On 25-28th of September, the Minister of Economic Affairs and Infrastructure Riina Sikkut and Estonian business delegation visited Ukraine. The main and clear aim was to find opportunities for cooperation and assistance in the reconstruction of Ukraine. Among the delegation was also a representative of Woodhouse Estonia and wooden house manufacturers Matek AS and Seve Ehituse AS.
On September 26, a Ukrainian-Estonian business forum and a meeting with the Ukrainian partners and various companies took place in Kyiv. Despite the war situation, the day ended with a beautiful reception at the Estonian Embassy in Kyiv.
On the last day, the first forum focusing on the reconstruction of Žotomõr region, was held. Sven Mats, a member of the Estonian Woodhouse Association and the head of Matek, also participated in the panel discussion. Sven Mats emphasized that Ukraine needs rapid reconstruction and our help is extremely necessary. On the other hand, he stressed that building modular buildings cannot restore the entire pre-war situation. “In the construction of the buildings, energy-efficient and innovative solutions must be used, and at the same time, ukrainians must learn how to develop ‘their own product’ and the economy in such a way to sustainably meet Ukraine’s needs.”
In addition to the intensive business delegation program, the representatives of Woodhouse Estonia managed to get a closer look at Bucha and Borodyanka region. More than 70% of the buildings in the city of Borodyanka have been destroyed by the war. It is hard to believe the fact that people continue to live in these same bombed houses that are barely standing.
The competence of Woodhouse Estonia and our members is construction of houses, but in addition to buildings, a whole society and a transparent state system must be created. The Association and house manufacturers together with the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications for Estonia can support the creation of new concepts in the construction sector!
