From plant visit to “Industrial Ramstein”
Just a few days later, on 24 March, the next step follows in Salach at the political level. The Ukrainian guests include Ruslan Illichov, Director General at the Federation of Employers of Ukraine (FEU) and Anastasia Shevchenko, Director in the Department for International Trade-Economic Cooperation and European Integration at the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy. They are visiting the plant to explore the strategic depth of possible cooperation between Ukrainian firms and the EMAG Group.
Among highly modern manufacturing systems for transmission and engine components, the focus of this meeting is not on technical details but on the economic future of a country in a state of emergency. As Ukrainian industry is suffering heavily under Russia’s war of aggression, access to modern manufacturing systems is essential for the country’s future.
The discussions address specific obstacles and solutions for cooperation: while EMAG’s high-tech solutions are technologically leading, financing remains a barrier for many Ukrainian companies. This is where the FEU is focusing on political dialogue.
A bilateral initiative, “Industrial Ramstein”, has been launched at the political level to make German financial assistance – such as through the KfW Development Bank – directly available for the acquisition of high-quality German industrial machinery. A corresponding framework agreement between the governments is currently being drafted.
Tangible results
The visit to Salach illustrates the momentum of Partnering in Business with Germany. The process begins with getting to know the technology, followed by addressing logistical and financial issues. Whether the goal is new manufacturing systems to strengthen defence capabilities or the acquisition of reliable used machinery – the foundation has now been laid.
