Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, today officially launched the inaugural Ireland-Ukraine Economic Forum at Iveagh House, welcoming President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, Taoiseach Mícheál Martin TD, Tánaiste Simon Harris TD, and key business stakeholders. Hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Forum coincided with President Zelenskyy’s visit to Ireland and aimed to spotlight opportunities for deeper economic cooperation between the two nations.
Minister McEntee emphasized the ambition of the newly signed Roadmap on the Ukraine-Ireland Partnership, which outlines strategic areas for enhanced collaboration, particularly in economic development. The Roadmap follows the Agreement on Support for Ukraine and Cooperation, signed in September 2024, and sets the stage for closer investment and trade ties between Ireland and Ukraine.
The Forum featured a panel discussion on expanding Ireland-Ukraine economic links, with contributions from Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Economy, Environment and Agriculture Pavlo Kartashov, and representatives from Irish businesses engaged with Ukraine. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Taras Kachka, delivered the closing remarks.
Reflecting on the event, Minister McEntee said, “This forum is about strengthening Ireland’s economic connections with Ukraine, building on strong government-to-government, business-to-business, and people-to-people links. It includes supporting Ukraine’s economic recovery, reconstruction after Russia’s illegal invasion, and preparations for EU accession. Irish Government bodies, State agencies, and businesses all have a crucial role to play.”
She added that the Forum will convene annually, providing a platform for stakeholders to explore ways to advance trade and investment for the mutual benefit of both countries, fostering a dynamic and vibrant economic relationship.
