Reconstruction and beyond: How Germany’s GIZ supports Ukraine
The relevant statement was made by Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel, an official representative of GIZ Executive Board, in a commentary to Ukrinform.
“We are active primarily in three central areas: the restoration of destroyed infrastructure at various levels, especially in the energy sector. This is our main focus. Secondly, strengthening the local economy and creating employment opportunities at the municipal level. The third sector of activity is advising the Ukrainian government as part of the EU membership process,” Schäfer-Gümbel told.
As an actual example of cooperation, he mentioned the Bavarian company IBS, which is willing to support the city of Lviv in repairing the war-damaged road network.
“A win-win situation for both sides: German companies gain a foothold in a promising market, and Ukraine receives urgently needed investments for reconstruction. Partnership is key: we combine the interests of the countries, where we operate, with the interests of Germany,” Schäfer-Gümbel explained.
In his words, GIZ is working on Ukraine’s reconstruction on behalf of the German Federal Government (five of its ministries), the European Union and other partners. For example, through the Agency for Business and Economic Development (AWE), GIZ advises German and European companies on the implementation of projects in Ukraine and the opening of new sales markets.
As noted by GIZ, the agency helps support the functioning of Ukraine’s economy through a targeted combination of consulting services and specialized training, as well as direct financial support to private companies. At the same time, GIZ attracts private investment from abroad, as well as German and international companies to the reconstruction of Ukraine.
A reminder that Germany’s development agency GIZ had been supporting Ukraine since 1993. In 2009, the agency opened its office in Kyiv. GIZ operates across all regions of Ukraine and closely interacts with all communities on the Ukrainian-controlled territory.
Photo: Wikipedia
