The points that foreign investors find important are the costs, strategic location, economic growth and technological capabilities.

The factors mentioned are skilled workforce and the strategic location as well as good trade relations with Russia and other European countries. One could describe Ukraine as an ideal platform for both production and exports to Russia. There is also an extensive infrastructure with railway systems and ports.

Another important point is the strong technical possibilities and the range of universities and research centers. Finally, some of the businesses that have had successful start-ups on the market are mentioned. Some of them are Kraft Foods, Hewlett Packard, Yazaki and Raiffeisen Bank.

Imports and exports have played a major role in the country´s economy. Ukraine's largest trading partners are Russia, Germany and Turkmenistan for imports. When it comes to exports, Germany, Turkey, Russia, Italy and the United States are the main exporters.

The goods imported are energy, machinery, equipment and chemicals. When it comes to export, we find fuel, ferrous and nonferrous metals, machinery and food products.

The middle class is growing and the country now has 47 million inhabitants, which means great opportunities for foreign companies. Foreign workers and investments are coveted in a variety of areas including IT and Telecom, energy and environment as well as wood and metal processing.

                                                                            Cecilia Helland