At this year’s Kyiv International Economic Forum, Igor Liski, founder of the investment company EFI Group, moderated the discussion panel “Global Capital for Ukrainian Business.”
Speakers discussed openly what attracts investors, what holds them back, and how Ukraine can become a story of global success. Igor Liski emphasized the importance of the investment topic, noting that rebuilding the country requires substantial financial resources.
“Without a strong economy, Ukraine cannot build strong security and defense.
Investments must lie at the heart of any economic strategy because without them, there can be no development, and the country of our dreams will never emerge. At EFI Group, we’ve spent over 20 years building a new industrial wave in Ukraine. Today, it’s crucial to talk about a new philosophy of development, why Ukraine is attractive to investors, why it’s worth investing, and how to find the courage to do it now. It’s equally important to understand which projects are of interest to international financial institutions and how to make your own project investment-attractive. I’m convinced that international players should join Ukrainian entrepreneurs who are already leading by example and showing they are not afraid to invest in Ukraine, said Igor Liski.
The panel brought together leaders who make decisions shaping the economic future of Ukraine every day:
Edward Mermelstein, former New York Commissioner for International Affairs, lawyer and strategist, who is now creating a $500 million fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction;
Iryna Kravchenko, Deputy Head of the EBRD in Ukraine, an institution that has already invested over €8.5 billion in the country’s economy;
Danylo Hetmantsev, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy;
Teymur Taghiyev, Chief of Staff at NEQSOL Holding, which has invested around $1 billion in Ukrainian projects, including Vodafone Ukraine;
Vasyl Danyliak, CEO of OKKO Group, which continues to expand into new energy sectors and is building an all-season resort worth over $1.5 billion, even during wartime;
Olena Voloshyna, Head of the IFC Office in Ukraine, who helps Ukrainian businesses attract financing even in the most difficult times.
As the moderator summarized:
We all agreed on one thing: capital flows where there is trust, clear rules, and people ready to take responsibility. Ukraine can and must become such a magnet for global capital. This is not only about investments, it’s about a new development philosophy where business, government, and international partners act as one team, shared Igor Liski, founder of EFI Group.
EFI Group extends sincere gratitude to all participants for a deep, honest discussion — and for continuing to invest in the future of Ukraine.