The Flemish Government has approved a new “Eastern Strategy” part of the aim of which is to guide Flemish business towards opportunities in the reconstruction of Ukraine. The new “Eastern Strategy” was launched on Monday, a day before the 4th anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine the Flemish Government has allocated almost 7.5 million euro to initiative to support Ukraine and its people. In excess of a further 1.1 million euro will be given thios year. The lion’s share of the cash has gone to rapid response emergency aid such as the provision of emergency generators.
The Flemish Government now wants to shift its focus towards long-term reconstruction and economic engagement in Ukraine. The Flemish foreign trade agency Flanders Investment & Trade, contact point for enterprise VLAIO and the Flemish investment company Participatiemaatschappij Vlaanderen are to join forces to support companies in their quest for business opportunities in Ukraine.
In a project entitled ‘Team Flanders for Ukraine’, the three agencies will help Flemish businesses find local partners and assist them in applying for European funding linked to reconstruction projects.
The Flemish Prime Minister Matthias Diependaele (nationalist) says that the aim is to ensure that Flemish companies are not left behind.
"We see that cautious attempts are now being made to reach a peace settlement. If we want to support the Ukrainian people, we must prepare for reconstruction. If Flanders does not commit to this now, others will do so in our place”.
Mr Diependaele has a meeting planned with the Ukrainian ambassador to Belgium, where he will provide further explanation concerning the new initiative.
A broader focus
The Flemish authorities also intend to join the international mine clearance coalition for Ukraine. , Countries will pool resources and expertise to clear mines on Ukrainian territory more efficiently.
The Eastern Strategy extends beyond Ukraine. The Flemish government aims to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties across Eastern Europe; a region it expects to see steady economic growth in the coming years.
Mr Diependaele believes that economic growth in Eastern Europe provides export opportunities for Flemish business. The Flemish Government is also examining where its Flanders could strenthen its representation in the region with the Polish capital Warsaw being described as “an important hub”.