Although the war in Ukraine continues, reconstruction is already a pressing issue. International relationships between public and private sectors are laying the groundwork for reconstruction projects, creating business opportunities for Finnish companies as well.
Business opportunities related to Ukraine’s reconstruction were the focus of an information and discussion event organized by NIHAK on Tuesday, January 21, for companies in the region’s construction product industry.
During the event, representatives from the municipality of Shyroke in the Zaporizhzhia region shared insights into their area’s needs and upcoming projects. Located near the city of Zaporizhzhia, Shyroke is the largest municipality in the area, with its population doubling to 30,000 due to the influx of internally displaced people.
Shyroke is situated just 50 kilometers from the frontline, and the damage caused by Russia’s invasion has left the municipality with extensive reconstruction needs. Several projects are in progress, focusing on construction, infrastructure, and education. The municipality aims to attract investments and find international partners to collaborate on reconstruction initiatives.
The Ukrainian delegation visited Finland for four days at the invitation of the city of Nivala, meeting with representatives from businesses, educational institutions, and various organizations. The objective of these meetings was to learn from Finland’s expertise in energy-efficient construction, education, and healthcare. The visit was coordinated by NIHAK.
NIHAK builds connections
NIHAK has been preparing for Ukraine’s reconstruction for two years through various projects, networking efforts, and direct engagements with key stakeholders.
Ari Alakangas, Head of Internationalization Services at NIHAK, explained that the first contacts with Shyroke’s municipality were established in November at the ReBuild Ukraine trade fair in Warsaw. The information event organized for local businesses was the first of its kind.
“Business is done between people, which is why meeting face-to-face and engaging in discussions is essential. The Ukrainian representatives are here to directly outline their needs and answer questions. They are the key local actors responsible for launching projects, planning urban development, granting permits, and ordering products and services,” Alakangas noted.
NIHAK supports local businesses by helping them find funding opportunities, establish contacts, and leverage different networks.
Advisory services and funding for businesses
At the event, Jyrki Härkki, Senior Advisor at Business Finland, presented funding opportunities and resources available to businesses. Business Finland, as part of the Team Finland network, offers multiple internationalization funding programs tailored to companies at different stages of development.
Regarding reconstruction efforts, Business Finland provides advisory services and access to the Development Aid portal, which contains information on funding sources. Additionally, through the Expert Search service, companies can find consultants suited to their specific needs.
A key networking event for those interested in reconstruction projects is the ReBuild Ukraine trade fair and conference, held in Warsaw in November, with a primary focus on energy and construction.
Elina Yli-Luukko, Executive Director of the Northern Finland Construction Cluster, introduced the cluster’s activities and projects at the event. One example is the Tiny Homes initiative, which involves manufacturing small, mobile wooden homes for Ukraine and Northern Scandinavia. The cluster is also running a project focused on internationalization and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
More information:
https://rebuildukraine.in.ua/en/shyrokivska-hromada
https://www.businessfinland.fi/kampanjasivut/ukrainan-ja-venajan-tilannetietoa
https://www.rakennusklusteri.fi/
Text and pictures: Hanna Perkkiö
