UNDP and Aspen Institute launches events to foster constructive dialogue between business and government

Roundtable discussion offers unique opportunity for Ukrainian entrepreneurs to discuss the “Made in Ukraine” state programme directly with its creators.

March 28, 2025
Three professionals seated at a conference table, engaged in discussion, with smiles and serious expressions.
Photo: Yevhen Korol / UNDP Ukraine

Kyiv, 24 March 2025 – A key event in the discussion of Ukraine's economic development, the round table dialogue “Made in Ukraine: Opportunities and Priorities in 2025,” was held in Kyiv on 24 March. This event, organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and the Aspen Institute Kyiv, with financial support from the Government of Japan, is part of a to foster constructive dialogue. 

The dialogue brought together business leaders, representatives from state institutions, and leading economic experts. Kicking off the discussion, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko presented a report on the government’s “Made in Ukraine” policy. This was followed by a lively discussion with government representatives, where participants explored the programme's key priorities for the current year:

● stimulating demand for Ukrainian products.

● providing access to financing for producers and ways to attract investment in the real economy.

● re-profiling the “Affordable Loans 5-7-9” programme to focus on investment purposes.

● developing industrial parks and industrial infrastructure in communities.

● stimulating exports of high-value-added products.

● facilitating the entry of Ukrainian producers into new markets and integrating Ukrainian companies into global supply chains.

● enhancing the role of the banking system in the implementation of the “Made in Ukraine” policy.

Speaking at the event, Svyrydenko noted: "When we (the Ukrainian government) launched the ‘Made in Ukraine’ policy last year, our strategic goal was to change the structure of the economy from raw materials to high-tech and increase production of high value-added goods. We need our own production of equipment, medicines, and clothing. This is a guarantee of independence. All new plants and technologies make us stronger. Today, the ‘Made in Ukraine’ policy includes 14 programmes to support manufacturers — loans, grants, and compensation. Last year alone, their funding totalled over UAH 34 billion. This year, the priorities remain the same: production development, attracting investment in the real sector and increasing non-resource exports.”  

In his speech, Masashi Nakagome, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, emphasized: " As Ukraine moves closer toward a just and lasting peace, "Made in Ukraine" has become more crucial than ever. Realizing this vision will not only help Ukraine recover from the damage caused by the aggression but also lay the foundation for long-term resilience and development, including job creation. Our support such as the Isuzu/Ataman factory in Cherkasy is a good model case to "Made in Ukraine." Japan remains committed to standing with Ukraine, working together to build a stronger and more resilient future.”

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, stated: “With the generous support of the people and the Government of Japan, UNDP is supporting the Ukrainian Government in implementing the “Made in Ukraine” vision through strengthening its policy framework, expanding its ecosystem through the “Made in Ukraine” Offices and through capacity development both within Government and the private sector. UNDP remains committed to advancing inclusive policy dialogues with the business sector and will continue fostering such partnerships.”

Denys Poltavets, Director of Programme Development at the Aspen Institute Kyiv, concluded: “A sincere and open exchange of views is essential to finding effective solutions to the challenges facing Ukraine's economy. It’s extremely important that we listen to each other, compare different points of view, and come to an understanding of how to strengthen national producers.” 

Background:

The event was organized by the Aspen Institute Kyiv in partnership with United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine (UNDP) as part of the “Transformative Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine” project, which is funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP in Ukraine.

Media Inquiries:

Yulia Samus, Head of Communications at UNDP Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org