EastCham Finland lowers the threshold for Finnish companies to enter the Ukrainian market
Olena Romashko, Viktoria Mianovska.
Published on 23.9.2025 14:00
Business services in Ukraine expand with the Nordic export promotion model
The joint Kyiv office of EastCham Finland and the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) has received a significant boost as two experienced market analysts, Olena Romashko and Viktoria Mianovska, started their positions on September 8. The recruitments are part of EK’s Pro Ukraine project, which aims to promote Finnish companies’ exports and participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The Kyiv office offers Finnish companies market research and partner search services, enabling companies to make informed decisions about entering the Ukrainian market. The services are open to all Finnish companies and support the Pro Ukraine project’s goal of bringing 200 new exporting companies to Ukraine over the next two years.
– Our new services help Finnish companies understand the Ukrainian market and its opportunities. For most Finnish companies, Ukraine is an unfamiliar market, so a low threshold for taking the first steps is needed, says Jaana Rekolainen, CEO of EastCham Finland.
EastCham and EK opened the Kyiv office in April 2024. Since then, the office manager Olena Kutsai has advised Finnish companies on issues related to the Ukrainian market and reconstruction.
Although the war is still ongoing, it is worth being present in the market already. In other Nordic countries, preparations for reconstruction are already further along than in Finland.
– When the weapons fall silent, the queue at the door will get longer and competition will intensify. Now is the time to catch up, says Kutsai.
“When the weapons fall silent, the queue at the door will get longer and competition will intensify.”
Kutsai urges companies to conduct thorough background research before heading to Ukraine: to identify the country’s priorities, financing opportunities, and requirements for establishment. In increasing competition, it is important to tailor offerings to Ukraine’s needs and build a local presence. Partnerships are formed face-to-face, not remotely, and commitment in Ukraine is rewarded in building a customer and partner network.
Reconstruction opportunities for Finnish companies
The cost of Ukraine’s reconstruction is estimated to exceed 500 billion euros. The greatest investment needs are in:
- Housing construction €81 billion
- Transport €75 billion
- Energy and mining sector €66 billion
- Trade and industry €62 billion
- Agriculture €53 billion (Source: Damage and Needs Assessment RDNA 4)
In 2026, Ukraine will invest 280 billion USD in a total of 149 projects. Priority is given to sectors where Finns have strong expertise: energy solutions, urban infrastructure, waste management, water and sewage, as well as education and science.
Housing construction is undergoing a transformation: construction is growing by 20–30% annually, and parking garages are being converted into shelters. Finland and Ukraine are jointly leading an international shelter coalition. The goal is to build over 10,000 shelters in the next decade.
Further information and interview requests:
Jaana Rekolainen, CEO, phone. +358 (0)400 457743, [email protected]
www.eastcham.fi
EastCham Finland
EastCham Finland is an international chamber of commerce that, as part of the Team Finland network, supports Finnish companies internationalize. We monitor economic developments, provide guidance on sanctions and support companies’ operations in Ukraine, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus. Together with companies, we are preparing for the reconstruction of Ukraine.