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On Monday, 22nd May, the Minister of Economics Ilze Indriksone met with Ukrainian government officials in Kyiv (Ukraine) to discuss issues related to Latvia's involvement in Ukraine's restoration. They outlined the primary tasks and future plans for Ukraine's reconstruction after the devastating invasion by Russia.
This year's state budget of Latvia has allocated five million euros for the reconstruction of the Chernihiv region. The Ministry of Economics intends to use the allocated funding for restoration projects in the Chernihiv region, providing opportunities for Latvian entrepreneurs to participate.
"The current Latvian support plan for Chernihiv aims primarily to meet the basic needs identified by Ukrainian residents and to initiate territorial planning, while also considering the initiation of reconstruction and physical construction, ensuring monitoring of these processes. Latvia's previous support for the Chernihiv region in the energy sector, renovating housing in Yagidna, and restoring a sewing enterprise in Chernihiv city, has been highly appreciated by Ukraine," says Ilze Indriksone.
In Kyiv, on 22nd May, the Minister of Economics met with Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction Issues, the Minister of Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure of Ukraine, Oleksandr Kubrakov, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, the Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yuliia Sviridenko, and the Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Oleh Nemchinov.
Representatives of the Ukrainian government pointed out that Russia's invasion has caused unprecedented damage to Ukraine's economy. They emphasized the priority of restoring critical and social infrastructure, as well as housing to encourage residents to return and provide opportunities for adults and those capable of work to restart their careers. Meanwhile, Ukrainian government officials stressed that the situation in Ukraine remains fluid, and the possibilities and procedures for providing support depend on the development of the conflict.
"Since the first days of the war, Latvia has been consistently in solidarity with Ukraine and will continue to provide all necessary support for as long as needed. Latvian entrepreneurs also continue to support Ukraine and plan to get involved in Ukraine's restoration processes, offering their expertise and skills. To achieve targeted results, coordinated and close cooperation, and a unified understanding with all institutions involved in the restoration process, is essential," emphasized the Minister of Economics during the meeting.
In the coming days, the Minister has scheduled meetings with several of Ukraine's major business-representing organizations. Despite the complicated political and economic situation, Latvian entrepreneurs continue and are interested in working with Ukrainian businesses.
During the visit, Indriksone and her delegation will also visit the Chernihiv region, where they will meet with regional and city leaders to discuss primary needs and inspect potential restoration areas. Latvia has already provided support to the Chernihiv region, participating in the restoration of the energy sector, residential houses, and businesses.
Accompanying the Minister of Economics on her visit are the Latvian Ambassador to Ukraine, Ilgvars Klava, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics, Edmunds Valantis, the Head of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency's representation in Ukraine, Ainārs Mežulis, the President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Aigars Rostovskis, the General Director of the Latvian Employers' Confederation, Kaspars Gorkšs, and the Chairperson of the Latvian Regional Planners Association, Līna Dimitrijeva.