Finnpartnership offers Finnish companies funding to promote business in Ukraine

Niemi Palvelut Oy and Sirav Oy, which operate in Ukraine, encourage Finnish companies to explore the Ukrainian market and establish connections with local businesses.

Niemi Palvelut Oy, which specialises in moving and logistics services, has delivered various materials from Finland to Ukraine during Russia’s war of aggression. The company’s goal is to gain a foothold in Ukraine and establish its own logistics centers. “The Ukrainian market and its opportunities are enormous,” says company director Esa Niemi.

Aapo Varis, owner of Sirav Oy, also highlights the potential for business collaboration: “There are many high-quality companies in Ukraine whose production capacity can be utilised to meet the needs of Finnish companies. In the future, Ukrainian companies’ capacity will shift from domestic needs to export markets, so it is worth establishing connections with them now.” Sirav offers companies expert services for the development of international procurement and supply chains and has been seeking subcontractors in Ukraine for Finnish metal industry companies. It has also established a subsidiary in Ukraine.

Financial grants already to 70 Finnish companies’ projects

Sirav and Niemi Palvelut have both received financial grants from Finnpartnership to promote their business operations in Ukraine. “Finnpartnership’s Business Partnership Support has made it easier to find partners, handle the practical arrangements for travel, and sort out insurance and security matters,” says Esa Niemi.

Aapo Varis explains that Sirav has used Finnpartnership’s services to establish local contacts. The grant also made it possible to utilise local resources. “Establishing personal contacts in Ukraine is essential. You have to visit the country regularly, and having local resources makes operations much easier.”

Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression, Finnpartnership’s Business Partnership Support has been granted to 70 Finnish companies’ projects in Ukraine, totalling 11.9 million euros. Finnpartnership is a programme funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland that promotes sustainable business between Finland and developing markets. Through the programme, companies have the opportunity to receive funding, advice, and contacts to promote business in the markets of Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Southeast Europe.

Images: Niemi Palvelut ja Sirav