Interview on сooperation and вevelopment in the “Let’s Win Together” program on Radio WNET

Kateryna Hlazkova, Executive Director of the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs (SUP), shared her impressions and key conclusions from the Ukraine Reconstruction Congress held in Poznań. On the “Peremahaymo Razom” (Let’s Win Together) program on “Radio Wnet,” she emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue, addressing current challenges, and the necessity to change the perception of Ukrainian business on the international stage.

DIALOGUE FOR THE FUTURE

The Congress in Poznań, which SUP attends for the second time, serves as an important platform for discussing the problems and challenges of Ukraine’s reconstruction. According to Kateryna Hlazkova, public events of this kind, bringing together politicians, business representatives, and leading business associations from Ukraine and Poland, are of particular value. This year, for the first time, the forum discussed the topic of veterans, which is extremely relevant for Ukraine, as it is forming into a society of veterans with needs for mental and physical health support.

Priority – Victory, But with a View to Tomorrow

Despite the fact that the topic of reconstruction is currently being actively discussed at numerous forums worldwide, Kateryna Hlazkova emphasizes: Ukraine’s primary priority remains winning the war. She highlights the difficult economic and front-line situation, Ukraine’s exhaustion from the war, and the need for comprehensive support for the Armed Forces. At the same time, it is extremely important to think about tomorrow and prepare for reconstruction now, because “there will be no time for procrastination”. This pragmatic approach is combined with an unwavering belief in Ukraine’s victory on terms acceptable to it.

Poland as a Key Partner and Challenges in Relations

Poland is an important partner for Ukraine, and there are certain expectations regarding its assistance in accelerating Ukraine’s path to the EU and even NATO, especially given Poland’s presidency of the EU Council from the New Year. Kateryna Hlazkova notes that Polish colleagues have a good understanding of Ukrainian problems.

However, widespread myths about Ukraine, such as corruption and oligarchy, which create negative narratives, are still heard at forums. Kateryna Hlazkova emphasized that anti-corruption reform in Ukraine has not stopped even during the war, and figures indicate a significant improvement in the situation. She stressed that corruption exists in all countries of the world, and Russian propaganda actively promotes these myths, so it is important to convey accurate information.

Economic aspects of Polish-Ukrainian relations were also discussed. It is noted that the export of Polish products to Ukraine is growing, breaking records (30% of EU exports to Ukraine are products from Poland). At the same time, Ukrainian imports to Poland are falling, particularly due to border blockades, which, as even Polish officials admit, cause economic losses to Poland itself.

Energy Challenges and Investments During the War

This year, more attention was paid to energy challenges, as Ukraine’s energy system has suffered significant damage. Reconstruction requires huge funds and time, so alternative solutions must be sought. Kateryna Hlazkova emphasized that Ukraine’s energy problems will quickly become problems for its neighbors, as Ukraine is part of the EU energy system.

The question of investing in Ukraine during the war remains debatable: should one invest now, or just prepare the groundwork? Kateryna Hlazkova categorically states: “It was necessary yesterday and today; one cannot wait any longer”. She explains that cooperation with Ukraine now, finding partners, and launching projects, may be risky, but at the same time, it is a venture investment with potentially high returns in the long term. Ukrainian business is not waiting for the war to end and is already investing its own funds.

The main obstacles to foreign investment remain military risks. SUP advocates for the creation of a single pan-European instrument for insuring military risks in Ukraine, which would cover such private capital investments. At the forum in Poznań, additional guarantees for two Ukrainian banks (Kredobank and PrivatBank) totaling 10 million euros were signed within the framework of the Ukraine Facility program for lending to small and medium-sized businesses in risky areas.

The Role of Small Business in Reconstruction and Project Search

The role of small and medium-sized businesses in reconstruction was also discussed.

According to the latest estimates, about 500 billion euros are needed for Ukraine’s recovery, and this sum may increase. These are colossal funds that will require the joint efforts of the private sector and international institutions. Kateryna Hlazkova is confident that “there will be enough room for everyone,” and the role of small business (both Ukrainian and Polish) should not be underestimated. It is precisely small businesses that will implement less large-scale, but critically important projects for territorial communities: housing construction, infrastructure restoration, and the provision of related services.

There is a problem of a shortage of accepted projects for financing under the Ukraine Facility program. Despite the availability of funds, there are not enough projects that meet the requirements. Kateryna Hlazkova calls for expanding the scope of the discussion on project criteria and reality to reduce the gap and ensure the effective use of funds.

Changing the Image of the Ukrainian Entrepreneur and SUP’s Plans

One of the key directions of SUP’s work is to change and form a positive image of the Ukrainian entrepreneur in the eyes of Polish citizens, politicians, and the business community. A survey of Ukrainian companies revealed significant skepticism and distrust from Poles, based on myths about the war, non-compliance with European standards (due to the situation with grain and transport), and stereotypes about “oligarchic business”. SUP actively works on this by organizing meetings with Polish media and B2B meetings between Ukrainian and Polish businesses.

With the support of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) and in cooperation with the Polish Confederation Lewiatan (a member of BusinessEurope), SUP is implementing a project that encourages Polish businesses to visit Ukraine. This will allow them to see firsthand how Ukrainian business operates in wartime conditions, communicate with entrepreneurs, and ensure the high standards of their work. Kateryna Hlazkova believes that such visits will bring concrete results, as everything starts with trust.

New SUP European Office in Brussels

SUP continues to expand its international presence. After the opening of its official European office in Warsaw in June, which already has several dozen participants (mostly companies with Ukrainian roots or those working with Ukraine), a decision has been made to open a representative office in Brussels. Unlike the Warsaw office, which will work with the community, the main task of the Brussels office will be to cooperate with EU institutions and participate in the negotiation process on Ukraine’s path to EU membership.

SUP’s activities are aimed at overcoming stereotypes, strengthening cooperation, and actively advocating for the interests of Ukrainian business at all levels, as Ukrainian business is strong, adaptive, and operates according to European standards.