Rebuilding Ukraine Roundtable

Rebuilding Ukraine Roundtable

PwC hosted a Rebuilding Ukraine Roundtable focused on the rebuilding of Ukraine following Russia’s catastrophic war. The roundtable, which took place at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Warsaw on Monday 13 November 2023, was facilitated by PwC to harness the collective knowledge and experience of senior invited stakeholders representing national and regional governments, the private sector and investors. The roundtable, featuring over 75 international delegates, was also aimed at providing a roadmap for an innovative, sustainable and economically vibrant Ukrainian future.

The event was chaired by Agnieszka Gajewska, PwC Global Government & Public Services and CEE Clients and Markets Leader and featured high-ranking Ukrainian government officials as its keynote speakers, including Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development; Anna Yurchenko, Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine; Oleksandra Azarkhina, Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development; and Mustafa Masi Nayyem, Head of the Restoration Agency of Ukraine. 

The Ukrainian delegation introduced the scale of the challenges around rebuilding their country, emphasising the need for multilateral, cross-sector collaboration. As well as the recovery, the senior Ukrainian officials also explored the opportunities inherent in reconstruction. The challenges facing Ukraine reconstruction are serious, as some $135bn worth of damage has been done to the country’s building and infrastructure. 

The World Bank estimates that $411bn is required for recovery and reconstruction needs, with $161bn required in the housing and transport sectors alone. Private sector participation is crucial for reconstruction of Ukraine. According to the Report “Ukraine Private Sector Opportunities for Green and Resilient Reconstruction” conducted by the World Bank and IFC, completion of the Ukrainian Government's reform agenda will help attract funding of up to $130bn to assist recovery efforts across multiple sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister Kubrakov, who is responsible for overseeing the rebuild, and Deputy Minister Yurchenko and Head of Restoration Agency Nayyem explained in detailed presentations the necessity for inward investment in their country, particularly in the energy, transport and logistics sectors. He also pointed out the work the Government has been doing to make Ukraine more investment-friendly. Legislative changes include easing customs reforms, corporate income tax exemption for five years, VAT exemption for importing new equipment and compensation of costs for construction, engineering and transport infrastructure. 

Agnieszka Gajewska was assisted in moderating the event by Lord Jack McConnell, Member of the UK House of Lords and former First Minister of Scotland. Lord McConnell hosted a question and answer session that allowed delegates, ranging from the diplomatic service to senior private sector leaders representing organisations from as far afield as the United States, Canada, South Korea, Japan and several others, the opportunity to speak directly with the Ukrainian Government.

This session focused on several major topics, primarily — green transition and how recovery can be conducted in a sustainable way, energy efficiency and security, skills and labour for reconstruction — including the hiring of veterans, digitalisation and using the latest technologies and rebuilding and modernising Ukraine’s vital agricultural sector. 

The Ukrainian delegation pointed out that this event represents an important step in what will be continuing dialogue between the Ukrainian government, PwC, the private sector and investors. 

Sign up for follow up discussion on the Rebuilding Ukraine Roundtable