XV Polish-Ukrainian Business Days. The need to strengthen relations and a signed memorandum of cooperation

For the fifteenth time, the most important representatives of Government administration and business from Poland and Ukraine met. This year's forum was clearly focused on the issue of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the resulting economic difficulties and the prospects for the economic reconstruction of our neighbour after the end of hostilities. Participants of the Polish-Ukrainian Business Days also debated on the possibilities of developing economic exchanges and the opportunities for both countries to strengthen relations. The event was opened by the Minister of Development and Technology Waldemar Buda.

In business, trust is very important, if not the most important element. We have built a huge amount of trust between the people of Poland and Ukraine, which will affect our economic relations. We have an important goal to achieve, and that is the reconstruction of Ukraine. - said Minister Buda. - This is the Nr. 1 economic goal for the whole of Europe, if not the world, in the near future. Poland can be a hub for transporting funds and supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine - he added.

The panel discussions were attended by representatives of the Ukrainian administration, including the Ukrainian Ambassador Andrii Deshtchytsia, who thanked Poland for the support shown to Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian aggression. Representatives of some Ukrainian Ministries, including the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, were also present at the online meeting. The panel devoted to the successes and prospects of economic cooperation was attended by the Chairman of PAIH’s Management Board Krzysztof Drynda.

Poland is the EU’s leader in supplying goods to Ukraine and as PAIH, we are committed to helping. We have opened a co-working space for Ukrainian companies, so that they can carry out their activities in peace. Together with the Ukrainian Government, we are launching further initiatives. We have many positive signals from Polish entrepreneurs regarding the reconstruction of Ukraine. This is a great challenge that will require coordination on the part of the State and investment decisions of Polish entrepreneurs - said Krzysztof Drynda.

The participants of the meeting discussed the need to rebuild Ukraine's economy and the opportunities and challenges facing both countries. International aid and support was also discussed. This discussion was attended by a member of PAIH’s Management Board, Zdzisław Sokal. He stressed that the transfer of humanitarian aid has also been accompanied by support for Ukrainian business since the beginning of the Russian invasion. He added that maintaining the continuity of the functioning of companies is important to reduce the negative impact of the war on the Ukrainian economy.

From the first days of the war, we organized aid through PAIH’s Foreign Trade Office in Kiev. As part of Poland’s assistance, we offer organizational support to companies wishing to move their business to Poland, both small companies and the largest ones - said Zdzisław Sokal.

During the event, a tripartite memorandum was also signed between PKP Cargo, the Volyn Regional Military Administration and the Association of Ukrainian Business in Poland. The aim of the agreement is to facilitate the collection, transport and distribution of humanitarian aid to Ukraine through the railway terminal in Dorohusk.

* * *

About the Polish Investment and Trade Agency

The Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) is an advisory institution belonging to the Polish Development Fund (PFR) Group. This is the first point of contact for exporters and investors. It operates both in Poland and through a network of its offices around the world. It strengthens the recognition of Polish brands on international markets, promotes domestic products and services as well as technological solutions made in Poland. The agency helps entrepreneurs in choosing their optimal path of expansion abroad. It also supports the inflow of foreign direct investments to Poland and the implementation of Polish investments in the country. PAIH cooperates with the public sector and regional partners, offering, among other things: training, audit and promotion of investment properties, cooperation in the organization of business missions and communication support in the implementation of joint projects.