How does the business exist during wartime? Market experts will talk about the challenges, solutions, experience, and development of Ukrainian entrepreneurs very soon at the Business Upgrade Forum 2023.
Development Director of EFI Group, Serhiy Pinkas will speak at the forum and share the company’s cases during the war. What challenges faced the investment company EFI Group? More interesting things about extraordinary solutions and achievements during global challenges.
The purpose of the forum is to exchange experience, knowledge, and ideas of entrepreneurs and professionals from various industries. Where the most relevant issues, problems, and trends in business will be discussed.
How Ukrainian business recovered and adapted during the year of the war, challenges for business, and adaptation to new realities. How the war changes domestic business, state support, and prospects for the near future.
We invite you to register via the link: https://secure.wayforpay.com/payment/sdbb6fd07d12a
Key speakers of the event:
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We are waiting for you at the forum!
We recall how it all began and what the company managed to achieve during this time.
“We implemented the Greenfield project at a difficult time for the country. Today, FEEDNOVA is a system-creating enterprise, thanks to which the entire industry functions. We have become an example to follow in terms of production standards, safety, and in the approach to solving complex tasks during global challenges. Our plant is one of the first sustainable development projects in the field of presence. I believe that thanks to responsible business that creates ecosystem solutions, our country will be able to achieve significant economic growth. We know how to unite and work hard. I am convinced that in the coming years, the company’s network will increase by several factories of international production level,” shared Igor Liski, the company’s majority investor.
The FEEDNOVA team is constantly working on developing the name of quality and reliable Ukrainian manufacturers in the world. By producing high-protein feed additives, the company creates a wide raw material base for the production of pet food, livestock food and biofuels production. Our company’s plans also include a sales segment in niche markets, in particular: production of feed for aquaculture (aquaculture) and production of alternative energy sources (green energy).
“Our team is professionals, I am proud of everyone’s courage. People who are ready to learn, develop, master new skills – this is what our multifaceted team is about. We are ambitious and strive for great achievements. The company has many projects for the development of the entire industry. Our plans will definitely be implemented, because we have experience and expertise,” said Andriy Ogorodnik, CEO of Fidnova.
There were many challenges during construction and two years of operation. In particular, the crises of the coronavirus and the full-scale invasion forced our team to work even harder and find solutions to complex tasks. But we have something to be proud of, Feednova not only reached the planned production indicators, but also increased sales by 4 times. The geography of our supply covers about 15 countries of the world, including: the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Italy, Bulgaria, Thailand and Vietnam.
In the near future, we expect the successful signing of contracts with future partners from Turkey, Spain, France and China.
The company has achieved significant results on the domestic and foreign markets. More to come, because Ukrainian business has no right to stop.
We believe in the Armed Forces!
Forest Technology woodworking enterprise invites you to work!
Please contact Victoria by phone +380665927567 and by email – [email protected].
To the wood sawing area:
Machinist of woodworking machines of the wood processing shop (joining, 4-sided, facing, coring).
Requirements:
Complete general secondary education.
Woodworking machine operator’s license is welcome. Responsibility, accuracy, decency.
Duties:
Knowledge of the structure, purpose of all units, individual nodes,
Knowledge of the rules of technical operation and safe work.
Working conditions:
Work schedule 2/2.
Salary from UAH 12,000.
Sorter of materials and wood products of the wood processing workshop.
Requirements:
Complete general secondary education.
Responsibility, accuracy, decency.
Working conditions:
Work schedule 2/2.
Salary from UAH 10,000.
Official employment.
Transportation by minibus to the enterprise.
Duties:
Sorting of finished products.
The workshop for the production of fuel pellets requires:
Workshop master
Requirements:
Knowledge of pellet production.
Duties:
Correct use of equipment.
Control of technological processes, product quality.
Ability to use devices for quality control of raw materials.
Granulation apparatus.
Duties:
Control over the technological process of pellet production.
Operator (fireman) of production furnaces
Duties:
Control: fuel burning, traction, temperature regime.
Working conditions:
Variable work schedule.
Salary is high and timely.
Official employment.
Transportation by minibus to the enterprise.
The Civil Society Forum “Outlines of the Future: Victory, Restoration and Modernization of Ukraine” was held in Kyiv. About 3,000 people took part in the forum, including public figures, military personnel, volunteers and businessmen.
The forum is designed to gather dedicated representatives of central executive bodies, local self-government bodies, foundations, donor organizations, volunteer initiatives, humanitarian headquarters and various experts to work on a new vision of the country.
Among the speakers of the forum was Ihor Lisky, chairman of the supervisory board of EFI Group.
“Ukraine of the future is a real state, without fakes. There is no imitation of state institutions that we had before: a fake army, SBU, health care system, and society in general. Civil society is concerned people who don’t care.
If you create a business, build enterprises and do it honestly, you already care. And I believe that the fusion of such a society is the basis of the country’s future.
Sovietism displaced indifference and individualism. We must learn to unite not only against some kind of global evil, we must unite for the sake of implementing positive ideas. Being non-hostile towards each other is already a critically important task. Let’s trust each other. Then it will be possible to understand one’s own role in society and create a real state without imitation,” Ihor Liski concluded.
The main topics discussed at the forum:
More information about the sponsors and organizers of the forum at the link https://forum.ednannia.ua/
The All-Ukrainian network of health care institutions “Medychna Zirka” and the international charity organization “Caritas-Spes” Ukraine signed a memorandum to provide free assistance to the population affected by the war. Thanks to this, citizens of Ukraine will also be able to receive medical services online both in the middle of the country and abroad.
More than 500 doctors of the Medical Star from 30 departments located in 9 regions of the country will provide free medical services to the beneficiaries of Caritas-Spes Ukraine. In particular, patients will be able to sign declarations with family doctors and pediatricians.
“People with big hearts help to endure the trials of war. Ukrainians felt this support both in their own country and around the world. For us, becoming a partner of “Caritas-Spes Ukraine” means supporting charity effectively. That is why we direct all our efforts to provide high-quality primary medical care to people who have applied or will apply to Caritas-Spés. From the very beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, our doctors helped those who needed it in the most dangerous parts of Ukraine. Therefore, the synergy of our efforts will be able to do even more!” – noted Igor Liski, the majority investor of the Medychna Zirka medical network.
According to the memorandum, the cooperation also includes professional training of doctors in the conditions of hostilities and raising the level of public awareness of pre-medical care for the injured. Doctors of the “Medychna Zirka” will also provide consultations to improve the qualifications of medical workers and improve the quality of medical services.
“War affects a person in various aspects. This is the issue of the poverty in which she finds herself, and the issue of destroyed houses, destroyed fate and health. We are called to unite our efforts in holistic help to people. The support of partners is very important for us, because it allows us to comprehensively surround a person with support. I am convinced that our cooperation will strengthen each of us in providing the help to which we are called” – Father Vyacheslav Hrynevych, Executive Director of Caritas-Spes Ukraine.
“Caritas-Spes Ukraine” is one of the 48 members of the “Caritas Europe” Federation and a member of “Caritas Internationalis”, a global confederation that unites more than 160 Catholic organizations. In Ukraine, the Mission works in all regions through 50 local organizations. Over the past year, “Caritas-Spes Ukraine” helped more than 700,000 beneficiaries and provided more than 3,000,000 social services.
The Medychna Zirka network cooperates with charitable foundations and humanitarian aid centers, such as: “I Mariupol”, “My Luhanshchyna”, “Mama + I”, “Kolo”, “Be like Nina”, “Doctors of the World” and public organization “ELEOS-LVIV”. The company signed memorandums with the Korean charitable organizations “Green Doctors”, “On hospital” on cooperation in providing medical assistance to all persons who suffered from the war and left the occupied territories.
Additional Information
The Confederation of Caritas Internationalis is a member of the Conference of the international Catholic organization of the Pontifical Council “Cor unum”, which has consultative status in UNESCO and other organizations of the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the Organization of African Unity, and also cooperates with the structures of the European Union and many well-known politicians and public figures. caritas-spes.org
The Medychna Zirka network provides medical care in 9 regions of the country and is constantly expanding its presence in various regions. Medical centers of the network specialize in providing primary medical care. Every Ukrainian can sign a declaration with a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist and receive medical assistance free of charge and without restrictions.
medzirka.com.ua
The company’s team, together with partners, actively worked on the order, manufacture and delivery of special heat-generating insoles for soldiers of the Armed Forces. The peculiarity of such insoles is that they are durable and retain heat for up to 8 hours.
“From the beginning of the invasion, the holding constantly provided the soldiers with various support. We don’t stop. I believe that every drop is an ocean, just as each of us is a state. Therefore, supporting thousands of Special Operations Forces soldiers is our main task in order to win.
This time we focused on the closest: mobilized employees, relatives and friends of our colleagues who are fighting, as well as special brigades from the front. Part of the insoles-warmers have already been used by our soldiers, but spring is ahead, it is not so warm in the trenches,” noted Igor Liskі, chairman of the supervisory board of EFI Group.
Our soldiers already have thousands of thermal heaters in the Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia directions — everywhere where the enemy’s offensive actions are taking place.
In total, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EFI Group has provided more than $1 million in military aid. Among the humanitarian aid were bulletproof vests, uniforms, helmets, generators, ATVs, medical protection equipment and others.
The investment holding EFI Group (“Effective Investments”) of businessman Igor Liskі relocated the production of cardboard packaging “Sem Eсopaсk” from the town of Tomakivka (Dnipropetrovsk region) to Sambor (Lviv region) and put into operation the main line for the production of packaging for food products.
“The transfer of production was a big test for the team, because the enterprise was located quite close to the front line. We saved people, their jobs and business, which gives the country not only taxes, but also innovative products. The state supported us with the relocation, and here our cooperation turned out to be very effective,” the EFI Group press service told Interfax-Ukraine.
As reported, at the end of 2020, EFI Group acquired the real estate of the former bread factory in Sambor to create another production of pulpboard packaging – an environmentally friendly replacement for plastic packaging with a new product line with a capacity of 150 million units. for a year.
“Now in Sambor, the main line is put into operation, the second one is in the process of starting up. We are considering the issue of starting the third line and are looking for ways to finance the start-up and increase production capacity,” the press service notes.
She specified that, despite the three-month relocation process and a difficult period of reorientation, the company’s production in 2022 was reduced by only 5% compared to 2021, when 180 million pieces of various packaging were produced.
“This was achieved by increasing hourly productivity and optimizing the range of products. In the fourth quarter, we managed to bring production to a profit,” the company reported.
At the same time, 90% of the products are exported to EU countries.
The company also notes that after the relocation, not only jobs were saved, but also new ones were created.
“We have many large-scale plans for the expansion of sales markets, and we have real advantages compared to global manufacturers, in particular, unique packaging developments, production speed. We are almost the only Ukrainian company that stands at the forefront of creating pulpboard packaging for apples, berries and other vegetables and fruits,” the company notes.
The press service added that it was possible to set up production quite quickly, taking into account the fact that “Sam Ecopack” manufactures not only packaging, but also production machines and lines for the manufacture of pulpboard products.
This allowed us to quickly change the configuration of the equipment, switch to new types of packaging, because there was no need to wait for additional equipment from abroad. And that’s why we promptly reoriented production to the European pulpboard market. It was necessary to significantly expand the range, to introduce elements of the industrial system, but the relocation made it possible to become closer to the consumer,” the press service of EFI Group noted.
The press service notes that innovative developments in packaging for food products and special equipment for its production are in demand.
“Understanding the demand for our products in the world, we plan to expand to new markets. We are also considering the construction of a new production facility in Europe,” the press service noted, without specifying these plans.
The press service added that the company certainly faced the problem of solvency and reduced demand for a certain list of products. “But our clients got out of the situation with overdue debts in a dignified manner. We have no open issues in this regard,” the company stated.
Ihor Liskі’s column specially for Economichna Pravda
Discussions about the proposed OP tax reform “10-10-10” do not stop.
The main theses are “it’s not the right time, because there is a war in Ukraine”, and “it can reduce income to the state budget, and therefore, the financing of the Armed Forces.”
I think it’s time for me to join the discussion.
As an entrepreneur with 20 years of experience, who has created more than one thousand jobs in his lifetime, I have always looked at taxes from a different angle.
First of all, taxes are a social contract between the state and citizens. The essence of this contract is fair relations.
On the one hand, these relations stimulate the development of people and enterprises, the creation of goods, goods and services, and therefore jobs with decent pay.
On the other hand, the state must ensure the rights and freedoms of its citizens, security and justice for these taxes in the most effective way.
I would very much like society to understand where the state’s money comes from, because taxes for employees are paid by the employer.
Workers often do not realize that they are the main beneficiaries of the country. That is, they are the state! Everything in the country is maintained on their money.
I always urge everyone to get rid of sovkov phobias, in which the state has always separated itself from people, becoming an institution of coercion, and citizens tried in every possible way to remove themselves from the state, hiding their true interests and income.
Another myth concerns entrepreneurs (not to be confused with oligarchs, who have another source of wealth). Ukrainians often believe that entrepreneurs are not interested in paying taxes, and therefore, in building the state and the Armed Forces. But entrepreneurs are the driving force of Ukraine’s development, and this terrible war confirmed it.
From the first hours of the war, it was businessmen, as the most active, patriotic and caring citizens, who took up arms in defense of the country or became volunteers or sponsors, supporting the Defense Forces.
It is the Ukrainian business that continues to work and pay taxes under shelling and during constant power outages.
Convinced: tax reform is relevant right now.
This will give a powerful signal to the business that continues to work in Ukraine. Especially for those who hesitate to start creating jobs in Poland, Bulgaria or Ireland, where there is security, favorable credit and lower taxes.
This may inspire those who have already left to return and work here, in particular foreign investors when considering projects in Ukraine after the Victory.
I consider the exit from the shadows or from the gray zone of a significant part of the Ukrainian economy to be an equally important argument for the reform. This will significantly compensate for budget losses and improve competition and tax administration.
It is no secret that many enterprises are forced to keep double records: for the tax office and for the owners. Thousands of tax officials try to untangle it, and often this process becomes a source of corruption or abuse.
Entrepreneurs often face manipulations regarding tax declarations or audits that turn into “mask-shows”. The reform would make evading taxes or paying salaries in “envelopes” unprofitable for business.
Cash tax and VAT refund guarantee: 10-10-10 reform is back on the agenda. What’s new there?
Regarding fears that the rich will pay less and become even richer. This is good, because this money will return to the economy as an investment. Where the nature of income is not innovative-entrepreneurial, but rent-seeking, a different approach is needed.
Conventionally: most of our oligarchs made their fortunes either from minerals that they privatized or obtained licenses, having access to power, or from exclusive access to the state budget.
It is much easier to limit their profits by increasing rent payments and luxury taxes (due to expenses – taxes on real estate, expensive cars, yachts).
I would also increase environmental fees from harmful industries. This would not only fill the budget, but also stimulate enterprises to invest in environmental modernization. I also support increased taxation of harmful cigarettes and alcohol, excise duty on fuel and emissions.
An even more innovative approach is not only to reduce the income tax, but to replace it with a tax on withdrawn capital. This will remove problems with its administration, because most of the claims of the tax authorities refer to this. Almost every transaction is questionable, and this is a reason for manipulation and corruption.
Moreover, entrepreneurs will be motivated to reinvest working capital in development until they want to withdraw funds, and only then will the tax appear. It can be even bigger, the main thing is that it should be clear to everyone.
I am sure: if the reform is carried out carefully and decisively, the revenues will not decrease, but will even increase. To insure the budget, it is possible to increase the military levy and cancel all tax benefits as much as possible.
Overcoming the conservatism of the IMF and EU institutions will now be much easier. The argument is to save the economy during the war. Ukrainians have already proven their resilience in the confrontation with the enemy, so we will be persistent in reconstruction as well. The main thing is to create normal conditions so that tax officials do not interfere with honest business.
Our task after the Victory is not only to return Ukraine to its pre-war state, but to build an even better and more modern state. Ukraine above all!
Discussions about the proposed OP tax reform “10-10-10” do not stop.
The main theses are “it’s not the right time, because there is a war in Ukraine”, and “it can reduce income to the state budget, and therefore, the financing of the Armed Forces.”
I think it’s time for me to join the discussion.
As an entrepreneur with 20 years of experience, who has created more than one thousand jobs in his lifetime, I have always looked at taxes from a different angle.
First of all, taxes are a social contract between the state and citizens. The essence of this contract is fair relations.
On the one hand, these relations stimulate the development of people and enterprises, the creation of goods, goods and services, and therefore jobs with decent pay.
On the other hand, the state must ensure the rights and freedoms of its citizens, security and justice for these taxes in the most effective way.
I would very much like society to understand where the state’s money comes from, because taxes for employees are paid by the employer.
Workers often do not realize that they are the main beneficiaries of the country. That is, they are the state! Everything in the country is maintained on their money.
I always urge everyone to get rid of sovkov phobias, in which the state has always separated itself from people, becoming an institution of coercion, and citizens tried in every possible way to remove themselves from the state, hiding their true interests and income.
Another myth concerns entrepreneurs (not to be confused with oligarchs, who have another source of wealth). Ukrainians often believe that entrepreneurs are not interested in paying taxes, and therefore, in building the state and the Armed Forces. But entrepreneurs are the driving force of Ukraine’s development, and this terrible war confirmed it.
From the first hours of the war, it was businessmen, as the most active, patriotic and caring citizens, who took up arms in defense of the country or became volunteers or sponsors, supporting the Defense Forces.
It is the Ukrainian business that continues to work and pay taxes under shelling and during constant power outages.
Convinced: tax reform is relevant right now.
This will give a powerful signal to the business that continues to work in Ukraine. Especially for those who hesitate to start creating jobs in Poland, Bulgaria or Ireland, where there is security, favorable credit and lower taxes.
This may inspire those who have already left to return and work here, in particular foreign investors when considering projects in Ukraine after the Victory.
I consider the exit from the shadows or from the gray zone of a significant part of the Ukrainian economy to be an equally important argument for the reform. This will significantly compensate for budget losses and improve competition and tax administration.
It is no secret that many enterprises are forced to keep double records: for the tax office and for the owners. Thousands of tax officials try to untangle it, and often this process becomes a source of corruption or abuse.
Entrepreneurs often face manipulations regarding tax declarations or audits that turn into “mask-shows”. The reform would make evading taxes or paying salaries in “envelopes” unprofitable for business.
Cash tax and VAT refund guarantee: 10-10-10 reform is back on the agenda. What’s new there?
Regarding fears that the rich will pay less and become even richer. This is good, because this money will return to the economy as an investment. Where the nature of income is not innovative-entrepreneurial, but rent-seeking, a different approach is needed.
Conventionally: most of our oligarchs made their fortunes either from minerals that they privatized or obtained licenses, having access to power, or from exclusive access to the state budget.
It is much easier to limit their profits by increasing rent payments and luxury taxes (due to expenses – taxes on real estate, expensive cars, yachts).
I would also increase environmental fees from harmful industries. This would not only fill the budget, but also stimulate enterprises to invest in environmental modernization. I also support increased taxation of harmful cigarettes and alcohol, excise duty on fuel and emissions.
An even more innovative approach is not only to reduce the income tax, but to replace it with a tax on withdrawn capital. This will remove problems with its administration, because most of the claims of the tax authorities refer to this. Almost every transaction is questionable, and this is a reason for manipulation and corruption.
Moreover, entrepreneurs will be motivated to reinvest working capital in development until they want to withdraw funds, and only then will the tax appear. It can be even bigger, the main thing is that it should be clear to everyone.
I am sure: if the reform is carried out carefully and decisively, the revenues will not decrease, but will even increase. To insure the budget, it is possible to increase the military levy and cancel all tax benefits as much as possible.
Overcoming the conservatism of the IMF and EU institutions will now be much easier. The argument is to save the economy during the war. Ukrainians have already proven their resilience in the confrontation with the enemy, so we will be persistent in reconstruction as well. The main thing is to create normal conditions so that tax officials do not interfere with honest business.
Our task after the Victory is not only to return Ukraine to its pre-war state, but to build an even better and more modern state. Ukraine above all!
Ukraine was mainstream not only at the largest-ever Ukrainian House but also at other venues and events during this year’s World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, including the Main Forum. It certainly cannot but inspire. But on the other hand, it imposes maximum responsibility on all of us.
Ukraine is pure good, Russia is pure evil!
The main feeling is that the world has come to a basic understanding that Ukraine must win, without looking back at Russia. The new approach was vividly formulated by the ex-prime minister of Great Britain, Boris Johnson, who clearly cut off the question of what to do with Russia: “It is enough to advocate and worry about the problems of Russia after its defeat. It is not our business – what will happen to it there, what will be the consequences , what kind of face will Putin have after that! It is enough to be afraid of their blackmail and terror. Even nuclear! Ukraine is pure good, Russia is pure evil! Period!”.
This means that we will be given everything we need in terms of weapons: both tanks and planes. We will be supported not only with weapons, but also financially as much as needed. The only condition is transparency of use and zero corruption.
Western politicians, especially Republicans from the United States, say it straight to your face: your only weakness, which pro-Russian forces are attacking, is possible corruption. It is the only thing that can stop our help, no matter how much we want it. This is a red line from American society.
About future reconstruction after victory
There is already a consensus about a large infusion of money into Ukraine. We are talking about seized Russian assets worth hundreds of billions of dollars and investments of international financial institutions. Most importantly, I saw real interest and even moral commitment from large private equity funds like BlackRock and Goldman Sachs. Moreover, there is an understanding not to rebuild the old Ukraine, but to immediately build a new, modern country of the future. This applies both to energy, which is expected to be the green energy hub of Europe, and to infrastructure.
The only thing that worries investors in private conversations: are there real, calculated projects, large enough for such large investments, or are there effective teams with project thinking and experience?!
The main conclusion is that in these extremely difficult times, fate has given Ukrainians a huge chance not only to defeat the sworn enemy, but also to build a modern, modern, efficient state. And it depends only on us – Ukrainians – how we will take advantage of this chance.
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