81303226-Better market connectivity of Ukraine to the EU

The contractor is responsible for achieving the output indicators of Workstream 3 "Better market connectivity to the EU". The Workstream focuses on facilitating market connections between Ukrainian industry associations and business networks and their counterparts along the value chain in the EU. The output indicators are:

1. Number of formalised European-Ukrainian network partnerships to facilitate EU market access and prepare for compliance with accession requirements. Target: 10 EU-Ukrainian network partnerships. This can be measured by written agreements between European and Ukrainian network partners that go beyond an initial dialogue e.g., exchange series agreed, MoU prepared, other formalized type of cooperation.

2. Number of new business partnerships and export connections established between EU and Ukraine on enterprise level. Target: 20 new business partnerships and export connections.

A partnership is defined as a lasting partnership (MoUs for more intense cooperation) or pilot cooperation. Such projects are targeted as a result to harness Ukraine"s potential as a supplier of goods and services for European markets. Business partnerships mean that the relationship has subsequently been deepened through contracts, letters of intent or acquisition discussions on specific business projects.

To reach the output indicators the contractor implements the following work packages (WP):

WP 1: Identification and assessment of Ukrainian industries with the highest growth potential for the mid-term economic recovery of Ukraine. The contractor shall conduct an analysis to identify priority industries for Ukraine in the EU. The contractor's activities include the identification of priority sectors, sub-sectors and product categories, the identification of relevant geographic and product market combinations in the EU as well as the identification of relevant areas of technical regulation under the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of industrial products (ACAA). The contractor shall deliver a summary report of the above-mentioned research and analysis including the recommendations on the priority sectors.

WP 2: Assessment of the stakeholder landscape and identification of core players. The contractor analyses and identifies relevant stakeholders and key players such as industry associations, business networks, clusters, etc. in Ukraine and in the EU and its member states through a detailed screening of the stakeholder landscape. Based on the conducted analysis, the contractor creates stakeholder maps for the prioritized sectors/ sub-sectors/ product categories containing the main Ukrainian and EU actors. The contractor is expected to reach out to the representatives of the identified key to get a deeper understanding of their potential and understand their needs and interest in participating in the further activities. The contractor recommends at least 10 key Ukrainian stakeholders, which will contribute and participate in the activities under WP 3 and 4.

WP3: Capacity building of selected industry associations/ business networks from Ukraine to promote Ukrainian goods and services in the EU market and to improve the assistance provided to SMEs. The contractor shall assess and identify the capacity building needs of the 10 interested Ukrainian industry associations and business networks to develop a plan to increase their capacities for internationalization of business activities of their members, for export to the EU and its member states. Based on the assessment carried out, the contractor shall develop and implement capacity building plans for the Ukrainian industry associations/ business networks, in close cooperation with them. Furthermore, the contractor develops a roadmap for internationalization jointly with each participating industry association/ business network and accompanies the respective association/ network during implementation of that roadmap (e.g., establishment of first contact, presentation of industries, businesses, and preparation of pitches for joint activities/ projects). Modes of delivery for the services described above can include: skills training, mentoring/ coaching, and support in service development/ improvement.

WP4: Dialogue facilitation for establishment of partner relations, networking, and matchmaking between Ukrainian and European industry associations in the priority industries resulting in new trade partnerships. The contractor facilitates the dialogue between Ukrainian industry associations and their EU counterparts. Ukrainian industry associations should be supported assuming responsibility for building and nurturing close relationships with EU partners, ensuring the uninterrupted communication with EU counterparts, etc. The targeted organizations shall be able to expand their network of partners, towards the European business ecosystem, and to learn from their counterparts. The contractor acts as a moderator, facilitator/ enabler of the exchange and network building. Final responsibility for the exchange, however, remains with the Ukrainian networks to strengthen their sense of ownership.

Upon completition of the activities under this WPs the indicators stated above shall be achieved.

WP5: Success stories and final event. The contractor identifies and documents success stories relevant to the results of the implemented activities. Furthermore, the contractor designs and implements a final event.

WP6: Project consultation. The contractor advices the GIZ team and political partner in the field of trade.