Nestlé has inaugurated a €60 million vermicelli production facility in Volyn, western Ukraine—one of the company’s most significant investments in the region in recent years. The factory will produce instant noodles under the Maggi and Mivina brands, with a remarkable 75% of its output destined for export . This is precisely the kind of investment Ukraine needs: not just shipping raw agricultural commodities abroad, but processing them into finished, branded food products that create jobs, add value, and build long-term industrial capacity. 🌾 From grain to packaged meals— this is what moving up the value chain looks like . Nestlé is demonstrating confidence in Ukraine’s talent, logistics, and manufacturing future, even amid wartime uncertainty. Over 300 new jobs will be created in Volyn, strengthening Nestlé’s well-established presence alongside its existing sites in Kharkiv and elsewhere.

In a significant test of regulatory integrity, Ukraine’s Antimonopoly Committee (AMCU) has successfully defended its decision to approve the sale of two large cement plants to  CRH , a global building materials company headquartered in Ireland. The twist? This was not a typical case of merger blocking. The deal had already gone through years ago — CRH lawfully acquired the plants with AMCU approval and unprecedented obligations. However, in 2023, Ukrainian construction giant  Kovalska  sought to overturn that approval, claiming the deal had harmed competition. Ukraine’s judiciary has now spoken — twice. Both the first-instance court and the appellate court rejected  Kovalska ’s claims last week, confirming that the AMCU acted lawfully and that there are no grounds to revoke the deal. Why this matters — especially for foreign investors: ✅ Foreign Investment Defended: CRH’s acquisition was upheld despite local resistance, showing that Ukraine’s institutions can protect foreign capital from post-facto legal actions. ✅ Independent Courts: The judiciary based its decisions on legal and competitive analysis — not political or business pressure — reinforcing the image of a more impartial legal system. ✅ Regulatory Credibility: The AMCU’s consistent defence of its position signals strength, not weakness. It stood firm even when challenged by a strong domestic player with media reach and lobbying weight. While some worry that the public dispute damages Ukraine’s image, it’s exactly the opposite: this ruling shows that Ukraine is becoming a place where rules, not relationships, govern business decisions. For any international investor — especially during wartime — that’s a milestone. One legal victory won’t fix everything. But it’s a strong step toward restoring trust in Ukraine’s institutions and investment climate.

Last week, Entrypoint was proud to participate in the “Cyber Heart of the Bank” conference — a flagship event highlighting how Ukrainian banks are redefining resilience through cybersecurity and innovation. In the face of war, systemic risk, and geopolitical pressure, Ukrainian financial institutions are not only surviving — they are setting new European standards in: * Cyber threat response and SOC development * Real-time fraud detection and incident management * Strategic cybersecurity branding and trust-building * Cross-sector collaboration between banks, regulators, and intelligence partners Ukrainian banks today rank among the most client-friendly and digitally efficient in the region, offering seamless user experiences even in extreme conditions. Their blend of resilience and usability is no longer an aspiration — it’s an operational reality. The conference reaffirmed that Ukraine’s financial system is becoming a global case study in operational and cyber resilience. As one panellist put it: “The cyber core is no longer a back-office function — it’s the frontline.” At Entrypoint, we contribute to this shift by supporting fintech partners with market intelligence and sectoral advisory services across multiple market segments and geographies.  We’re grateful to the organisers, "International Club Bankir", and participants for the insights and for the continued belief that Ukraine’s digital future is being built now , securely, and strategically.

Business Intelligence Update Ukraine , June 2025, with explanations of selected hot political, economic, and legal issues, is now available. T o read the Update , subscribe via contact@entrypointgroup.com

The National Commission for the State Regulation of Electronic Communications (NCCIR) has reported that Ukraine has completed its "homework" on legislative and regulatory approximation to EU roaming law. The next step is to submit the law to the European Commission for an official assessment of its compliance with EU law, NCCIR notes. In case of a positive outcome, the European Commission may initiate a decision on the reciprocal granting of internal market treatment for roaming between the EU and Ukraine, which will effectively mean full accession to the Roam Like At Home policy. In early 2024, Ukraine had approximately 55.64 million cellular mobile connections, equivalent to 148.7 per cent of the total population. This remarkable penetration highlights the importance of affordable and reliable mobile services to both consumers and businesses. Moreover, as of March 2025, over 4.26 million Ukrainian citizens were under temporary protection in the EU, with the majority residing in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. This substantial diaspora highlights the importance of seamless communication services across borders, facilitating both personal connections and business operations.  The move is more than just a technical change. It signals Ukraine’s continued alignment with EU standards and represents a commitment to a modern, competitive telecommunications market that supports economic integration. For companies, this enhances the ease of doing business, reduces costs for employees on international assignments, and strengthens cross-border collaboration with EU partners. While implementation will require regulatory harmonization and technical adjustments, the long-term benefits are clear: more affordable connectivity, stronger market competition, and deeper integration into the European economic sphere. For companies with operations in Ukraine or across the EU, this development is a strong signal that the barriers to cross-border business are lowering, creating a more seamless environment for growth and collaboration.

The EU’s “visa-free trade regime” with Ukraine—introduced in June 2022 to support the country during wartime—will expire on 5 June 2025. Known as the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs), this policy suspended tariffs, quotas, and trade restrictions on Ukrainian exports. Its expiration could have a significant impact on Ukraine’s economy. Is a Compromise Possible? The European Commission states it is working on an alternative framework but hasn’t released any details. Ukraine is advocating for permanent trade liberalisation, and some signs of compromise are emerging, such as maintaining zero tariffs on Ukrainian steel after June. The restrictive policy towards Ukrainian agricultural exports seems rummy, as they account for less than 2% of the agricultural goods imported by EU countries. €2.9 Billion in Exports at Risk According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, reverting to pre-2022 trade rules could cost Ukrainian exporters up to €2.9 billion annually, primarily impacting corn, wheat, poultry, sugar, and honey. Agriculture accounts for over 50% of Ukraine’s exports to the EU, representing a significant increase from 28% in 2021. Deputy Economy Minister Taras Kachka stated, “The ATMs were a lifeline. Their removal could cut nearly 1% from Ukraine's GDP.” Ukrainian Exporters Already Losing Contracts Ukrainian producers report that EU importers are withdrawing from deals ahead of the policy’s expiration. Honey exports, for instance, could decline by 30–40% this year. MHP, Ukraine’s largest poultry exporter, views the end of the regime as a significant setback. The Bigger Picture looks grim This isn’t just about trade; it’s about Ukraine’s economic survival and deeper integration with Europe. While the Trump administration is guided by commercial and political considerations in improving relations with Russia, it limits Ukraine's prospects for achieving a lasting and fair peace. The EU, in turn, prioritises the commercial interests of a relatively small group of farmers and food producers, neglecting the rapid food inflation for Europeans and the opportunity to economically support its strategic partner at a relatively low cost.

Despite ongoing challenges, the price of agricultural land in Ukraine has nearly doubled over the past year, reaching an average of 86,655 UAH per hectare in April 2025. Some regions are experiencing even more dramatic growth, with average transactions in Khmelnytskyi leading the way, reaching up to 120,000 UAH per hectare. Vinnytsia, Ternopil, and Kyiv are also experiencing significant increases. In just 4 months of 2025, land prices have risen by 32 thousand hryvnias, which is more than in the previous 3 years combined. What's driving this surge? Limited land supply, inflation, currency fluctuations, and the perception of land as a safe haven for capital are all contributing factors. While most purchases are still for agricultural production, investors are increasingly seeing land as a way to protect their wealth against spiralling inflation. This remarkable growth highlights the resilience and potential of Ukraine's agricultural sector, as well as its favourable tax policies for agriculture. Experts predict that this trend will continue, potentially pushing the average price above 100,000 UAH per hectare by year's end. This might not be the ceiling. According to https://gatewaytosouthamerica-newsblog.com/the-market-for-farmland-in-argentina-is-proving-to-be-active-and-dynamic-with-stable-values/  , a good field in Argentina can easily sell for 15,000/16,000 US dollars per hectare. #Ukraine #Agriculture #LandPrices #Investment #Agribusiness #EconomicGrowth

Ukraine has long been celebrated for its fertile soil and agricultural exports. But in the shadow of grain fields and sunflower rows, another economic giant is growing—quieter, faster, and digital. Ukraine’s IT sector has emerged as one of the most dynamic in Eastern Europe, offering world-class software products, deep technical talent, and globally recognised brands. It’s time to look beyond agriculture and recognise Ukraine as a full-fledged technology leader. From Outsourcing to Innovation Hubs Ukraine’s service-based IT ecosystem has long powered global tech operations. Companies like SoftServe, Infopulse, N-iX, Sigma Software, and Intellias are trusted partners for Fortune 500 firms. These firms don’t just code—they architect complex fintech, automotive, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and more solutions. This strong outsourcing backbone is now being matched by an equally impressive ecosystem of product-based companies. Ukrainian Product Companies You Already Know Ukraine isn’t just writing code for others—it’s building globally used products: • Grammarly – The AI-powered writing assistant used by millions daily • GitLab – A top DevOps platform, co-founded by a Ukrainian • Reface – Viral face-swap app built on advanced AI • BetterMe – A leading fitness and wellness app with over 100M users • MacPaw – Maker of CleanMyMac and other global Mac software • Preply – Online language learning marketplace • People.ai , Reply, Ahrefs, Restream – SaaS tools now core to sales, SEO, and streaming strategies worldwide Whether it’s cybersecurity (like SOC Prime and AiSDR) or creative tools like Respeecher, Ukraine is delivering cutting-edge technology to the world stage. The Talent Engine Behind the Tech This success is no accident. Ukraine boasts: • Over 300,000 tech specialists • A strong emphasis on STEM education • Resilience and adaptability honed by crisis and conflict • Competitive pricing and high-quality engineering Even in wartime, Ukraine’s developers haven’t just stayed online—they’ve scaled. More Than a Moment—A Movement Ukraine’s digital economy accounted for ~4% of GDP in 2023, and that number is growing fast. The government’s Diia.City initiative and broad digital transformation efforts have opened the doors for both local innovation and foreign investment. Tech isn’t just a sideline anymore—it’s a national pillar. Conclusion: Invest in Ukraine’s Digital Future Ukraine is still an agri-titan. But it’s also a digital innovator, cybersecurity guardian, SaaS engine, and AI trailblazer. For international investors, tech buyers, and partners, the message is clear: Don’t just look at Ukraine’s land. Look at its code. Entrypoint helps organisations navigate and access Ukraine’s tech sector—from startup scouting to risk assessment and market entry. Let’s uncover the opportunities together.

Business Intelligence Update Ukraine, April 2025, with explainers on hot political, economic and legal issues, is out. To read the Update, subscribe via contact@entrypointgroup.com

Facing unprecedented challenges, Ukraine has shown remarkable resilience and innovation. As the nation fights and rebuilds, space technology is emerging as a critical asset in its recovery and development. Last week, the “Space for Ukraine” conference in Kyiv brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore how space technologies can support Ukraine’s reconstruction, economic revitalization, and security. Beyond the immediate challenges of war and reconstruction, Ukraine has the potential to emerge as a leader in space innovation. By fostering collaboration with global space organisations and aligning with the booming global space economy, Ukraine can develop a robust space industry that contributes to its long-term economic and technological advancement. The IT boom and the rise of a significant smart agriculture sector in the country are excellent examples of Ukraine’s transition to a post-industrial economy. The global space economy was valued at USD 418 billion  in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 788.7 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.7%. This growth is driven by advancements in satellite and rocket technologies, which have become more accessible and cost-effective. These innovations allow sectors such as logistics, transportation, retail, and disaster management to enhance their operations through real-time tracking, global communication, and weather forecasting.