Kyiv, 27 June 2025 — On the International Day of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, the Office of the President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Economy, the Government of Switzerland and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine organized an important event called “The Forum of Government and Business: From Dialogue to Partnership.” 

The purpose of the event was to present practical solutions to strengthening cooperation between the state and business, as well as to determine the role of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the recovery of Ukraine's economy. The forum was attended by the President of Ukraine, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Economy of Ukraine, as well as by representatives of international partners, financial institutions and business associations. 

During three panel discussions, the forum participants talked about the key challenges and opportunities for the development of entrepreneurship in the context of recovery – including attracting investments, boosting the domestic market, supporting exports, and building trust between government and business. The forum was also a platform for presenting approaches to the implementation of the “Made in Ukraine” policy, the development of local production, and raising financing for MSMEs. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his welcoming speech said, "Our international work and partners’ decisions on long-term support programmes for Ukraine show that the world believes in us, the world believes in Ukraine.” 

“And this is important for the defence of Ukraine, for our army, for all our people, and in particular for business. Even in such harsh conditions of a war like this, Ukraine can rely on its entrepreneurs, and on our domestic, Ukrainian production, our Ukrainian logistics, our Ukrainian services in all areas – from security to people's daily lives.” 

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that the government was working in several areas to improve the business environment in Ukraine. “We see business as a driver and active participant in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine,” Shmyhal said. “Our plans are to fully activate the mechanisms of public-private partnership so that all parties receive the maximum benefit.” 

Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, stated: "Businesses expect concrete action," Svyrydenko stated. "The President has instructed the government to initiate a moratorium on inspections, which should protect entrepreneurs." 

She added, "We're strengthening our support programmes under the 'Made in Ukraine' policy. We're also preparing a labour reform that will offer more flexibility to both employees and employers. The signals from businesses are clear: they need lending in front-line regions, expanded localization, restored export infrastructure, and assistance for farmers to adapt to EU requirements. We are taking all these requests into consideration and transforming them into policies that meet the needs of Ukrainian producers."

Felix Baumann, Ambassador of Switzerland to Ukraine, said that Switzerland has always been and remains a reliable partner of Ukraine. "We believe in the power of small and medium-sized businesses as a driver of recovery,” Baumann said. “In partnership with the Government of Ukraine and UNDP, we support initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, job creation and inclusive economies. The Forum of Government and Business is another important step towards building trust, open dialogue and sustainable development in Ukraine.” 

Christophoros Politis, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine, stressed: “As Ukraine embarks on the process of recovery and reconstruction, the role of development organizations such as UNDP is becoming increasingly important. Our programmes in Ukraine should lead the systemic transition from humanitarian aid to market-driven reconstruction, while ensuring inclusiveness, sustainability, transparency and local ownership in the recovery process.” 

Background:  

Together with donor partners, UNDP is working to ensure that Ukraine’s recovery is sustainable and inclusive. As a facilitator, unifying force, and catalyst, UNDP in Ukraine supports the government's efforts to create the economy of the future.  

This event was held within the framework of the Swiss Ukrainian Project “Strengthening Business Membership Organizations of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Ukraine”, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and with the support of Switzerland. 

Media inquiries: 

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