Spanish agency AECID plans to join humanitarian demining in Ukraine

This was discussed during a meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Economy and the AECID delegation, Ukrinform reports, citing the Ministry of Economy.

"A broad international coalition has been created in the field of mine action in Ukraine today - countries, international organisations, donors, and manufacturers are involved in addressing various issues. We are constantly working to expand cooperation with partners and have proposals in various areas of work in this area. We have projects related to data innovation that they can join. We encourage stronger cooperation with Ukrainian manufacturers and mine action operators, which will accelerate the demining of Ukrainian land," said Deputy Minister of Economy Ihor Bezkaravaynyi.

He also noted that the Ukrainian government is working to create a demining market. A compensation programme has already been launched to compensate farmers who have purchased a service to clear their land of mines, and there are already 90 applications from farmers for government assistance.

Deputy Minister of Economy Volodymyr Kuzio noted that Ukraine is interested in attracting investment in the economy and strengthening cooperation between Ukrainian and Spanish businesses. Spanish businesses are also showing interest in working in Ukraine. In particular, a month ago, a Ukrainian-Spanish business forum was held with the participation of representatives of more than two dozen large Spanish companies.

"We have prepared an Investment Guide that provides an overview of Ukraine's investment landscape, an analysis of priority sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, green metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, critical materials and IT. In addition, the guide offers investors 95 investment projects worth USD 27 billion. The guide will help investors navigate the opportunities offered by Ukraine," Kuzio said.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the possibilities of involving Spanish agencies in financing projects in Ukraine and supporting SMEs, independently and in partnership with international financial institutions.

AECID representatives noted that they are ready to co-finance projects in the fields of engineering, energy, transport, equipment supply, etc. with IFIs.

As reported, AECID has implemented and is implementing a number of projects in Ukraine. In particular, Spain, through AECID, launched an unprecedented humanitarian package totalling more than EUR 55 million in 2022-2023. AECID supported the Ukrainian system of mother and child hospitals by purchasing 30 mobile incubators for preterm infants.

Photo: me.gov.ua