On March 26, First Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories Aliona Shkrum, Deputy Minister Kostiantyn Kovalchuk, and Head of the State Agency for Restoration Serhii Sukhomlyn met with representatives of the Association “French Business Community in Ukraine”.
The French side was represented by the President of the Franco-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bertrand Barrier, as well as managers and representatives of leading companies, including Mazars, Saint-Gobain, Egis, CMA CGM, Ukrsibbank, Gerz Construction.
Aliona Shkrum thanked French business representatives for their support and emphasized that France already has established mechanisms for cooperation with Ukraine. She also noted that the government is actively working to attract international funding to ensure the sustainability and development of Ukrainian communities.
“French business plays an important role in the restoration of Ukraine. We are already working within the framework of the Critical Infrastructure Support Fund, which provides for grant assistance in the amount of 200 million euros. Our task is to effectively direct these funds to the restoration of energy, housing and communal services, transport and social infrastructure. We are open to partnership and are interested in involving foreign companies in these processes. French partners are already demonstrating their willingness to work in Ukraine, and we are counting on active cooperation,” the First Deputy Minister noted.
During the meeting, representatives of French companies had the opportunity to ask questions to representatives of the Ministry for Development, as well as discuss key areas of reconstruction that require international investments and expert support. Among the priorities are the restoration of critical infrastructure, modernization of housing and communal services, development of railway and port connections, implementation of European technologies in urban planning, energy efficiency and waste processing, as well as financial instruments to support business.
Deputy Minister Kostiantyn Kovalchuk emphasized that infrastructure restoration requires not only financial resources, but also a comprehensive approach that takes into account long-term sustainability and the implementation of modern technologies.
“It is critically important for us not only to restore facilities, but also to do it qualitatively, systematically, and taking into account European standards. France has unique experience in implementing modern technologies in the water supply sector. Cooperation with French companies will allow us to integrate energy-efficient solutions, digitalization of water supply system management, and modernization of treatment facilities. Our Ministry is open to cooperation and ready to support companies that seek to develop infrastructure projects in Ukraine,” he noted.
Representatives of French business expressed their readiness for joint projects, in particular in the field of transport infrastructure, housing and communal services, construction and environmental solutions. The Ministry for Development and representatives of French companies agreed to continue coordination and develop a roadmap for the implementation of joint initiatives in the near future.