20.02.2025
Boosting reconstruction in Ukraine with the private sector
Olga Mitskevych advises companies at the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce Abroad (AHK). In this interview, she explains why German investment in Ukraine is in demand.
Ms Mitskevych, from your base in Berlin, you represent the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE) at the German-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK). What exactly does your job entail?
As experts in the programmes offered by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), we’re the bridge between the private sector and development cooperation. We advise German and European companies on implementing sustainable projects worldwide and opening up new sales markets. It’s important to remember that local people also benefit from this. BMZ offers German companies a range of opportunities to support investments or projects. As advisors, we know not only the position of the private sector but also the logic, instruments and approaches of German development cooperation. We also support companies in networking with potential local partners. We do this using GIZ and AHK networks.
What opportunities are there for German companies in Ukraine? Why is their involvement so important?
Before the war, German companies had a keen interest in investing in Ukraine. But with the war came uncertainty. Now more than ever, Ukraine needs investment and strong economic partners to rebuild the country. German companies are in particularly high demand – not least in renewable energies, construction and the engineering sector. Many companies are unaware that – in spite of the war – opportunities for cooperation exist. As experts, we set out ways this can be done.
What benefits are there for German companies at the local level? Can you give a specific example.
Ukraine offers a strategic location in Eastern Europe with great potential for training good skilled workers – another area in which GIZ is already providing support. Ukraine is also a candidate country for EU accession and the reforms associated with this process create an attractive environment for German companies and their innovations. One specific example is the Swabian company IBS, which has invented an innovative building material that can be used to renovate roads much more effectively and sustainably. The company is now seeking to support the city of Lviv in renovating its war-damaged road network. What’s significant here is how the building material is used. It creates a win-win situation: German companies gain a foothold in a future market, while Ukraine receives urgently needed investment, expertise and jobs for reconstruction.
All information on the BMZ offer to the private sector can be found here.