Today [Friday, June 17], the United Kingdom host high-level talks on how the international community can assist Ukraine in rebuilding after the conflict and ensuring its long-term prosperity.
At the UK-Ukraine Infrastructure Summit in London, the International Trade Secretary will welcome Ukrainian representatives and key business leaders.
Discussions will aid in identifying areas where UK companies have world-class skills that can aid in reconstruction efforts, such as digital and services, water and sanitation, energy, power, and transportation.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine during the summit, confirming support for future reconstruction efforts. The MoU also establishes a new joint task force to help build partnerships between UK and Ukrainian businesses to aid in the reconstruction of Kyiv’s infrastructure.
The task force will promote greater collaboration between the United Kingdom’s world-class infrastructure, energy, and transportation companies and Ukrainian public and private sector organizations to repair damaged and destroyed infrastructure, such as transportation systems, hospitals, and schools, more efficiently, safely, and sustainably.
UK Export Finance has also pledged to retain its £3.5 billion in financial support for trade to Ukraine, allowing the country to fund reconstruction projects while also allowing UK exporters and Ukrainian buyers to access the funds they require to trade commercially.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, International Trade Secretary, stated:
“We have all seen the heart-wrenching images of the destruction to the great city of Kyiv, and the thousands of homes, buildings and critical infrastructure across Ukraine that have been destroyed. Throughout this, the great people of Ukraine have shown immeasurable strength and courage, and we stand with them in hope of a brighter future.
“That is why it is important to talk about a post-conflict Ukraine, and today we are making our commitment clear to help it rebuild in peace.
“Our world-class infrastructure and energy companies, along with businesses in fields like transport, healthcare, and agriculture are not just well-placed to support the immediate humanitarian response, they are in a strong position to play a part in Ukraine’s longer-term reconstruction too.
“Together, we can help Ukraine to build back better, stronger and greener.”
Today’s announcement is part of the UK’s commitment to provide Ukraine with a $3 billion package of economic, humanitarian, and military assistance.
Mott MacDonald, Executive Chair Mike Haigh, said:
“Mott MacDonald is committed to supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine and will offer our best skills and expertise in buildings, energy, water, transport, programme management and health, to achieve this.
“For the past 30 years we have worked in collaborative partnerships in country to successfully deliver projects to improve the nation’s infrastructure.
“This effort and determination remain, and we stand ready to help the people of Ukraine rebuild their country, their cities and infrastructure, to restore their way of life.”
Manuela Gatto, Director, Zaha Hadid Architects said:
“Informed by the nation’s long history and unrelenting optimism in its future, our projects in Ukraine enrich the public realm and prioritise the environment.
“Working with the country’s local talent on its reconstruction, we hope to continue delivering architecture for the people of Ukraine that sets new benchmarks for innovation, resilience and efficiency.”
Furthermore, as a clear demonstration of our efforts to ensure Ukraine’s prosperity, the UK has already reduced all tariffs under the Ukraine-UK FTA to zero.
The United Kingdom has also imposed one of the most comprehensive and severe economic sanctions against Russia. The measures cover over £4 billion in trade with Russia, 1,000 individuals and 100 entities in key sectors such as defense, effectively crippling Putin’s war machine.
Today, the Trade Secretary also announces changes to conflict-related trade remedy measures. This includes redistributing ringfenced market access for Russian and Belarussian steel imports to other countries, including Ukraine.
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