The first open webinar was held within the framework of the Norway–Ukraine Building and Construction Hub, an initiative that brings together Norwegian and Ukrainian partners to develop cooperation in Ukraine’s reconstruction sector. Project partners include the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs (SUP), SINTEF, the Norwegian–Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC), architecture firm Snøhetta, Construction City cluster, the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine, the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO), AF Group, the European Business Association (EBA), and NTNU.
During the webinar, participants learned about the initiative’s goals, opportunities for cooperation between Ukrainian and Norwegian companies, and concrete directions for implementing joint projects in construction and infrastructure recovery.
Reconstruction Is Not After the War — It Is Happening Now
Speaking at the event, Kateryna Glazkova, Executive Director of SUP, emphasized that Ukraine’s reconstruction is not a future task but a process that is already taking place every day.
“For Ukrainian business, reconstruction does not begin after the war ends — it is already happening. Companies across the country are restoring housing, schools, hospitals, energy facilities, and infrastructure,” Hlazkova noted.
According to her, Ukraine’s recovery and development needs are estimated at nearly $588 billion over the next decade. At the same time, reconstruction should not simply replace what has been destroyed, but serve as an opportunity to build a modern, competitive, and resilient economy integrated into the European space.
Business Continues to Operate and Invest Despite Challenges
Kateryna outlined the conditions in which Ukrainian businesses are currently operating. Key challenges include security risks, labor shortages, damage to energy infrastructure, and logistical constraints.
Despite these difficulties, Ukrainian companies continue to implement investment projects, launch new production facilities, and actively participate in the country’s recovery. Ukraine’s European integration path also plays an important role, supporting the harmonization of standards, regulations, and procedures with EU practices.
Where Partnership and Investment Are Most Needed
Kateryna also highlighted the sectors with the highest demand for investment and international expertise. These include energy, housing construction, water supply and wastewater management, social infrastructure, industrial facilities, and logistics.
She also noted the development of industrial parks, which offer investors ready-made infrastructure and tax incentives for launching production. Today, Ukraine has more than 100 registered industrial parks, most of which have been actively developed during the full-scale war.
A Reliable Local Partner as a Key to Success
The Executive Director of SUP stressed that the most effective way for foreign companies to enter the Ukrainian market is through cooperation with local businesses.
According to her, Ukrainian companies have a strong understanding of doing business in wartime conditions, the regulatory environment, and project implementation specifics. That is why joint ventures and long-term partnerships remain one of the most promising cooperation models.
The Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, which today brings together more than 1,300 companies across various sectors, is ready to support international partners in finding reliable Ukrainian counterparts and developing joint projects.
Norway–Ukraine Building and Construction Hub as a Cooperation Platform
During the webinar, SINTEF representatives presented the concept and key directions of the Norway–Ukraine Building and Construction Hub. The Norwegian–Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (NUCC) presented an overview of bilateral economic cooperation, trade dynamics, and tools for identifying reconstruction projects.
A separate session focused on pilot initiatives within the hub, including projects on the reuse of construction materials, sustainable urban development, regulatory and technical frameworks, and the use of underground infrastructure.
The Norway–Ukraine Building and Construction Hub is designed to become a long-term platform for knowledge exchange, partnership development, and business engagement in Ukraine’s reconstruction — starting today.
The Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs thanks all project partners for their joint efforts in strengthening Ukrainian–Norwegian cooperation in reconstruction. Together, we are creating opportunities for long-term partnerships, investment, and projects that support Ukraine’s sustainable development.