This week Coen van Oostrom, Chairman of VNO-NCW, visited Kyiv together with the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Sjoerd Sjoerdsma and met with representatives of the Ukrainian government and with Dutch companies active in Ukraine to discuss strengthening business ties, establishing partnerships, and removing obstacles for cooperation.
Beeld: © Coen van Oostrom
On his linkedin page Coen van Oostrom wrote:
A visit to Ukraine reveals many insights. On one hand, you see the consequences of the war and the destruction it brings. Nearly five years of conflict have severely damaged the Ukrainian economy. Energy infrastructure is under attack almost daily, and other sectors are also struggling.
On the other hand, you see a country that does not stop: people go to work, businesses remain open, and essential services continue to function. The economy must keep running—both now and in future. Reconstruction is a massive task.
Dutch companies have a significant role to play in this. We are at the forefront of sectors that are vital to Ukraine, such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure. It begins with listening carefully: what does Ukraine need most urgently? What challenges are businesses facing? And how can we work together to get projects off the ground? The support package is of great value in this regard.
It is excellent to be here alongside the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation—and Sjoerd Sjoerdsma—to discuss with the Ukrainian government how we can strengthen our cooperation. It is especially significant that President Zelensky is also visiting The Hague today, where he will, among other things, speak with Dutch businesses. This underscores the importance of mutual collaboration.
I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome in Ukraine, and I have immense respect for the people here who, despite difficult circumstances, continue to build their country and their future. Let us help them in that endeavor.
Bezoek Kyiv: ‘Nederlandse bedrijven kunnen belangrijke rol spelen in wederopbouw’
Doing business in Ukraine requires courage and patience, but you can truly improve the situation here. It is important to build relationships now and to remain active. When peace comes, a reconstruction of enormous scale will begin. Dutch companies must be involved in this. Read more in the article Geld verdienen aan een land in oorlog: ‘Als het straks vrede is in Oekraïne, moet Nederland vooraan staan’ | Nieuws | AD.nl
Beeld: © Coen van Oostrom