Switzerland and Ukraine launch private sector partnership for reconstruction

Rebuilding Ukraine presents vast challenges that extend beyond the scope of traditional international cooperation. The private sector has a vital role to play in this reconstruction effort. To this end, Switzerland signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine on 23 January. The MoU establishes a framework whereby the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine will collaborate to identify reconstruction projects for implementation by Swiss companies with established operations in Ukraine. These projects will target Ukraine's critical needs while supporting its strategic reconstruction priorities.

Swiss companies are well positioned to support the reconstruction effort through their expertise, specialist knowledge, and proven track record of innovative, high-quality products and services. Their involvement will also strengthen local value chains, create employment opportunities, and enhance vocational training programmes.

Swiss companies with established operations in Ukraine will be invited to submit project proposals in due course. SECO and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine will evaluate proposals against clearly defined criteria. For the initial phase, Switzerland has committed CHF 50 million to support these projects.

Plans are also under way to engage Swiss companies not currently operating in Ukraine. This expansion requires new legal frameworks - in accordance with the Federal Council decision of 20 November 2024, through a fixed-term international treaty subject to referendum. The EAER is currently developing a mandate for the corresponding negotiations with Ukraine.

On 26 June 2024, the Federal Council committed CHF 500 million to enhance private sector engagement in Ukraine's reconstruction. This initiative forms part of Switzerland's 2025-28 country programme for Ukraine, which is currently in its final stages of development. The programme represents a total investment of CHF 1.5 billion, deploying various international cooperation instruments to support Ukraine.

Further information:

SECO Cooperation│Ukraine

Address for enquiries:

EAER Communications
Tel. +41 58 462 20 07
info@gs-wbf.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research
Federal Department of Foreign Affairs