An interview with Dmytro Sidenko, President of the Ukrainian-Swiss Business Association, was published on August 8. We invite you to learn more about USBA’s strategy and priorities.
When creating the Ukrainian-Swiss Business Association (USBA)
following the promising for Ukraine Swiss vecto,
you aimed to promote the interests of Swiss companies in Ukraine, and
Ukrainian companies in Switzerland. How did the COVID-19 pandemic affected
your plans?
The current situation has certainly affected every business process in the world, and USBA is no exception. In the beginning of 2020, we had a busy schedule of conferences and presentations, as separate Ukrainian investment projects, united territorial communities (UTG) and entire cities were looking for investors. Some of the events were held online, others were unfortunately cancelled, the most important ones – postponed to the second half of 2020. Every crisis is always an opportunity.
USBA is a platform for effective cooperation between the business and the government. Tell us about the possibilities of such cooperation and lobbying of projects of the Association members?
I have been working in Switzerland in the field of international trade since 2014. At almost every meeting with my partners or Swiss clients I offer investing in Ukraine, considering our country not only as a resource base, but also as a valid alternative to other Eastern European countries which allows to accommodate production capacities. My correspondents would usually agree that Ukraine is a great location, but they would also voice a challenge: it is difficult for foreigners to sense the business environment there, to understand who to communicate with and how to solve problems if they arise. It was in these conversations that the idea of the Association as a formal lobbying structure for Swiss business in Ukraine was born.
Cooperation with government agencies of both countries is an extremely important part of our activities. We are in constant contact, first of all, with the Embassy of Ukraine in Switzerland, we hold joint meetings with Swiss business circles and government agencies. In Ukraine, we also have government agencies partners: the Office for Export Promotion and UkraineInvest – the Office for Attracting Investment UkraineInvest, as well as local administrations and the city halls of Ukrainian cities.
Our first task is to help Ukrainian investment parks, OTGs and private companies bring information about themselves to potential Swiss partners and to increase the volume of information available regarding the possible Ukrainian projects.
The second task is lobbying at the governmental level of Switzerland and Ukraine, which is carried out in order to create favorable conditions for participants of the international exchange of goods and services, to alleviate trade barriers. Regular communication with Ukrainian partners helps us achieve positive results on controversial issues and problems, on behalf of Swiss businesses and investors. Lobbying the interests of our members is the Association’s main goal.
How broad is the range of services offered to effectively support companies with their new market entries?
The association offers a range of services that are useful both for companies just entering the market and the existing market operators: from general analytical information, organization and support of participation in the exhibitions, to personalized advice on market entry and development of custom strategies.
We also can help find trading partners and partners to set up joint ventures, clear product certification and register the businesses.
Of course, we do not take over the functions of marketing agencies or professional legal and brokerage companies, but we have member companies that meet the necessary criteria of professionalism and reliability and provide relevant services. The same companies, namely their leaders, are our experts, whom we involve in professional discussions or in the development of proposals in cooperation with government agencies of both countries.
Considering that in 2019, according to the State Statistics Service, Switzerland exports to Ukraine almost twice as much as it imports, which services are most in demand by Swiss companies?
It should be clearly understood that for every Swiss company that operates or plans to operate in the Ukrainian market, the main challenge is to adapt to a new, rather unusual and unpredictable business environment. The main issues that arise are issues of investment security guarantees of compliance with the terms of contracts; understanding how and at which administrative level the support can be obtained. Doing due diligence, checking the reliability of a potential partner, its history and business reputation – these are the examples of requests which we receive constantly. And of course – tender participation, assessment of the feasibility of tender participation and lobbying for products of Swiss origin.
What criteria must a company meet to join USBA?
Any natural or legal person, as well as any company that recognizes the purpose and goals of the Association and is ready for honest and open cooperation can become a member of the Association. Our main criteria are business reputation, recommendations of members of the Association and the legality of the business.
What are the advantages of USBA membership for Ukrainian companies planning to enter the market of the Swiss Confederation?
Everything we have mentioned earlier about the lobbying and the support for Swiss business in Ukraine applies to the business of our Ukrainian members in Switzerland. From experience we already know that helping find partners and buyers of products or services and organizing the first meetings with potentially interested companies are in highest demand. We have relevant contacts with the cantonal chambers of commerce and industry associations of Switzerland and can quickly and efficiently do the appropriate matchmaking.
What is the mechanism for assisting USBA companies in the event of a conflict situation when entering or operating in the Swiss market?
Usually a conflict situation is the result of communication errors. Our main goal in such cases is to make every effort to find a compromise solution that will satisfy both parties and preserve the business reputation of the partners. Therefore, one of our services is mediation. Every international business is always more than just a contract between two companies. The way partners fulfill their obligations creates the overall business and cultural image of the country each partner represents. The Association is constantly talking to our partners about this state vision and responsibility in its international activities.
