Business forum “Made in Ukraine”: A platform for entrepreneurship development

In October 2024, one of the largest business events of the fall, the two-day Made in Ukraine Business Forum, started in Kyiv. Organized at the initiative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Kyiv Mohyla Business School, the forum has become an important platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials to share experiences and discuss current challenges.

The purpose of the forum

The main goal of the event is to inform entrepreneurs about the “Made in Ukraine” policy launched in February 2024. The initiative is aimed at supporting Ukrainian producers and promoting the sustainable development of the national economy. Participants had the opportunity to learn about the opportunities for state support for business, as well as ways to enter new markets and increase the competitiveness of products.

Supporting innovation and sustainable development

The main theme of the forum was to find ways to support Ukrainian business through innovative solutions that will contribute to the country's economic recovery. Attending entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their products at the exhibition, take part in master classes from leading companies, as well as find new partners and conclude deals in the B2B negotiation zone.

Yulia Svyrydenko, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, emphasized: “The 'Made in Ukraine' policy is a key element of economic recovery. We are striving to move from a raw material economy to a manufacturing economy by developing production and stimulating high value-added exports. This will strengthen the economy and create new jobs.”

International support

The international community plays a significant role in the implementation of the “Made in Ukraine” policy. Japan, which provides over $12 billion in aid to Ukraine, continues to invest in the development of the institutional environment for business. Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine, emphasized: “We are committed to supporting the 'Made in Ukraine' initiative and helping to organize events such as this business forum.”

UNDP's contribution

The United Nations Development Program actively supports small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine, which account for more than two-thirds of the country's jobs. Jacques Villiers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, said: “Ukrainian entrepreneurs are a force capable of rebuilding the country's economy. They demonstrate incredible resilience and innovation, which is the foundation for Ukraine's recovery.”

UNDP has already provided grant support to more than 1,500 entrepreneurs, resulting in the creation of more than 4,500 new jobs. In addition, UNDP-supported business associations bring together more than 6,000 businesses, providing opportunities for development and networking.

Challenges for small businesses

Before the outbreak of full-scale war, there were about 1.9 million micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ukraine. However, due to the war, 65% of them were forced to suspend operations. Even though most of them have resumed operations, their production capacity has dropped to 45.7%. An important problem for Ukrainian business is the lack of human resources - only 8.4% of companies operate with full staff.

History of the business forum

The Made in Ukraine Forum is an offshoot of the East Expo exhibition, which UNDP organized from 2017 to 2023. During this time, eight exhibitions were held, where 350 Ukrainian companies presented their products. Thanks to this event, about 70% of companies found new partners, which confirms the importance of such initiatives for the development of entrepreneurship in Ukraine.

The Made in Ukraine Business Forum has become an important platform for supporting Ukrainian entrepreneurs, providing new opportunities for business development and concluding partnership agreements. With the support of the government, UNDP and international partners, this event contributes to the country's economic recovery and sustainable development, which is a key factor in Ukraine's post-war recovery.