Czech-Ukrainian Business Forum – 23./24.04.2025 – Michaela Macharik, was honored to open the second day of the forum!
Sat, 26 Apr, 2025
The Online B2B Forum “Czechia – Ukraine”, held on April 23–24, 2025, showcased the deepening economic ties between Czechia and Ukraine, drawing participation from top-level policymakers, regional development agencies, and business leaders. Organized by ICC Ukraine and the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade—with the Czech-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry & Commerce as a key partner—the forum sent a clear message: bilateral trade and cooperation are not only resilient but expanding rapidly, even in times of crisis.
🚩 Michaela Macharik, President of the Czech-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry & Commerce, was honored to open the second day of the forum, setting the tone with a compelling keynote. She emphasized the excellent bilateral trade relations and pointed to impressive figures that underline Czechia’s commitment to Ukraine:
To demonstrate tangible impact, Michaela Macharik presented three flagship projects that highlight Czechia’s active role in supporting Ukraine’s recovery and development:
💨 Green Energy: Wind Power Project (MND & Eco-Optima)
🚰 Water Purification: Mobile Systems (IPR Aqua & Dekonta)
🏥 Healthcare Hub: Czech Health Technology Initiative (CHTI & AVDZP)
In addition to reviewing achievements, the Czech-Ukrainian Chamber presented its Strategic Outlook 2025, a forward-looking framework that identifies six key sectors where Czechia and Ukraine can deepen cooperation and maximize joint economic impact. This strategy not only supports Ukraine’s urgent reconstruction needs but also lays the foundation for long-term, EU-aligned development.
1️⃣ Government Policy & Support:
The Chamber reaffirmed that Ukraine remains a top priority for Czech foreign economic engagement. The focus will be on:
Regional reconstruction initiatives, such as the Czech-backed rebuilding of the Dnipropetrovsk region.
Expanding bilateral forums and business missions to foster direct contacts.
Ongoing support for Ukraine’s EU accession process, ensuring policy alignment and institutional strengthening.
2️⃣ Defense & Security:
With the evolving security landscape, the strategy calls for a shift from aid to co-production and capability-building. Priorities include:
Joint ventures in key defense areas such as ammunition production, armored vehicles, and aerospace.
Deepened cooperation in cybersecurity and border protection—critical for both national security and safe business operations.
3️⃣ Energy & Infrastructure:
A cornerstone of future growth, the energy and infrastructure sector will focus on:
Modernization of existing networks, decentralization, and an emphasis on renewables.
Czech firms are already active in nuclear power plant upgrades, wind/solar farms, and gas storage facilities.
Exploration of the Central European Hydrogen Corridor, a visionary project linking regional energy grids with hydrogen capabilities.
4️⃣ Industry & Automotive:
The Chamber projects a strong rebound in manufacturing and vehicle assembly, driven by:
Increased exports from Czech companies like Škoda, Tatra, and heavy machinery producers.
Ambitious trade targets, aiming to surpass $4 billion in bilateral trade, underpinned by EGAP-backed insurance to mitigate risk.
5️⃣ Agriculture & Food Industry:
Ukraine’s rich agricultural base offers a natural fit for deeper Czech engagement, including:
Czech investment in agri-tech and machinery production on Ukrainian soil.
Enhanced value-chain partnerships in food processing, leveraging Czech experience and technology.
Aligning agricultural policies with EU standards, paving the way for smoother cross-border trade.
6️⃣ Environment & Green Transition:
With sustainability as a long-term priority, the strategy emphasizes:
Joint projects on water management, waste treatment, and climate resilience.
Czech leadership in green hydrogen, e-mobility (e-buses), and emissions reduction technologies.
Laying the groundwork for Ukraine’s transformation into a sustainable, EU-integrated economy.
The second day’s program also featured insightful contributions from key regional leaders:
They discussed the economic potential of their respective regions, shared investment opportunities, and highlighted challenges that need international collaboration.
The event’s B2B rooms enabled more than 100 companies to hold live one-on-one meetings to discuss future partnerships, explore funding opportunities, and pitch innovative projects.
Key focus sectors included:
⚙️ Mechanical engineering
🚛 Transport & logistics
🍽️ Food industry
Companies from other sectors were also welcomed to broaden the scope of cooperation
The forum confirmed that Czech-Ukrainian economic ties are not only holding strong—they are evolving into a strategic partnership for reconstruction and growth. As Michaela Macharik concluded:
"Czech-Ukrainian Business Forum – 23./24.04.2025 – Michaela Macharik, was honored to open the second day of the forum!"
