Kyiv, 12 October 2026 – Twenty Ukrainian technology companies have departed for Japan to take part in two business missions aimed at expanding partnerships, presenting Ukrainian solutions and building connections with Japanese companies.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine supported the companies’ preparation through a series of learning sessions designed to strengthen their understanding of the Japanese market and help them present their solutions effectively to potential partners. The programme concluded with a formal send-off ahead of:

• Ukraine-Japan Business Matching, organized under the Japan-Ukraine Tech Co-Creation Project led by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
• A business mission to the Japan-Ukraine Advanced Technologies Business Forum in Kobe and CEATEC in Tokyo, initiated by the Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine.

As part of the preparation, the Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine delivered a session on the Japanese business environment. UNDP complemented this with practical guidance on presenting solutions to Japanese companies, engaging potential partners and developing business relationships.

The initiative builds on UNDP’s broader efforts to help Ukrainian businesses access the Japanese market and establish international partnerships. With funding from the Government of Japan, UNDP, together with the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI), developed a practical guide to help Ukrainian companies navigate the Japanese market and explore export opportunities.

H.E. Yo Osumi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine, expressed gratitude to Ukrainian partners for their continued efforts to strengthen business ties between the two countries. “Japan has valuable experience and expertise to share, while Ukrainian innovation and resilience can create new opportunities for Japanese businesses. We see great potential in this mutually beneficial cooperation and hope these missions will pave the way for lasting partnerships. I wish all participating companies a safe journey and every success in Japan.”

Natalia Denikeieva, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, emphasized the potential for partnerships between Ukrainian and Japanese companies. “Our ambition is for Ukrainian companies to play a greater role in global value chains and help develop the critical technologies that other countries and industries rely on. Japan is a strong partner in this effort: its industrial expertise, high standards and manufacturing capabilities can help Ukrainian teams develop their solutions further and bring them into wider use. Ukrainian companies, in turn, bring engineering talent, practical experience and the ability to move quickly. We hope these connections grow into lasting partnerships.”

Andrii Teliupa, Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Environment of Ukraine, praised the resilience and ingenuity of Ukrainian entrepreneurs. “Even in the most difficult circumstances, Ukrainian companies continue to innovate and build for the future. This mission is an opportunity to bring Ukrainian creativity and Japanese expertise together, turning the friendship between our countries into partnerships that help our businesses grow and our communities recover,” he said. “I thank Japan for its solidarity and continued support for Ukraine’s recovery.”

Gennadiy Chyzhykov, President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasized the resilience of Ukrainian businesses and the opportunities for cooperation with Japan. “It is symbolic that we are sending off Ukrainian companies to Japan from the Resilient Business Hub, established with the support of UNDP and the Government of Japan. Just as this hub enables entrepreneurs to continue working despite the challenges of war, Ukrainian businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience, finding ways to adapt, innovate and grow. Now, these missions offer them an opportunity to learn from Japan’s world-leading technologies, showcase their own solutions and build partnerships that will benefit both countries.”

Osamu Hattori, Chief Representative of the JICA Ukraine Office, emphasized the importance of investing in human capital to build lasting business partnerships. “Strong business partnerships are built on mutual trust, cultural understanding and a shared commitment to working together through both opportunities and challenges,” he said. “JICA remains committed to supporting Ukraine’s sustainable recovery and strengthening long-term cooperation between Ukrainian and Japanese businesses.”

Miodrag Dragisic, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative to Ukraine, highlighted the importance of helping Ukrainian businesses bring their innovations to new markets and create new business opportunities. “Despite the challenges of war, Ukrainian businesses continue to innovate, create jobs and drive economic recovery,” he said. “With support from the Government of Japan, UNDP has already trained over 700 Ukrainian business representatives and consultants to help them access the Japanese market. Now, we are proud to support the companies in taking the next step — turning their innovations into new business opportunities and lasting partnerships that benefit both countries.”

Background

With support from the Government of Japan, UNDP is strengthening Ukrainian businesses and supporting economic resilience amid the full-scale war.

Since 2023, almost 1,500 self-employed people and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across five oblasts have received training and consultations to start or grow their businesses. Support has covered sectors including agriculture and food processing, textiles and clothing, machine building, wood processing and creative industries, with training focused on access to finance, business development and market expansion, including entry into the Japanese market and exports to Japan.

Media enquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications and Advocacy, UNDP Ukraine; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org  

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