Press Release

Ukrainian brands go global: UNDP helps launch E-export initiative

14 February 2025

More than 200 small business owners learn to navigate international markets in groundbreaking seminars supported by Ukrposhta and the Government of Japan.

a portrait of a woman
Photo: © Olha Zalizniak/UNDP in Ukraine

Kyiv, Ukraine, 14 February 2025 — National postal operator Ukrposhta has launched the E-Export Intensive series of seminars, bringing together the owners of more than 200 micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to learn about selling online, internationally.

E-Export Intensive is a new educational initiative supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Government of Japan. It is part of UNDP’s “Resilience Business Platform. Academy” which supports Ukrainian entrepreneurs in overcoming modern challenges.

The E-Export Intensive training provided participants with comprehensive insights into conducting international e-commerce, covering key aspects of establishing and scaling an online business. The event programme features success stories of Ukrainian exporters and practical tools for selling on leading global platforms, including Etsy, Shopify, and eBay.

Opening the event, Nadia Bihun, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine said the project proves Ukrainian small businesses and manufacturers are relevant to the global market. “On one hand, we’re facing a full-scale invasion and war, bringing immense suffering,” Bihun said. “But on the other, this situation opens new opportunities for promoting Ukraine as a brand and supporting its producers.”

Christophoros Politis, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine said the initiative was an example of turning strategy into action. “We’ve talked about strengthening and supporting the MSME Strategy for 2027,” Politis said. “This is where UNDP is acting to support the E-Export Intensive initiative – enhancing entrepreneurial support, building capacity, and providing training for small and medium-sized enterprises, which make up a significant portion of Ukraine’s economy.”

Yulia Pavlenko, Director of the International Operations Department of Ukrposhta added, “We’re excited to discuss e-commerce, exploring opportunities for Ukrainian production and global sales, with a special focus on the Japanese market as well. We believe in the power of Ukrainian businesses and their connection with the world.”

Background

The E-Export Intensive series of seminars was organized by UNDP in Ukraine in cooperation with Ukrposhta as part of the “Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine” project, which is implemented with the support of the Government of Japan.

Media Inquiries

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Communications Team Leader, yuliia.samus@undp.org 

Yulia Samus

Yuliia Samus

UNDP
Communications Team Leader

UN entities involved in this initiative

UNDP
United Nations Development Programme

Goals we are supporting through this initiative