Feature Image credit: Lauri Heikkinen, valtioneuvoston kanslia
Last week showcased exactly what we do at East Office—advancing on all fronts and ensuring our companies are in the spotlight. The week began in Kyiv at EuroBuildExpo 2024, where our companies connected with partners and demonstrated Finnish expertise. It ended back in Helsinki, where we sat down with key decision-makers, including both Finnish and Ukrainian prime ministers, to ensure our companies play a leading role in Ukraine’s reconstruction. As it turns out, there was a rhythm to the week, one that played out—not just figuratively—more than once.
Business on the Ground in Kyiv
It all started in Kyiv, where our East Office team and our colleagues from Elematic, Konecranes, Peikko, and Telko participated in the EuroBuildExpo 2024. Attending events in Kyiv continues to prove its worth: The exhibition was lively, and we made several valuable connections. We ended up with more visitors than expected at our stand, with a genuine interest in what Finnish companies have to offer. It was clear that our presence as foreign companies was appreciated. Some recruitment discussions even took place right there on the spot.
For many first-time visitors, Ukraine can be quite different from what they expect. The media tends to paint a picture of pure destruction, but as soon as people arrive, they notice that the city is very much alive. It doesn’t take long for safety concerns to fade, and the business opportunities quickly take center stage. As one colleague remarked, “People seem to live quite normal life here. Where are the ruins? I can’t see any.” That shift in perception is something you can only understand by being on the ground.
Promoting Finnish Expertise
On the business side, we had additional goals and important meetings. Our companies weren’t just exhibitors at the stand; we also had speaking slots in the expert forum. Vasyl and I met with Deputy Minister of Energy Mr. Mykola Kolisnyk and discussed some promising energy production cases. Separately, we used this trip to promote Finnish expertise in wooden urban construction. While we can’t reveal too much yet, we’re pushing forward with a project to introduce these methods into the Ukrainian building code, which could significantly influence the country’s reconstruction efforts—and open doors for Finnish companies’ expertise in this area. To be continued.
The personal experiences of our delegation highlighted the importance of being in Kyiv in person. As Olga Laine, an experienced Kyiv visitor from Peikko, put it: The conversion is better in Ukraine. You’ll find more clients here than at similar fairs in Warsaw or other countries because Ukrainian businesses don’t always have the opportunity to travel abroad. But the key to success is doing the preparatory work with potential customers beforehand. That way, the results will be even better.
On delegation trips, we make sure it’s not strictly business. On Tuesday night, we headed to Barman Dictat, a well-known Kyiv spot (affectionately dubbed “Blinken’s Bar” after a certain U.S. Secretary of State’s visit). A group of about 15 of us, including our friends from Östkontoret, enjoyed a relaxed dinner together. And let’s just say, Blinken isn’t the only one who knows how to play for an audience.
Back in Helsinki: High-Level Discussions
After a productive few days in Kyiv, the week took a sharp turn as I rushed back to Helsinki. On Friday evening, I attended a dinner hosted by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in honour of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and other key ministers. It was a chance to discuss how Finnish companies can continue to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery efforts, particularly in areas like sustainable construction and energy. Although it made the week’s schedule tight, it was well worth it. One of our main duties is ensuring our shareholders’ voices are heard where it matters, and this was certainly one of those events.
During the evening, I was given the honour of performing the Ukrainian national anthem. Having travelled through the night from Kyiv with only a few hours of sleep, I’ll admit I was concerned about the performance, but it seemed to go well enough—at least I wasn’t kicked out.
Looking ahead
Reflecting on the week, it’s clear that these trips are essential. Being present in Kyiv allows us to not only witness the opportunities firsthand but also strengthen the connections that are critical for long-term partnerships and ultimately success. As Matti Silvennoinen from Elematic noted, Our presence was highly appreciated among visitors and key stakeholders alike, and this highlights once again the importance of being locally present, especially when many local companies and decision-makers are unable to travel abroad.
For those who couldn’t join us this time, I encourage you to consider future opportunities. Kyiv continues to be a key market for those willing to invest the time. The challenges are there, no doubt, but the potential is even greater.
Success requires progress on all fronts. Whether it’s engaging potential clients on the ground, having key discussions with local stakeholders, or making sure our companies’ voices are heard in the highest circles, East Office is committed to making it happen. The groundwork has been set, and we’re ready to seize the new opportunities this will bring for Finnish companies in Ukraine.
