Ukraine expects that Korean companies known for their experience in implementing infrastructure projects will actively contribute to the restoration of the country. This was stated by First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko in her speech at the Korea-Ukraine Business Forum in Seoul.

The event was organized by the Korea International Trade Association as part of the Ukrainian delegation’s visit to the Republic of Korea. The forum was attended by representatives of the governments of the countries and about 150 representatives of Korean companies, including KEPCO, Daewoo E&C, Doosan Enervity, Ssangyong E&C, Posco International, Hyundai Engineering, Hyundai Rotem and others.

“Korean companies are known for their experience in the implementation of infrastructure projects. We call on them to join the recovery of Ukraine already today. We want to build the country together with our friends and partners and count on Korea’s significant contribution to Ukraine’s reconstruction,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

The First Deputy Prime Minister noted that Ukraine was grateful to the Republic of Korea for its participation in the Lugano and Berlin recovery conferences. Yuliia Svyrydenko also invited the Korean side to the conference on Ukraine’s recovery hosted by London on 21-22 July 2023.

In his speech, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Rostyslav Shurma outlined promising areas for Korean companies to participate in the recovery. According to Rostyslav Shurma, Ukraine expects Korean businesses to participate in energy sector projects, such as the construction of two new nuclear power plants and hydrogen industry infrastructure.

“There will be many opportunities in various areas, such as restoration and modernization of the transport network, production of electric vehicles and hydrogen transport,” said Rostyslav Shurma.

In turn, Executive Vice Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association Jeong Marn-ki stressed that the 70,000 member companies of the Korea International Trade Association would not hesitate to play the role that the governments and people of both countries want in the process of reviving economic cooperation between the two countries. According to him, Korean companies participated in reconstruction projects after the Gulf War, the Iraq War and the Afghan civil war. In particular, they were involved in projects to restore energy infrastructure, build factories and cities.

“Korean companies can make a significant contribution to the post-war recovery of Ukraine – infrastructure construction, restoration and modernization of the transport network, smart city construction and development of hydrogen industry infrastructure, using their accumulated experience, speed, reliability and technology,” said Jeong Marn-ki.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association also stressed that intensifying relations between the governments of the countries and Ukrainian and Korean businesses would help strengthen economic cooperation.

The goal of rebuilding Ukraine is not to restore the country to its pre-war level but to build a new economy with due regard to the country’s geopolitical advantages, high-quality new modern infrastructure, etc. In fact, this is new construction. This was emphasized in his speech by Lee Yang-gu, former Ambassador of Korea to Ukraine, Professor at Gyeongsang National University. According to Lee Yang-gu, Korea can use its successful experience in creating powerful modern industrial complexes, technology parks, etc. in Ukraine.