The Czech Republic is interested in actively participating in recovery projects within this framework and is preparing the necessary documentation.
Furthermore, the ministers discussed the possibilities of deepening trade relations between Ukraine and the Czech Republic.
"One of the current tasks of the Ukrainian government is to help domestic producers enter foreign markets. We highly appreciate the position of the Czech Republic regarding the removal of barriers to trade in military-technical products between our countries. The Czech Republic is one of the few EU and NATO countries that have lifted all restrictions on the supply of products for the Ukrainian defense industry," said the minister.
The minister thanked the Czech Republic for all the support it provides to Ukraine, from sheltering 600,000 Ukrainian refugees to humanitarian and military aid. Yulia Svyrydenko also noted the Czech Republic's support for the European Council's decision to begin negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership.
