Ukraine and Sweden coordinate efforts to support the implementation of reconstruction projects
Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration and Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, together with his team, met with Benjamin Dusa, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of Sweden. The topic of the conversation was expanding cooperation. The meeting brought together First Deputy Minister Alyona Shkrum, Deputy Minister Maryna Denysiuk and Head of the State Agency for the Restoration and Development of Infrastructure Serhiy Sukhomlyn.
"We are pleased to welcome the Minister to Kyiv and to have the opportunity to discuss our recovery priorities and potential opportunities for investment in reconstruction. We invite the Swedish private sector to participate in the implementation of projects.
We would like to express our gratitude for the framework cooperation strategy for 2023-2027 approved by the Government of Sweden and its focus on critical infrastructure support, economic development, and entrepreneurship. We would also like to thank Swedfund, which provides financial and advisory support to Ukrainian communities in the areas of water supply, wastewater, energy efficiency, and heat supply. 11 communities are receiving assistance in preparing feasibility studies for water utility projects, while 8 communities - in the area of heat supply and waste management.
Sweden is our reliable partner in implementing reconstruction projects based on transparency, sustainable development and European values. We are committed to continuing and expanding this cooperation," said Oleksii Kuleba.
During the meeting, attention was paid to attracting investments for the implementation of reconstruction projects. Alyona Shkrum told her Swedish colleagues how the investment projects are planned to be implemented. She emphasized that the Ministry was working to create the most favorable investment conditions for both international financial organizations and the private sector. This includes providing guarantees, transparency and a clear and understandable mechanism for attracting investments and using funds.
Serhiy Sukhomlyn outlined the main projects of the Agency for Restoration for the Swedish delegation, suggesting that Sweden join some of them. In particular, they discussed possible participation in the implementation of the project on integrated waste recycling and use of its part for thermal power generation. Serhiy Sukhomlyn noted that Sweden's expertise in this area could be useful for Ukraine.
He also emphasized that the recent establishment of the Agency's Centralized Procurement Organization (CPO) was an important step for the future acceleration of project work, as well as saving money for their optimal use.
Maryna Denysiuk added that thanks to the work of the CPO, procurement for large construction projects will become transparent and efficient. She emphasized that the CPO also allows creating equal conditions for all communities in the process of implementing reconstruction projects.
Benjamin Dusa, in turn, expressed support for Ukraine and noted that Sweden was willing to continue to look for ways to cooperate and support the urgent needs of reconstruction.
Background information
The total amount of Swedish aid since the beginning of the full-scale invasion is USD 7 billion. In 2023, Ukraine became the largest recipient of Swedish international aid.
Also in 2023, the Swedish government presented the Strategy for Sweden's Reconstruction and Reform Cooperation with Ukraine for 2023-2027, which provides for about EUR 522 million in reconstruction projects in Ukraine. This is Sweden's largest bilateral development assistance strategy. It is a long-term platform to support Ukraine on its path to sustainable recovery, reforms and European integration.