Reconstruction of Ukraine from agro and processing to technologies: What are the projects of Ukrainian business interested in Western investors?

On Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome it became apparent that the approaches of international investors to Ukraine have changed: from perception as an object of assistance to the status of powerful EU economic partner. This is a transformation that opens up new opportunities for Ukrainian business. Eight conclusions to determine the future investment in Ukraine from CEO ProCapitalinvestment Antonina Kutova

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At the most important international investment event for Ukraine, Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 has become obvious in Rome: the approaches of international investors to Ukraine have changed dramatically. Here are eight conclusions.

Main Message: Ukraine as EU Growth Driver The most important change in the approaches of European investors is the transition from the perception of Ukraine as a country that needs help to understanding it as a powerful economic partner. Instead of talking about humanitarian aid and restoring the destroyed, it is now being said that Ukraine can strengthen the European economy and become a growth driver.

Popular Rating Category Date Today 250 small and medium -sized companies in 2025. Growth gene

Ukrainian companies that participated in the URC are enterprises in energy, production of critical minerals, infrastructure and agrotechnology, which proved their ability to work in the most difficult conditions. They do not seek salvation, but offer a mutually beneficial partnership.

Private Western capital becomes a reality Launched in 2024 Ukraine Investment Framework by € 9.3 billion is actively expanding. This EU program combines various financial instruments for business and the state sector: from grants to loans on preferential terms and guarantees to reduce risks.

18 new areas have been added to the program, much of which is focused on small and medium -sized businesses. The most important thing is that for the first time at this level the support of direct private investment is clearly articulated, when private companies are ready to invest directly in Ukrainian enterprises.

New sectoral priorities The focus of large investors has expanded: in addition to traditional agro and IT, the priority of sectors that are critical for EU economic stability.

Nearshoring For the industry he becomes one of the hottest topics. European companies are increasingly carrying production from the EU countries closer to the final markets.

Ukraine with its developed industry and skilled personnel is becoming an attractive alternative to Asian suppliers. Instead of long delivery with unpredictable delays, European manufacturers receive close location, rapid delivery and quality control.

Green steel also attracts serious attention, especially in contextCarbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

“Data-Title> cbam. This new European mechanism introduces additional fees on imports of goods with a high carbon trail, so producers of “dirty” steel will have to pay extra for its import into the EU. Ukraine is able to become a manufacturer of eco -friendly steel, using iron ore reserves and developing renewable energy.

Critical minerals become strategically important for the EU energy transition. Without lithium, graphite and other rare earth metals, it is impossible to produce solar panels, electric vehicles, wind generators. Earlier, Europe depended on supplies from China and Africa, now actively looking for alternatives to reliable partners.

Defense economy as an investment topic For the first time, defense technologies were considered not only as a security issue, but as a driving for economics. Many decisions designed for defense needs can be widely used. A few examples.

• The development of an autonomous platform for humanitarian demining Frendt was transformed into Unhero Agri X1 – a drone for precise agriculture. The machine moves the field independently, takes the soil samples in the specified coordinates without needing the operator.
• SESU actively uses modern SONOBOT drones to clean up territories and monitor. In the arsenal there are 96 mechanical demining machines, drones with magnetometers, satellite monitoring, submarine autonomous systems, which can be reoriented to other tasks: soil analysis, inspection of the condition of bridges, pipelines or reservoirs.
• Various terrestrial robotic complexes (“snake”, 5100 GART or DOK-Ing MV-4), which were designed for dangerous work on demining. These systems are tested in conditions close to real, and are ready to be scaled to civilian problems: clearing territories, infrastructure monitoring, disposal of hazardous waste.

The mechanisms for funding a new generation Blended Finance, Or mixed funding, it is gaining momentum. This approach combines different sources: donors, loans from development banks and private investment. This model helps to make investments more profitable: reduces financial risks and allows you to get money under better conditions.

For example, a donor can cover 30% of the Project with a grant, the development bank gives a loan at 2% per annum for 40% of the cost, and the private investor invests the remaining 30% at a higher percentage, but with minimal risks through the support of other participants.

Terisking becomes a systematic approach to reducing investment risks. The rich The Guarantee Agency for Investment Guarantees (MIGA), which is part of the World Bank, expands insurance against political risks: wars, expropriation, and currency. In parallel, new agreements are concluded with insurance agencies of European countries.

Agrosector: The future is by a cooperative model Investors are radically rethinking the Ukrainian agricultural sector. It is extremely important for rebuilding the Ukrainian economy and is already forming almost 60% of exports.

The processing of agricultural products in Ukraine has considerable potential: the country has a large raw material base, but mainly exports agricultural products without value added. Currently, the hectare of Ukrainian land generates about € 1000 export revenue, while in Denmark – more than € 15,000 thanks to the full cycle: from growing to processing, branding and export, according to exister of agricultural policy Vitaliy Koval.

On Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, two agreements were signed: launching Pro.ukr for the development of cooperatives in Odessa (together with Ciheam Bari, Italy and AICS) and Honor Project-together with the Canadian Socodevi.

The cooperative model is one of the basics of EU agrarian policy: 250,000 cooperatives provide 5.4 million jobs. There are only 2,300 agricultural operatives in Ukraine in Ukraine. This model allows farmers to combine resources, jointly invest in equipment, processing, logistics and export with the finished product. This increases profitability and provides a transparent model of development of communities and villages.

New standards for business Modern investors are not focused on rapid profits, but on a stable business for 10-20 years and make serious requirements for Ukrainian partners. In their priority, there are € 50 million in the areas of energy and food security and technological independence, with focus on ESG-standards, transparency, technology development and compliance with European quality standards.

Therefore, Ukrainian companies should be prepared for long -term partnerships and investment in equipment, staff training, technology development, local communities and corruption.

Products for the European market should meet strict quality and safety standards that require investment in certification, quality control and training.

The moment for decisive action The question is not whether Ukraine integrates with European markets, this is already happening. The question is who will be the first to take advantage of the opportunities that will open after the war.

Ukraine remains a high -risk area, which is why large investors are cautious. However, even so, promising projects for investment, they are already considering and are preparing for investments after the war. Deciding on investing requires long analysis and preparation, which may take several months. Therefore, players who will start training will be able to enter the market first and get significant competitive advantages.

Currently, it can be noted that foreign investors have a lot of bias about investing in Ukrainian business. In the process of preparing the Rudshaw of Ukrainian Investment Projects, we often face the low quality of proposals, unclear conditions of partnership, lack of a clear business model, not well developedThe financial model used to estimate the profitability of one “unit” (one) of a product or service, as well as to calculate the cost of attracting a client.

“Data-Title> Units-Economics and the possibility of scale to international markets. And this is not the whole list of problems that the initiators of the projects who want to attract funding for business development. The biggest challenge is definitely war.

Despite the fact that the Association Agreement with the EU has been in force for 11 years, only its practical implementation begins now. The URC -2025 Conference was a moment when abstract declarations turned into specific results – more than 200 agreements totaling € 13 billion.

In such circumstances, Ukrainian business should not be delayed, but already implement European standards, form strategic partnerships, invest in human capital and the latest technologies. It is not just a question of image, but a requirement of time.

Quickly adapt to new conditions – you will get a significant competitive advantage in new economic reality.

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