Захід було організовано ДП «Інновації Норвегії» у співпраці з Норвезько-Українською ТПП та Конфедерацією норвезьких підприємців. Серед більш ніж 50 учасників заходу – Гендиректор «Інновації Норвегії», новопризначений Постійний держсекретар Міністерства торгівлі, промисловості та рибальства Норвегії, Спецпредставник МЗС Норвегії з питань України, Директор Конфедерації норвезьких підприємців, керівники десятків норвезьких компаній.

У своєму виступі на заході Тимчасовий повірений у справах України підкреслив, що знищення економіки України та руйнація Української держави в цілому є однією з ключових цілей РФ як держави-агресора, привернув увагу до масованих ракетних атак проти України 29 грудня 2023 року та 2 січня 2024 року, висловив вдячність Норвегії за підтримку, яка надається українській стороні, та закликав норвезький бізнес інвестувати у відбудову України. Наведено низку аргументів щодо перспективності українського ринку для зовнішніх інвестицій та наголошено на високій адаптивності і стійкості економіки України в умовах повномасштабної агресії.

Текст виступу:

Dear participants,

I wish to start by thanking Innovation Norway for inviting me to deliver some remarks to today’s event. As a diplomat, I always appreciate the possibility to inform Norway about the current state of affairs in my country.

Russia’s invasion has caused huge losses to Ukraine's economy, in addition to tens of thousands of civilian casualties and millions of displaced persons. It was, and it still remains one of the main goals of Russia’s aggression: to destroy our economy and make us a failed state, which would not be able to escape from the new Russian empire the Kremlin is now seeking to restore.

Thus, supporting Ukraine’s economy and our capacities to withstand numerous challenges brought by Russia’s war of aggression, represents a direct contribution to our common security.

Yes, the war challenges are huge. Physical security is probably the largest one. Faced with missile, drone and artillery attacks, many businesses have relocated their production. Thankfully we are not alone, as we have allies such as Norway providing air defense systems that play a crucial role in the war. Norwegian NASAMS do not only protect our civilians, but also our businesses and with them our economy.

Still, we learn how to cope with such challenges. I often stress that Russia’s full-scale invasion demonstrated that Ukraine has a resistant market economy that is capable to change and adapt.

Businesses throughout Ukraine have adapted impressively to the many security, logistical, and economic challenges of the war. Even in the face of incredibly uncertain times, they continue to pay taxes, create jobs, invest, rebuild, support humanitarian efforts, and provide essential services.

After a disastrous drop by almost 30% in 2022, Ukraine's GDP grew by about 5% in 2023.

The temporary maritime corridor in the Black Sea, the security of which is now ensured by Ukrainian military, is working. The vessels receive war insurance. Last month, in December 2023 alone, Ukraine exported more than 7 mln tons of goods by this corridor.

The war has pushed Ukrainian businesses to explore foreign markets, especially in Europe. According to Statistics Norway, the bilateral trade of goods between our countries in the first 11 months of 2023 was up 88% compared to the same period in 2022. 

Ukraine and Norway are promising partners for each other. Our economies are to a large extent mutually complementary. We have a history of working together in such highly sophisticated industries such as renewable energy and IT. We hope that this tradition shall continue and that in short time it shall also involve other sectors of economy.

One of the important practical expressions of solidarity is to continue doing business in Ukraine and we are grateful to those who have continued supporting the Ukrainian economy by operating in our country.

It should come as no surprise that meeting with business was one of the essential elements of the recent official visit by President Zelenskyy to Norway. We want to see more Norwegian business in Ukraine.

We in Ukraine continue our persistent efforts to ensure a level playing field for business and investment activities. We invite all Norwegian companies to start or resume business in Ukraine.

True, it is risky to invest in Ukraine right now, but it’s riskier not to invest. Now is the right moment to begin looking at Ukraine as a business opportunity.

I understand that political messages and narratives can be interesting and even inspiring for some of you, but then in the end of the day you will have to make business decisions based on calculations. Let me share with you some calculations to take into account.

First, we are still 40-million nation in the center of European continent. The internal market is huge and open. We share border with four EU countries: Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary, and we have the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU, which means that we have many logistical routes to use.

Second, there is a large, delayed demand: due to all the uncertainties caused by full-scale war, many people with savings simply do not spend money, saving them for unforeseen needs. As soon as the war ends, there will be a huge demand.

Third, we are moving fast to join the EU. Last month, the European Council took the decision to open accession negotiations with Ukraine. On this path, my country will undergo huge transformations that will require investments and bring quick results for those who will participate in this process.

Fourth, the reconstruction of Ukraine will start with or without Norway. It has already started even now, as the war is still ongoing. The sooner a company will establish its presence in Ukraine, the easier it will be for it in future to work in the post-war Ukraine.

Today morning, together with Jorun Nossum from Norad, I took part in the regional seminar held online in Lyngdal with participation of its partner city in Ukraine, Kryvyi Rih. The Vice-Mayor of Kryvyi Rih, delivering his speech from the bomb shelter under the City Hall, was talking in particular on the technological park with tax benefits established in this city for future investors. This is how Ukraine is coping with the war: we always look into future and never stop.

To sum it up: as mentioned before, we invite Norwegian business to Ukraine. We feel that your companies will bring real added value with professional expertise, technological solutions, and partnerships with Ukrainian counterparts. On this path, you may rely on full support of Embassy of Ukraine in Norway.

Thank you.