A delegation of 60 Ukrainian businesses and civic leaders gathered in Edinburgh’s City Chambers for a special event to forge links between businesses and cities. It comes after many Ukrainian towns and cities suffered the largest wave of drone and missile attacks since the outbreak of the full-scale war with Russia.

Ukrainian consul Andrii Madzianovskyi signed a memorandum of understanding with Scotland’s Culture Secretary Angus Robertson, with the delegation at the “Rebirth of Ukraine” event welcoming the partnership.

Business links between the two countries include Coatbridge-based Cairnhill Structures Ltd supplying steel for use in bridges in Kyiv to replace structures destroyed earlier in the war. Trade between Scotland and Ukraine was worth £38.4 million in 2024.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce organised the business matching session which saw 20 Ukrainian businesses from the food & drink, construction and energy sectors forge links and meet Scottish businesses including Logan Energy, Kenoteq, Edinburgh International Festival and Forth Valley College. Mayan Grace, Director of Projects said “the event was a humbling and inspiring morning meeting the Mayors and businesses from Ukraine. We were delighted to help create connections between Ukraine and Scottish businesses especially as Kiev is twinned with Edinburgh”.

One of the delegates highlighted “I would like to sincerely thank you for organising and hosting the recent meeting between representatives of Scottish and Ukrainian businesses. The event was extremely informative and inspiring” Vitalina Kai, The Edburg-Market.

The success of the mission was due to the ‘Brand Scotland’ approach where all the key partners including the Scottish Government, Scottish Development International, Global Scots and Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce worked together to create a detailed programme and organised a productive business networking event.

If you would like further information on our future international trade activities, please email international@edinburghchamber.co.uk or call 0131 221 2999.

Image:  The Ukrainian delegation with the panel of speakers and Scottish organisers at the event on 28^th May.