Ukraine’s first deputy PM Svyrydenko showcases investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia

In Riyadh, Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko highlighted promising investment opportunities in energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and other sectors. The discussions also covered the participation of Saudi Arabian companies in Ukraine's privatization efforts.

This was reported on the website of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, according to Rubryka.

"The Ukrainian delegation began its official visit to Saudi Arabia with a meeting attended by nearly a hundred local entrepreneurs. During the event in Riyadh on February 16, 2025, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko presented key investment prospects in various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.

The discussion also addressed the involvement of Saudi Arabian companies in Ukraine's privatization process," the statement reads.

In the coming days, the delegation is set to hold numerous meetings in preparation for President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi Arabia actively supports Ukraine, having allocated $500 million toward its reconstruction. Their assistance extends beyond humanitarian aid, encompassing economic collaboration with Ukrainian businesses.

We can now showcase concrete examples of Saudi investment in Ukraine, reinforcing the message: 'Invest in Ukraine now, without waiting for the war to end.' Companies like FAS Energy, which has invested in Ukraine's renewable energy sector, and SALIC, which last September acquired a 12.6% stake in MHP, one of Ukraine's largest agroholdings, exemplify this commitment. I deeply appreciate the leadership of these companies and their confidence in Ukraine's investment potential," Svyrydenko stated.

She also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the growing cooperation between the two nations.

During the meeting, the Ukrainian delegation provided Saudi Arabian businesses with an overview of Ukraine's current economic situation, investment opportunities, and the government's efforts to foster and sustain a favorable investment climate.

Potential investors were introduced to:

• Programs supporting projects with significant investments,
• Tools for developing industrial parks,
• War risk insurance mechanisms.

As part of the business forum, a series of workshops were held, where participants explored investment projects in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and real estate.

"I am confident that we have strong prospects for attracting even more investment from the Middle East. Today, we witnessed significant interest, particularly in infrastructure projects, energy, innovation, and agribusiness—especially fertilizer production, where Saudi Arabia has considerable expertise. Joint efforts are already yielding results, even if gradually.

Exports to Saudi Arabia grew from $291 million in 2023 to $368 million in 2024, and we anticipate further growth this year. While we have yet to return to pre-war levels, I believe we can achieve this, and business forums like this will play a key role in that process," Svyrydenko stated.

Reference

On February 14, President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking with journalists at the Munich Security Conference, announced that he would soon visit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

As previously reported, Saudi Arabia has expressed its willingness to mediate between Russia and Ukraine to help end the war, advocating for a resolution to the ongoing crisis.

In August 2023, Saudi Arabia hosted international consultations on the principles of peace for Ukraine. Over 40 countries participated in the summit, but Russia was not included.

Additionally, in August 2024, President Zelensky made an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman al Saud. During their meeting, they discussed the state of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, highlighted the positive progress in implementing previous agreements, and acknowledged the effective cooperation between their teams.