Despite severe wartime economic disruptions, Ukraine has maintained operational continuity while advancing economic reforms and reconstruction initiatives. To ensure reconstruction becomes a success and fully capitalize on EU integration, Ukraine needs to strengthen its competitiveness and further integrate into EU markets and global value chains. This requires promoting a business-friendly regulatory framework and a dynamic, innovation-driven private sector. The Programme will support this by contributing to the implementation of the SME Development strategy and the Ukraine Plan 2024-2027.

Competitiveness for recovery Ukraine 2026-2030 is a Swiss bilateral programme consisting of four complementary components designed to address key challenges and opportunities across the different dimensions of competitiveness: (i) policy and regulatory environment for competitiveness, (ii) sectoral competitiveness and innovative value chains, (iii) enhancing SME competitiveness (iv) labour market conditions. Under these components, stakeholders can apply for support packages in the form of technical assistance to implement targeted initiatives. The initiatives are targeted towards the following sectors: agribusiness, sustainable construction, wood processing, manufacturing and IT, based on economic potential and Swiss expertise.

Outcome 1: SME friendly regulatory framework conditions, effective public-private dialogue and a conducive business environment

Outcome 2: Enhanced competitiveness and innovation of selected sectors

Outcome 3: Improved operational performance, sustainability and skills for SMEs

Outcome 4: Quality employment and strengthened labour market governance

Expected results:  

1.1 SME friendly regulatory environment: development of rules and regulations to improve the regulatory environment

1.2 Public-Private Dialogue: facilitate exchange and discussions, elaborate position papers and inputs

2.1 Development of more competitive (productivity, quality, innovation, added-value) goods and services

2.2 Development or consolidation of schemes to improve access to finance for SMEs (micro-leasing, reciprocal guarantees, etc.)

2.3 Strengthening of the supply of business development services

3.1 Development of tools and guidelines to improve SME operationality

3.2 Skills development for SMEs

4.1 Development of policies and guidelines to improve working conditions and to foster labour market integration

4.2 Strengthening of the supply of labour market-relevant support services to SMEs

4.3 Promoting and strengthening tripartite social dialogue at national and sectoral level