photo: ERA/Czech Government Commissioner for Ukraine Exclusively Reveals: Linking Ukraine's Railway Infrastructure to European TEN-T is a Priority
In January of this year, Ph.D. Tomáš Kopečný, who previously served as Deputy for the Management of the Industrial Cooperation Section at the Ministry of Defence, became the Government Commissioner for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. "Czech companies can definitely get involved in Ukraine's reconstruction now," Kopečný told RAILTARGET in an exclusive interview. In addition to discussing the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, he also touched on the topic of connecting Ukraine's railway backbone infrastructure to the European TEN-T network.
A promising topic is the connection of Ukraine's railway backbone infrastructure to the European TEN-T network, including the start of the construction of European gauge routes. What's the status of this, who is managing it in the Czech Republic, and how and when can Czech companies become involved?
Connecting the Ukrainian railway infrastructure to the European TEN-T network is a priority issue currently being addressed at the European Union level. Intensive negotiations are taking place between representatives of the EU and the Ukrainian government to prepare the groundwork for this crucial infrastructure integration. The Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic is overseeing this issue on the Czech side.
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In terms of Czech involvement, our country is highly committed to supporting Ukraine's reconstruction and rehabilitation, especially in key sectors like energy, transport, health, construction, and water. However, the scope of Czech participation extends beyond these areas into many other sectors.
Specifically, Czech companies have the opportunity to join the Business Club Ukraine program, which falls under the purview of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. The aim is to match Czech companies' supply with Ukrainian demand. Project financing is subsequently handled through Czech financial resources, bilateral agreements, or grants and funds from international financial institutions, which have earmarked considerable amounts for these purposes.
Restoration of damaged infrastructure and trains is another significant issue. Several Czech companies, many affiliated with ACRI, have historically supplied their technologies to Ukraine. Can they get involved now? Is there a platform for them to get information?
Czech companies can certainly participate in Ukraine's reconstruction now. The recovery and rebuilding efforts in Ukraine have already started, so there's no reason to wait. It's important to create conditions that allow Czech companies to be competitive and have the same business opportunities in Ukraine as their foreign counterparts, something we've managed to achieve so far.
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I would direct any Czech companies interested in entering the Ukrainian market to the Business Club Ukraine program run by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. They'll find the latest and most relevant information there. Furthermore, we plan to host a series of seminars with international financial institutions in the fall of 2023. There, Czech entities can learn more about financing opportunities. Registration for these seminars will be announced through the Confederation of Industry and Transport of the Czech Republic and the Chamber of Commerce.
In the spring, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Transport signed a memorandum to support the transport industry abroad. Are you planning any specific missions to Ukraine?
Yes, you're correct. I personally led two business missions to Ukraine, one in March and another in July of this year. I'm planning a third business mission around the turn of the calendar year. Additionally, colleagues from the Ministry of Industry and Trade regularly organize missions to Ukraine. In September 2023, the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic will also conduct a mission to Ukraine. All of these missions are coordinated across ministries to ensure maximum efficiency in the reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.
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