On November 22-23, 2023, representatives of the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers (UAFM) as part of the Furniture of Ukraine Business Expo team participated in an event organized within the framework of the national project “Economic Recovery of the Country.”

A delegation of entrepreneurs from across Ukraine visited several enterprises in the Chernihiv region, establishing new business connections and learning about the experiences of their colleagues. Among the showcased companies were manufacturers of children’s furniture, plywood and veneer producers, and lumber and planning industry enterprises.

The second day of the conference was dedicated to the development of the timber processing industry in the de-occupied territories. Participants discussed challenges and potential solutions.

The presentation by Yuriy Bolokhovets from the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” sparked a lively discussion. Oksana Donska, a member of the UAFM Board and CEO of the FUBE exhibition, raised questions about the company’s development strategy in the face of external economic instability in the timber market. She inquired whether prices on foreign markets were analyzed and if there were plans to reduce timber prices in Ukraine.

Yuriy Bolokhovets responded that the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” analyzes prices on foreign markets, and prices on Ukrainian exchanges are influenced by market conditions, including Dutch auctions, where forestry offers lower prices than previous auctions if lots were not purchased.

During the report “export of Ukrainian furniture” Oksana Donska shared crucial information about the export of Ukrainian furniture. In the first 10 months of 2023, exports reached $665.8 million, maintaining an average growth rate of 7% from 2017 to 2023. Participants discussed the possibility of participating in international exhibitions. They expressed a desire to join the active community of the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers for the further effective development of their businesses and overcoming obstacles.

This event is a part of the “Strengthening Public Trust in Ukraine” Project (UCBI), implemented by the NGO “Development of the Business Sector of Ukraine”, in collaboration with representatives of the Chernihiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chernihiv Regional Administration, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Photos from the “PIK” publication were used for the poster.