Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry President and CEO Dan Mehan and state chamber executives from around the U.S. were briefed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the current situation in Ukraine, the impact of the Russian invasion on its people and economy, and potential opportunities for U.S. businesses to aid in the country’s war effort and reconstruction.
“Everyone can become a big business by working with Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said. “In all sectors – from weapons and defense to construction, from communications to agriculture, from transport to IT, from banks to medicine.”
Mehan listened to Zelenskyy as he addressed the National Association of State Chambers (NASC) during a meeting in Boca Raton, Florida, on January 23, 2023.
During his remarks, Zelenskyy remained confident that Ukraine would win its war with Russia and thanked Americans for their support. Additionally, he said U.S. companies would be needed to help rebuild Ukraine’s cities, economy and infrastructure post-war.
“It is already clear that this will be the largest economic project of our time in Europe,” Zelenskyy said. “It is obvious that American business can become the locomotive that will once again push forward global economic growth.”
Mehan said it was an honor to hear from the Ukrainian leader.
“For the past year, Missouri businesses have been inspired by Ukraine’s resilience, and I know many of our members would be proud to aid in Ukraine’s reconstruction after the war ends,” Mehan said. “As an emerging tech and innovation hub, Missouri is uniquely poised to be a part of this massive rebuilding effort.”
Mehan also heard from the Ukrainian Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak at the NASC meeting.
Yermak reiterated Zelenskyy’s call for U.S. investment, saying post-war reconstruction will be both a challenge and an opportunity for American entrepreneurs.
“I am sure that American business definitely has something to demonstrate to be useful to Ukraine and benefit at the same time,” Yermak said.
Listen to Zelenskyy’s full address: