Approximately 3,000 Polish business entities have expressed their willingness to engage in reconstruction projects in Ukraine, according to Dariusz Szymczycha, Deputy Chairman of the Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (PUIG). This announcement comes ahead of the "Common Future" Congress on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, scheduled to take place on October 7-8 in Poznań, Poland.
Purpose of the Congress
The congress aims to:
- Introduce Ukraine's Economic Landscape: Present the current state of Ukraine's economy, legal norms, and social conditions to Polish entrepreneurs.
- Highlight Reconstruction Needs: Discuss Ukraine's immediate requirements related to the "small reconstruction" phase and long-term rebuilding efforts.
- Promote Economic Cooperation: Encourage Polish companies to participate actively in Ukraine's reconstruction and explore investment opportunities.
"The purpose of this event is to present to Polish entrepreneurs Ukraine, its economy, legal norms, social situation in the context of the needs of Ukraine, related to the so-called small reconstruction of the country, current economic cooperation with Ukraine, and the prospect of further participation of Polish companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine," said Dariusz Szymczycha.
Expected Participation
- Polish Entrepreneurs: Around 1,000 Polish business representatives are expected to attend.
- Ukrainian Businesses: Participation from Ukrainian businesspeople who have established their companies in Poland.
- Government Officials: Representatives from the governments of Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Lithuania will be present to discuss regional cooperation in Ukraine's reconstruction.
Support and Financing Opportunities
Polish Government Support
Polish entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn about various government-backed support mechanisms for investing in Ukraine:
- Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK): Offers traditional credit lines to support international investments.
- Export Credit Insurance Corporation (KUKE): Provides business and trade insurance with Ukraine at some of the most competitive rates in Europe.
- European Union Funding: Access to financial support through the Ukraine Facility program, which may channel funds via BGK to eligible projects in Ukraine.
"Participants will be able to get acquainted with the offers of Polish government support for investments in Ukraine, of which there are many," Szymczycha noted.
Investment Project Proposals
- 60 Investment Project Descriptions: Poland has collected detailed proposals for 60 investment projects related to Ukraine's reconstruction.
- BGK Evaluation: These projects are currently under review by BGK experts.
- Submission to European Commission: Successful projects will be forwarded to the European Commission to secure funding under the Ukraine Facility program.
Current Polish Business Engagement in Ukraine
- Active Companies: Over 600 Polish companies involved in production or trade are currently operating in Ukraine.
- Notable Investors: Companies such as Fakro, Barlinek, Śnieżka, and Cersanit continue their operations despite the ongoing conflict.
- Commitment to Ukraine: These firms have maintained production, safeguarded employment, contributed to the Ukrainian budget through taxes, and supported the Ukrainian military.
"Polish investors in Ukraine... did not leave Ukraine, despite the war. Despite the destruction of their infrastructure as a result of hostilities... they continue to invest in Ukraine," emphasized Szymczycha.
Awaiting Government Decisions
Polish businesses are currently anticipating decisions from the Polish government regarding:
- Investment Support Fund: The potential creation of a special fund to assist Polish enterprises willing to invest in Ukraine and participate in reconstruction programs.
- Supplementary Funding: This fund would complement European funds, providing additional financial resources for reconstruction efforts.
"We hope that a special fund will be created to support Polish enterprises that want to invest in Ukraine and participate in the reconstruction program," Szymczycha stated.
Regional Cooperation and Discussion Panels
- Regional Collaboration: The congress will facilitate discussions on how countries in the region can collectively support Ukraine's rebuilding process.
- Discussion Panels: Over 40 panels will be held during the two-day event, featuring 100 speakers who will delve into various aspects of reconstruction, investment, and cooperation.
Local Government Collaboration
- Municipal Partnerships: Cooperation between Polish and Ukrainian local self-government bodies is highlighted as a promising area for collaboration.
- Support Initiatives: Initiatives include investments and the transfer of specialized equipment necessary for local governments in Ukraine to function during wartime conditions, such as buses, waterworks equipment, and power grid components.
Conclusion
The substantial interest from Polish companies indicates a strong commitment to supporting Ukraine's reconstruction and economic revival. The upcoming "Common Future" Congress serves as a pivotal platform for fostering partnerships, exploring investment opportunities, and strengthening regional cooperation to aid Ukraine in its recovery efforts.
