Chernivtsi, 6 July 2023 – Today heralds an era of unprecedented regional cooperation as the Trilateral Business Forum unites delegates from Romania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova for two days of discussions, debates and deliberations. In the face of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, these countries are coming together to create new avenues for socio-economic and political cooperation aimed at expanding and fortifying cross-border relations. The forum will serve as a platform for exploring collaborative solutions to a host of critical issues – from EU integration strategies to the empowerment of women-led businesses in an environment of ongoing war.

Roman Klichuk, Chernivtsi Mayor emphasized the critical need for businesses to unite across borders to generate new economic opportunities in these challenging times." Cross-border economic cooperation is vital, bolstering local communities and businesses, and serving as a testament to our collective resilience," he said.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative to Ukrainesaid that as cross-border challenges intensify due to the full-scale war, forum participants are committed to providing practical, high-impact solutions to showcase the transformative potential of strategic cooperation. "This forum serves as a springboard for dynamic partnerships, providing a platform to foster business relationships," he said. "In alliance with our international and government partners, UNDP is dedicated to maintaining a productive dialogue, clearing the path for entrepreneurs to seize new opportunities to produce and provide important products and services in their communities."

The Romania-Ukraine-Republic of Moldova Trilateral Business Forum is a joint initiative by the Chernivtsi Oblast State Administration, UNDP, and other partners. It is an integral part of the larger "Support to Inclusive Economic Development in Ukraine" project, which integrates export strategy with regional development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background: The forum operates with support of the international cooperation project ReACT4UA ("Application and implementation of the Association Agreement between the EU and Ukraine in the field trade"), which is financed by the German government and implemented by the German federal company “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH”. The implementing partner is the UN Development Programme in Ukraine. The project aims to improve competitiveness and resilience of Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises, especially with regard to EU accession.

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, Communications Team Leader, UNDP in Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org