The closing events highlighted the successes and the potential of this project, which not only fosters mutual understanding, but also results in sustainable economic cooperation between German companies and Ukrainian refugee managers. The events focused on the positive experience and the long-term impact of the Special Initiative. Representatives of the Embassy of Ukraine (Berlin), the Consulate General of Ukraine (Düsseldorf), the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, numerous job centres and cooperation partners, including the Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the German Eastern Business Association and the “companies integrating refugees” network attended the events.
For the Ukrainian managers, participating in the Special Initiative was a major step in their personal development and career. German companies benefited from the targeted selection of Ukrainian participants, who were able to access new business opportunities in light of their expertise and networks.
Stefan Wittek, Managing Director of the Magdeburg construction company B.T. Innovation, describes his experience with Oleksandr Kozytskyi, one of the Ukrainian “bridging managers”, as follows: “Oleksandr’s participation and his networks in Ukraine opened up the possibility for us to find new suppliers for textile reinforcement systems.” The cooperation with the Ukrainian engineer helped B.T. Innovation to find a new business partner in Ukraine. B.T. Innovation will in future work together with the Ukrainian company Well-being Contech in modernising wastewater treatment plants. Mr Kozytskyi confirmed that the concept of “bridging managers” works.
