On November 18-19, 2024, we hosted our first major trade mission to Ukraine, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. Organized on behalf of the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) and the Dutch Ministries of Defence and Economic Affairs—in close collaboration with the Netherlands Embassy in Ukraine—this mission was a testament to European efforts in supporting Ukraine’s long-term economic recovery. Moreover, our first trade mission is a part of our Business Recovery Support track record.

The Numbers

  • 15 Dutch defense companies participated, selected from a pool of enthusiastic applicants. 
  • Over 200 Ukrainian companies expressed interest, resulting in 70 carefully matched participants.
  • More than 150 individual meetings took place, with many participants asking for even more time to connect.
  • At least one deal was finalized on-site, with multiple others in progress—clear evidence of the tangible impact of this mission.

The Highlights

  1. Enthusiasm: The interest from both Dutch and Ukrainian companies was remarkable. There was a tangible energy in the room during the event, with participants eager to interact and collaborate and revisit each other during breaks and drinks.  
  2. Results: Through our structured speed-dating format, companies maximized their engagement in 30-minute sessions to form valuable partnerships. One company’s representative said, “Very well and professionally organized, resulting in useful new contacts with Ukrainian companies,” while others were emphatic about the business development opportunities following their participation. 
  3. Team Effort: This mission exemplified the power of teamwork, bringing together RVO, the Dutch Ministries, and the Dutch Embassy, along with our Kyiv-based team, who worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect.
  4. A Shared Future: Brought together by a devastating war, Dutch and Ukrainian entrepreneurs showcased their determination to build a shared future. One Ukrainian participant noted that they were “getting close to a deal” with another Dutch participant. 

Looking Ahead

This mission is just the beginning. A market report on the Ukrainian drone industry will soon follow, summarizing key insights and highlighting further opportunities for collaboration between Ukraine and foreign businesses and institutions. We are proud to facilitate these partnerships, recognizing that economic development and humanitarian efforts go hand in hand to secure Ukraine’s future and strengthen its ties with Europe.

A big thank you to all the participants and partners who made this mission a success. Together, we’ve taken a meaningful step toward a stronger defense partnership between our nations and toward Ukraine’s long-term economic recovery.