Undersecretary Mariin Ratnik: We need to expand the opportunities for companies in Ukraine’s reconstruction

The panel focused on SMEs explored how to create better opportunities for them to take part in Ukraine’s reconstruction. Undersecretary Ratnik shared Estonia’s experiences with including both Estonian and Ukrainian companies in reconstruction projects. She highlighted Estonian companies Harmet, Nordecon/Eurocon and Matek successfully participating in reconstruction projects in the Zhytomyr region, including in the construction of a kindergarten in Ovruch, and building family homes with the Olena Zelenska Foundation.

Ratnik said it was crucial to ensure that diverse economic cooperation was at the centre of supporting Ukraine, with all entrepreneurs and companies having a chance to participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction and economy if they wish. “Estonia’s support to Ukraine is based, among other things, on presenting Ukraine’s market and its possibilities to interested Estonian entrepreneurs and helping them find suitable partners. One way of matching various companies with each other is holding business seminars in Ukraine. It is very difficult to find partners and do business in Ukraine remotely,” the undersecretary said.

A special section in the panel looked at the role of development banks and private banking systems in financing reconstruction projects. “It is in Estonia’s interest for all European companies to have equal opportunities to find funding through international financial institutions aimed at Ukraine’s reconstruction, and to have a clear overview of processes,“ Ratnik said.

As part of her visit, the undersecretary also met with Italy’s special envoy for reconstruction in Ukraine Davide La Cecilia to discuss cooperation opportunities in Ukraine, cooperation between the countries supporting Ukraine, and preparations for the July conference in Rome. She also met with Estonia’s Honorary Consul in Milan Piergiorgio Valente to discuss economic cooperation and developing Estonia’s business diplomacy in Italy. Piergiorgio Valente is a globally esteemed tax lawyer whose contacts and expertise help support Estonian companies and citizens in the Italian region of Lombardy.