On May 15–16, Kyiv hosted one of the leading international events that brings together Ukrainian communities, businesses, investors, and financial institutions around a shared goal — the effective recovery of Ukraine. The Association of Fuel and Energy Business took part in the Congress, representing the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises in the fuel and energy sector.

The Congress gathered over 500 participants, including representatives of government bodies, diplomatic missions, international financial institutions, private investors, and business associations from various regions of Ukraine. At the heart of the discussions was the search for solutions that ensure fair access to international capital and the involvement of the private sector in key initiatives for economic recovery, human capital development, and the reintegration of veterans returning to civilian life.

During the panel discussion, participants — Dmytro Kuzmenko (CEO of the Ukrainian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association), Veronika Tkachenko (Project Manager at the National Erasmus+ Office), and Ihor Taranov (Head of the Horizon Europe Office in Ukraine, National Research Foundation of Ukraine) — emphasized the need for consistent engagement with SMEs, including raising awareness of international funding tools, donor programs, and terms of cooperation with investors.

Association of Fuel and Energy Business shares these messages and sees in them a clear affirmation of its mission: to build a bridge between SMEs in the sector and sources of financial support. Through information exchange, consulting, analytics, and advocacy, the Association aims to equip businesses with the tools they need for sustainable growth in the new economic reality.

Particular attention during the Second Foreign Investment Congress was devoted to the presentation of investment projects from 26 regional communities of Ukraine. These initiatives focus on the development of critical infrastructure, energy solutions, logistics, the agricultural sector, and social services — areas where SMEs can and should play a pivotal role.

Association of Fuel and Energy Business participation in the Congress is part of its ongoing systemic work to support the sustainable development of the fuel and energy sector and to actively involve companies in the country’s economic recovery. We are convinced that effective reconstruction is impossible without a strong, adaptive, and well-supported SME community.