The event is designed for small domestic farmers and food processors but also will attract other stakeholders.
Both the FAO and the EBRD will call for Ukrainian small firms in the agricultural sector to develop new approaches to business, look for new markets and concentrate on the production of high-added-value goods in order to remain competitive on local markets and maximize returns while tapping into export markets.
The conference is supported by the E.U. under the EU4Business Initiative, which, among other objectives, is designed to offer support to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the countries that will benefit from a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the E.U. (DCFTA).
The event, which will gather over 200 participants, will be held in Dnepr, Ukraine. It is primarily designed for small domestic farmers and food processors but also will attract other stakeholders, including larger businesses and industry experts.
Local SMEs will benefit from the first-hand experience of successful local companies of similar size that have tested new approaches and developed successful business models, according to the EBRD. These include investments in innovation, the transfer of know-how, and access to new markets.
“Our historical agribusiness investments in Ukraine stand at over €2 billion, making us the largest player in the sector,” said Victoria Zinchuk, head of Agribusiness Advisory at the EBRD. “In addition to our financial activity we are working to increase SME competitiveness through a range of advisory projects collectively worth over €5 million. We expect this to result in increased productivity among local private businesses, new opportunities for diversification and expansion to new markets.”
The EBRD said it is the largest international financial investor in Ukraine. To date, it has made a cumulative commitment of almost €12 billion through 369 projects since the start of its operations in the country in 1993.
