Ukraine inward mission on 28th May
A delegation of 60 Ukrainian businesses and civic leaders gathered in Edinburgh’s City Chambers for a special event to forge links between businesses and cities. It comes after many Ukrainian towns and cities suffered the largest wave of drone and missile attacks since the outbreak of the full-scale war with Russia.
Ukrainian consul Andrii Madzianovskyi signed a memorandum of understanding with Scotland’s Culture Secretary Angus Robertson, with the delegation at the “Rebirth of Ukraine” event welcoming the partnership.
Business links between the two countries include Coatbridge-based Cairnhill Structures Ltd supplying steel for use in bridges in Kyiv to replace structures destroyed earlier in the war. Trade between Scotland and Ukraine was worth £38.4 million in 2024.
On behalf of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce network, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce organised the business matching session which saw 20 Ukrainian businesses from the food & drink, construction and energy sectors forge links and meet Scottish businesses including Logan Energy, Kenoteq, Edinburgh International Festival and Forth Valley College.
Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson MSP shared “Scotland is deeply committed to supporting Ukraine, whose men, women and children are putting their lives, their freedom and their prosperity on the line to defend their country – and all of our democracies.
The Memorandum of Understanding we have signed will strengthen the trade and investment relationship between Scotland and Ukraine, helping businesses in both countries to grow through the exchange of ideas, knowledge and practical support for businesses working in-country.
We want to learn from each other to make the most of our combined strengths, from e-commerce, to green energy technologies and innovation in agrifood. Scotland stands ready to support Ukraine to recover and rebuild from the damage caused by Russia’s barbaric aggression. We will work with the UK Government and our international partners in support of Ukraine’s long-term future, her sovereignty and social and economic prosperity.”
Mayan Grace, Director of Projects, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said “the event was a humbling and inspiring morning meeting the Mayors and businesses from Ukraine. We were delighted to help create connections between Ukraine and Scottish businesses especially as Kiev is twinned with Edinburgh.”
One of the delegates highlighted “I would like to sincerely thank you for organising and hosting the recent meeting between representatives of Scottish and Ukrainian businesses. The event was extremely informative and inspiring” Vitalina Kai, The Edburg-Market.
The success of the mission was due to the ‘Team Scotland’ approach where all the key partners including the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International, Global Scots and the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network worked together to create a detailed programme and organised a productive business networking event.
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