Czech Delegation of 30 Companies Embarks on Mission to Rebuild Ukraine

In a bid to provide assistance and support to Ukraine, the Czech Republic has sent a delegation of 30 companies to participate in the reconstruction efforts.

Led by Tomáš Kopečný, the government commissioner for the reconstruction of Ukraine, the delegation aims to facilitate international investments and establish business partnerships between Czech companies and their Ukrainian counterparts.

The visit of Ukrainian President Zelensky to Prague was seen as a significant event, with discussions focusing on various aspects, including security guarantees, arms supplies, and opportunities for Czech companies to contribute to Ukraine’s energy sector and railway infrastructure.

Concrete projects and joint production ventures were also on the agenda during meetings with the President and the Prime Minister.

Regarding the upcoming mission to Ukraine, Kopečný mentioned that the exact schedule cannot be disclosed for security reasons. However, the delegation plans to visit four major Ukrainian cities, including Kiev, during the week-long mission.

The primary objective is to foster direct contacts between Czech companies and Ukrainian partners, both in the business and administrative spheres. Meetings with national and regional chambers of commerce have been scheduled in each city to facilitate networking and collaboration.

The participating companies represent three key sectors: energy, healthcare, and transport. These sectors were specifically chosen due to their vulnerability to Russian aggression since the onset of the conflict. Kopečný further revealed that separate missions involving arms companies and those active in the environmental sector are also in the pipeline for later this year.

Several Czech companies have already begun offering their services to Ukraine. For instance, Skoda Transportation is participating in a tender for trains intended for the Kiev metro.

Additionally, the mission aims to conclude smaller-scale contracts in areas such as cogeneration units, water purifiers, hospital equipment, ambulances, and temporary housing units for displaced refugees. The goal is to expand on the supplies that have already been provided, with the aim of utilizing international funds from sources like the World Bank and USAID.

While the exact quantification of Czech aid to Ukraine, both military and humanitarian, is not provided, it is estimated that military assistance amounts to around two billion dollars (45 billion Czech crowns). The Czech government has allocated CZK 1.5 billion for humanitarian and development projects last year and this year.

The assistance provided by the Czech Republic includes a significant number of heavy combat equipment, which, although valued at a relatively low cost due to being older Soviet equipment, has been instrumental in supporting Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Overall, the Czech Republic’s commitment to assisting Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts reflects a collaborative approach between the two nations, aimed at fostering economic development, enhancing infrastructure, and bolstering security.