08 Oct 2024 News

Expert voices: Nordic competence in Ukraine’s reconstruction

Nordic countries, especially Finland, can contribute expertise in sustainability and cutting-edge technologies to Ukraine’s reconstruction. Jarkko Konttinen, CCO of Miltton Group and member of the Miltton Ukraine team highlights opportunities and challenges for Nordic companies in Ukraine.

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“Finland’s sustainability know-how meets Ukraine’s rebuild – it’s a perfect match.” 

What unique opportunities does Ukraine’s rebuild present for Nordic companies?

A: Finland has a high level of expertise in key sectors related to Ukraine, such as energy, construction, military, and health technology. Most importantly, Finland is highly advanced in sustainability, and many process-driven manufacturing and design processes deeply embed this.

How can Nordic expertise benefit Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts?

A: First, Finland and all our neighboring Nordic countries represent Europe’s most northern region and, therefore, the most weather-responsive and energy-dependant. This benefits the applied skills in industrial competencies and serves as a driving force for multiple new renewable energy sources. These competencies supplement and add value to rebuilding Ukraine.

What is your opinion on the Rebuild efforts in Ukraine since the launch of the operations in Kyiv?

A: I honor the respectful initiative to improve society with the latest technologies when full-scale rebuilding takes place in Ukraine, and we want to be part of it. For me, this “coming out stronger” represents hope and the future for Ukraine.

“This is a respectful initiative to improve society with the lates technologies when full-scale rebuilding takes place in Ukraine, and we want to be a part of it. This ‘coming out stronger’ represents hope and a future for Ukraine.”

Are there any specific incentives or support programs for foreign companies participating in Ukraine’s rebuild?

A: There are plenty, gladfully. All countries have their national programs, and at least in Finland, the targeted business partnership program with Ukraine has proven to be very successful.

Can you share a success story of a Nordic company already involved in Ukraine’s rebuild?

A: The recent announcement of Peikko investing and opening a factory in Ukraine is encouraging. I hope that there will be many brave followers. At the same time, I highly respect those Nordic companies that have maintained their operations in Ukraine despite the situation and supported Ukraine in that way.

What special initiatives do we have to raise awareness of Ukraine for your global network and clients?

A: We actively talk to over 1,000 current clients about Ukraine opportunities and open dialogues with potential new ones about Ukraine. Our angle and key competence is that we can move things to action instead of just identifying opportunities. This is our key strength. In the big picture, we aim to be the most preferred partner entering Ukraine from the Nordics.

You’ve visited Kyiv and the surrounding region several times. Share your impressions of Ukraine and Ukrainians.

A: It is a beautiful country! I especially like the old town of Kyiv, a very European capital with significant, lovely old buildings. Odesa is on my to-do list; I want to visit it soon. Also, I would like to go skiing at Dragobrat.

What advice would you give Nordic companies considering entering the Ukrainian market for the first time?

A: Be curious and allocate time and resources to study the market and its opportunities. You will be positively surprised!

Miltton’s services in Ukraine

Miltton’s role as the most trusted advisor for Nordic companies lies in assisting businesses to enter the Ukrainian market, serving as their eyes and ears on the ground, and maintaining their activities once the company has commenced operations in Ukraine. Beyond supporting Nordic companies, Miltton Ukraine also aims to help Ukrainian businesses, which are rapidly growing despite the war, enter the markets of the Baltic and Nordic countries. 

Want to hear more? Contact us