Kyiv, 8 July 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) welcomed representatives from 10 Japanese companies on a business fact-finding visit to Kyiv. The Japanese delegation visited UNIT.City, a Ukrainian technology and innovation park that connects start-ups, tech firms, and research institutions. 

The aim of the visit is to boost confidence in Ukraine’s business environment and give Japanese companies an insight into the country’s entrepreneurial potential. During the tour of UNIT.City, the delegation met with four Ukrainian start-up companies and explored opportunities for future collaboration and partnership.

This visit builds on the Statement of Intent signed by UNDP and JETRO in February 2024 on boosting economic cooperation between Japan and Ukraine. Since then, they have jointly organized business missions, pitching events, and public forums in Kyiv and Tokyo to promote private sector investment in Ukraine’s recovery. Their partnership has also facilitated direct private-sector contributions, such as a recent donation from a Japanese trading company to an educational institution in Kyiv.

JETRO Ukraine Director General Tetsuo Shibata said that it is crucial to foster win-win partnerships that contribute to Ukraine’s economic recovery through business creation with Japanese companies. “Ukraine has strong potential for Japanese businesses to engage and grow.” Shibata said. “JETRO is committed to deepening economic ties between Japan and Ukraine, even in these challenging times. Our goal is to support Japanese businesses in contributing to Ukraine’s recovery and growth through innovation, investment, and collaboration. We will continue working closely with local partners to create new opportunities that benefit both countries.”

Mizuho Yokoi, Programme Manager UNDP in Ukraine, stated: “We believe that accelerating Ukraine’s economic recovery requires strong partnerships between Ukrainian businesses and international private-sector actors, including Japanese companies. By viewing recovery needs as opportunities for sustainable investment, we can attract foreign capital and foster growth that benefits local communities.”

Pavlo Mykhailiuk, Head of the UNIT.City Ecosystem, emphasized the ongoing partnership between JETRO, UNDP, and UNIT.City. “We’re proud to have supported this initiative from the very beginning, and this is already the second visit of a Japanese business mission to UNIT.City,” Mykhailiuk said. “By providing our facilities, we’re glad to help foster closer cooperation between Japan and Ukraine.”

JETRO and UNDP intend to further strengthen their partnership to foster innovation and resilient business ties between Japan and Ukraine. By creating joint platforms for dialogue, networking, and capacity building, JETRO and UNDP will help unlock Ukraine’s economic potential even amid ongoing challenges. 

Background:

About JETRO’s Activities in Ukraine: 

The JETRO Ukraine Office, established in Kyiv in 2024, serves as a hub for promoting business partnerships between Japanese and Ukrainian companies. Through market intelligence, business matchmaking, support for trade fairs, startup engagement, and public-private dialogue, the office helps advance Ukraine’s recovery and support Japanese firms’ overseas expansion. Working in close collaboration with Ukrainian, Japanese, and international partners, JETRO is committed to contributing to sustainable economic growth and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

About UNDP’s Economic Recovery Efforts and Private Sector Partnership in Ukraine: 

UNDP’s economic recovery efforts in Ukraine focus on restoring livelihoods, supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and fostering inclusive, sustainable growth through strengthening human capital, business enabling conditions, regulatory frameworks and policies. Through partnerships with the private sector, UNDP provides grants, training, and access to finance, while promoting responsible business practices and innovation. By engaging with local and international companies — including those from Japan — UNDP helps drive investment, job creation, and resilience in war-affected regions. 

About UNIT.City:

UNIT.City is an innovation park located in Kyiv. It hosts startups, technology companies, and R&D centres, and provides infrastructure and services for business development. The park focuses on IT and deep tech sectors and is intended to support innovation and international cooperation.

Media inquiries:

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications at UNDP Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org

Ryohei Sakaguchi, Project Manager at JETRO Kyiv, ryohei_sakaguchi@jetro.go.jp 

Pavlo Mykhailiuk, Head of UNIT.City Ecosystem, pavlo.mykhailiuk@unit.city