Ukraine and Japan have discussed ways to provide additional assistance in humanitarian demining, preparing public-private partnership projects, implementing grant programmes for small and medium-sized enterprises, and restoring the Ukrainian economy. Japanese partners are actively involved. This was discussed at a meeting of Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, with Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine.

“Ukraine is currently facing several urgent needs that Japan can help us address. First and foremost, it is humanitarian demining, restoration of housing and infrastructure, mortgage lending, business support and adaptation of veterans to peaceful life. The successful implementation of such projects should be a signal for Ukrainians to return home,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

The parties discussed the possibility of JICA financing grant programmes to support small and medium-sized businesses, processing, microbusiness, industrial parks and the preparation of public-private partnership projects.

The parties also discussed the possibility of cooperation between JICA and Ukrfinzhytlo PJSC in expanding the eOselia (eHousing) soft loan programme.

Background

JICA, among other things, is implementing an emergency recovery programme in Ukraine worth more than USD 500 million. This includes projects in the areas of transport, humanitarian demining, strengthening the energy system, restoring the agricultural sector, as well as healthcare and education.