Odesa, 30 May 2024 — The Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the State Employment Service and the Odesa Oblast Employment Centre, have opened a regional “Made in Ukraine” office in Odesa. This is the ninth representative office of the “Made in Ukraine” platform, a comprehensive programme aimed at supporting Ukrainian manufacturers and strengthening the national economy.

In 2023, nearly 300 civilian infrastructure facilities had been damaged by shelling in Odesa. Despite this, the economy of Odesa Oblast is striving to survive and adapt. Amid complex logistics related to raw materials and product distribution, as well as power supply limitations due to hostilities, 99,400 small and medium enterprises are continuing to operate in the region, over 5,000 of which started their activities in 2023.

Regional “Made in Ukraine” offices are inclusive spaces, with openings planned in all employment centres nationwide to enhance communication between the state and businesses. Here, entrepreneurs can learn more about the conditions and register to participate in state and regional support programmes, receive training on starting or developing their own businesses, learn how to apply for grants, and obtain qualified assistance in interacting with government bodies, banks, and other institutions.

Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy of Ukraine, noted that the restoration of Ukraine’s destroyed infrastructure and economy, as well as ensuring the security and defence sector of Ukraine, is impossible without the development of entrepreneurship:“Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Odesa has repeatedly become a target for the Russians. However, despite the systematic shelling, entrepreneurs continue to work, provide jobs, and contribute financial incentives to the state budget in the form of taxes. The opening of the ‘Made in Ukraine’ regional office will enable more local businesses to participate in state support programmes,” Ms Svyrydenko said.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, recalled that cooperation between the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and UNDP has been ongoing for over ten years. “We are consistently supporting the efforts of the Government of Ukraine to build the economy, and development of the private sector has always been a priority. Our comprehensive approach combines direct support in the form of grants and infrastructure solutions, and building the capacities of entrepreneurs by improving access to services. The ‘Made in Ukraine’ offices, equipped by UNDP with generous support from Japan, combine these approaches to foster a business environment in the country,” Mr Cilliers said.

Background

The “Made in Ukraine” office in Odesa was equipped with the assistance of UNDP in Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the State Employment Service and the Odesa Oblast Employment Centre, as part of the “Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine” project, implemented with financial support from the Government of Japan.

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications, UNDP in Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org.