Business met with the leadership of Kherson Regional Military Administration

26/ 05/ 2023

On May 25, 2023, at the joint meeting of the EBA Southern Ukrainian Office and the EBA Ukraine Recovery Committee with the leadership of the Kherson Regional Military Administration (hereinafter - RSA) we discussed the economic condition of the Kherson region, RSAs plans for the reconstruction of the region after the war. The event was attended by the deputy head of the Kherson RSA for digital development, digital transformations and digitization - Stanislav Petrov, the director of the department of economic development of the Kherson RSA - Yuliya Kryvchyk, as well as representatives of the Associations member companies. In particular, the issues of restoration and development of social and logistic infrastructure and economic development of the region were on the agenda. Kateryna Morozova, the head of the Southern Ukrainian office of EBA, explained to the leadership of Kherson RSA the Associations activities in the context of supporting the economic recovery of war-affected regions. She also drew attention to the Investment Map and invited Kherson to submit its projects so that potential investors could learn about them. Unfortunately, the Kherson region suffered significantly as a result of the full-scale armed aggression of the russian federation. Read more about the state of Kherson Region and the main developments of the RSA Management below. Infrastructure of the region. During the occupation, the enemy resorted to the destruction of critical infrastructure facilities. After the deoccupation, the people of Kherson were faced with the absence of power grids and transformer power stations. Therefore, the restoration of basic conditions for existence (electricity, water, heating, food, medical supplies, etc.) was almost the main challenge. Therefore, the main goal is the return of life to the region (before the full-scale invasion, 1 million people lived in the territory of the region, currently it is 10 times less). Also, during the retreat, the enemy destroyed 1,000 housing objects (high-rise buildings and households), however, there are already state reconstruction programs for the main population centers, which were destroyed by 90%. In addition, power lines, gas infrastructure, and provision of drinking water have become essential for the region. An important step is that the road map for the restoration of Kherson Oblast has already been developed. Negotiations with international organizations regarding large-scale infrastructure projects in the region are also starting. Therefore, some bridge crossings have already been restored. Demining. Indeed, it is unfortunate to realize, but the Kherson region is the most mined and polluted region of Ukraine today. In the context of demining, work continues, and more than 30,000 hectares have already been inspected/cleared. At a forced pace, they are trying to clear agricultural land in order to restore the work of the agrarian sector and the export of agricultural products abroad. However, there is always a risk that already demined territories will be shelled again. Currently, both state and private companies are involved in demining. The community provides a demining map every week, which is regularly updated. Economy of the region. If we turn to the economy of the region, the main industries are agriculture, alternative energy, and recreation. The main source of revenue for the local budget was small and medium-sized businesses. Now, in fact, the business has stopped operating. It is interesting that there is a part of the region that can already be considered by a potential investor and accept investment projects. Management is currently identifying businesses critical for recovery. Viktoriya Kulykova, head of the EBA Committees Department, shared information about the Committee for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and its main achievements. In particular, she noted the possibility of forming a vision and active work in the reconstruction of the country in all its manifestations within the framework of the Committee and taking into account these developments in the strategic document of the Association - the EBA White Book. Mr. Petrov thanked for the support and attention to the problems of the South, as the situation with the Kherson region is unique and the region shows by its example what modern warfare is capable of. But this is also an opportunity for a restart and a new effective management of the region. He also expressed his belief and hope that in the near future the Left Bank of the Kherson Region will be deoccupied. Taking into account the activities of international organizations operating on the Right Bank, volunteer organizations, foundations, etc., the management hopes for a quick recovery of the region after the deoccupation. Undoubtedly, without the consolidation of the international community, it is impossible to completely restore everything and rebuild. For its part, the European Business Association is ready to provide comprehensive assistance, advice and support!

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On May 25, 2023, at the joint meeting of the EBA Southern Ukrainian Office and the EBA Ukraine Recovery Committee with the leadership of the Kherson Regional Military Administration (hereinafter – RSA) we discussed the economic condition of the Kherson region, RSA’s plans for the reconstruction of the region after the war. The event was attended by the deputy head of the Kherson RSA for digital development, digital transformations and digitization – Stanislav Petrov, the director of the department of economic development of the Kherson RSA – Yuliya Kryvchyk, as well as representatives of the Association’s member companies. In particular, the issues of restoration and development of social and logistic infrastructure and economic development of the region were on the agenda.

Kateryna Morozova, the head of the Southern Ukrainian office of EBA, explained to the leadership of Kherson RSA the Association’s activities in the context of supporting the economic recovery of war-affected regions. She also drew attention to the Investment Map and invited Kherson to submit its projects so that potential investors could learn about them.

Unfortunately, the Kherson region suffered significantly as a result of the full-scale armed aggression of the russian federation. Read more about the state of Kherson Region and the main developments of the RSA Management below.

Infrastructure of the region

During the occupation, the enemy resorted to the destruction of critical infrastructure facilities. After the deoccupation, the people of Kherson were faced with the absence of power grids and transformer power stations. Therefore, the restoration of basic conditions for existence (electricity, water, heating, food, medical supplies, etc.) was almost the main challenge. Therefore, the main goal is the return of life to the region (before the full-scale invasion, 1 million people lived in the territory of the region, currently it is 10 times less). Also, during the retreat, the enemy destroyed 1,000 housing objects (high-rise buildings and households), however, there are already state reconstruction programs for the main population centers, which were destroyed by 90%. In addition, power lines, gas infrastructure, and provision of drinking water have become essential for the region. An important step is that the road map for the restoration of Kherson Oblast has already been developed. Negotiations with international organizations regarding large-scale infrastructure projects in the region are also starting. Therefore, some bridge crossings have already been restored.

Demining

Indeed, it is unfortunate to realize, but the Kherson region is the most mined and polluted region of Ukraine today. In the context of demining, work continues, and more than 30,000 hectares have already been inspected/cleared. At a forced pace, they are trying to clear agricultural land in order to restore the work of the agrarian sector and the export of agricultural products abroad. However, there is always a risk that already demined territories will be shelled again. Currently, both state and private companies are involved in demining. The community provides a demining map every week, which is regularly updated.

Economy of the region

If we turn to the economy of the region, the main industries are agriculture, alternative energy, and recreation. The main source of revenue for the local budget was small and medium-sized businesses. Now, in fact, the business has stopped operating. It is interesting that there is a part of the region that can already be considered by a potential investor and accept investment projects. Management is currently identifying businesses critical for recovery.

Viktoriya Kulykova, head of the EBA Committees Department, shared information about the Committee for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and its main achievements. In particular, she noted the possibility of forming a vision and active work in the reconstruction of the country in all its manifestations within the framework of the Committee and taking into account these developments in the strategic document of the Association – the EBA White Book.

Mr. Petrov thanked for the support and attention to the problems of the South, as the situation with the Kherson region is unique and the region shows by its example what modern warfare is capable of. But this is also an opportunity for a restart and a new effective management of the region. He also expressed his belief and hope that in the near future the Left Bank of the Kherson Region will be deoccupied. Taking into account the activities of international organizations operating on the Right Bank, volunteer organizations, foundations, etc., the management hopes for a quick recovery of the region after the deoccupation.

Undoubtedly, without the consolidation of the international community, it is impossible to completely restore everything and rebuild. For its part, the European Business Association is ready to provide comprehensive assistance, advice and support!