On March 18, 2025, an important meeting between the delegation of Dnipropetrovsk region and the authorities of Uusimaa province which is the most powerful economic region of the country and the capital of Helsinki took place in Finland. Anatolii Kolomoyets, Head of the Education Department of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, Serhii Miliutin, Deputy Chairman of the Kryvyi Rih City Council, and Oleh Podkopaiev, a member of the Kryvyi Rih City Council, discussed with Markku Markkula, President of Uusimaa, the prospects for cooperation between our region and the Finnish capital. The main focus was on developing partnerships in education, energy sector, military industrial complex, healthcare and agro-industrial complex.
Uusimaa is an example of successful integration of sustainable development, advanced technologies and efficient logistics, which can become a valuable experience for Dnipropetrovsk region on its way to recovery and modernization. Such initiatives are the key to a sustainable future in which Ukrainian regions actively engage global experience and resources to develop their own potential.
One of the key areas of the meeting was the establishment of partnerships between the State University of Economics and Technology in Kryvyi Rih and Aalto University. This opens the way for scientific exchanges, joint research projects, internships for students, and training of specialists who will work to rebuild Ukraine’s infrastructure and economy.
The province of Uusimaa is a key economic center of Finland, accounting for more than 40% of the country’s GDP. It is home to powerful industrial, technological and logistics clusters. The industrial potential of Uusimaa is based on metallurgy, mechanical engineering, pulp and paper, and chemical industries. The region is an important player in international markets due to the export of high-tech products, paper products, metals, and chemicals.
Uusimaa is actively attracting foreign investment, particularly in the IT sector, startups, green energy, and financial services. The Finnish region is known as a center for the development of renewable energy and bioenergy. Companies such as Fortum, Helen and Vapo are active here, implementing bioenergy solutions based on local biomass, wood pellets and organic waste. Uusimaa also has a well-developed waste management system, with HSY and Vantaan Energia implementing projects for the collection, processing, and energy use of solid waste.
This experience is valuable for Dnipropetrovsk region, as our region has a strong industrial sector and is also working to reduce its environmental impact. Prospects for cooperation include the adoption of practices in reducing CO₂ emissions, developing a circular economy, and implementing energy efficient technologies. Dnipropetrovsk region is also interested in partnership in IT and innovation. Uusimaa is Finland’s leader in the field of startups and digital technologies, with internationally renowned companies and research centers. This opens up additional opportunities for joint projects in programming, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
In addition to economic aspects, cooperation in the field of humanitarian aid has become an important area of dialogue. Uusimaa actively supports Ukraine and helps with the integration of Ukrainian citizens. The Finnish side’s experience in restoring social infrastructure, organizing medical and social programs can be useful for Dnipropetrovsk region in the conditions of current challenges. The developed logistics infrastructure of Uusimaa, in particular the ports of Helsinki and Espoo, opens up additional opportunities for exporting products from Dnipro region to the EU and Scandinavian markets.
For more information on cooperation between Dnipropetrovsk region and Finland, please follow the link.
