Strengthening economic cooperation with the Gulf countries: Which Ukrainian industries are attractive for Middle Eastern investors?

Ukrainian government officials recently met with representatives from leading UAE companies, including port operators, investment firms, agricultural businesses, and trading firms interested in partnering with Ukraine. UAE companies are keen to invest in processing sectors like oilseeds, along with grain transshipment and enhancing port infrastructure.

Last year, Ukraine exported agricultural products to the UAE valued at over $197M, with the most popular items including fats, oils, meat, edible by-products, and grain. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the UAE will collaborate with Ukraine to establish its first food hub in Africa.

As well, Saudi Arabia will join Ukraine in agricultural crop cultivation, feed production, livestock farming, and organic product development. A notable example of cooperation is the Saudi-owned Continental Farmers Group, which cultivates 200,000 hectares of Ukrainian land and has plans for expansion. Last year, the group generated over ₴1.6B in taxes. Additionally, another Saudi company, SALIC, acquired 12.6% of the shares in one of Ukraine’s largest agricultural holdings, MHP.