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Ukraine has exported almost 35 million tons of grain since beginning of 2023/24 marketing year

Ukraine has exported 34.862 million tons of grain and leguminous crops since the beginning of the 2023/24 marketing year and as of April 1, of which 5.192 million tons were shipped in March, Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation and Digitalization Denis Bashlyk said in Telegram.

According to the report, in terms of crops, 18.765 million tons of corn, 13.842 million tons of wheat, 1.962 million tons of barley, and 1,000 tons of rye have been exported since the beginning of the current season.

The total export of Ukrainian flour since the beginning of the season as of April 1 is estimated at 79.3 thousand tons, including wheat flour – 75.1 thousand tons.

EXPORTS, GRAIN, UKRAINE

Gold price continues to break records

Gold, which ended trading last Thursday at an all-time high, continues to rise in price on Monday on expectations that the Federal Reserve will soon begin cutting interest rates, MarketWatch writes.

On Friday, stock exchanges in the U.S. and many European countries were closed due to Easter.

Quotes of June contracts for the precious metal were $2238.4 per ounce at the close of trading on New York’s Comex exchange on Thursday. On Monday, it rose 1.7% to $2276.9.

Gold added 8.9% in March and was up 8% for the entire first quarter.

The “unprecedented rally” was triggered by softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data, which reinforced expectations that the Fed could start lowering rates as early as June, IG Senior Market Analyst Sergio Avila said.

The U.S. consumer price index (PCE index) in February rose by 0.3% in February compared to the previous month, the Commerce Department said on Friday. The rise was weaker than analysts’ expectations, who had forecast inflation to remain at January’s 0.4% rate.

Growth in the PCE Core index, which excludes the cost of food and energy, slowed to 0.3% month-on-month last month from 0.5% in January. The dynamics matched the consensus forecast.

Markets estimate the probability of a Fed prime rate cut in June at about 70%, Avila said. And it is expected to be cut by 75 basis points in total over 2024 from its current range of 5.25-5.5% per annum.

“Lower interest rates create a favorable environment for gold, increasing its attractiveness as an investment asset,” the expert added.

“Gold investors are currently acting with the belief that the Fed will choose to cut interest rates regardless of whether inflation reaches its target level or not,” said Stephen Innes, managing partner of SPI Asset Management. Demand is also being driven by the fact that central banks in developing countries are increasing their holdings of the precious metal, he said.

Gold price, MarketWatch.

European Design Upgrade 3.0. An international project to rethink modular housing

The war in Ukraine has caused more than 4 million people to lose their homes due to destruction from missile attacks and forced displacement from the frontline and occupied territories. Amid these challenges, there is an urgent need for affordable, adaptive and flexible housing.

This is the problem addressed by European Design Upgrade 3.0, an international project aimed at finding and implementing effective solutions and technologies in the development of modular housing for people who have lost their homes. The goal of the project is to rethink modular construction for crisis areas and situations, such as wars, natural disasters, and other adversities.

“The key idea of EDU 3.0 is to bring together architects, engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to create new and effective solutions in the construction of modular buildings. This is an important task and a serious challenge, as modular houses are the key to solving the problem of temporary affordable housing in Ukraine for all those affected by the war,” comments Yuriy Pyvovarov, President of K.Fund, the project’s implementing organization.

The EDU 3.0 program was developed jointly with leading experts from Estonia, Ukraine, and Finland and is based on the principles of human-centered design thinking. In particular, at the opening of the project, experts shared that in modular housing, this approach should take into account comfort, functionality, energy efficiency, and sustainability to meet the needs and experiences of people who have lost their homes. “Our main task is to change the attitude of people in Ukraine to this type of housing, to convey that modular construction is about quality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency, among other things,” adds Olha Batova, EDU 3.0 project mentor.

The project also focuses on solving urgent problems faced by Ukrainian and global modular settlements. Kateryna Tkachuk, an EDU 2.0 finalist and speaker of this year’s project, spoke about the most important ones:

1. Lack of personal and common space, as well as rooms specially equipped for cooking and hygiene.
2. Ignoring factors important for a safe and comfortable life, such as non-compliance with fire safety rules or constant dampness and mold.
3. Lack of flexibility and adaptability, which is also an important factor for adjustments for people with disabilities.

The project involves specialists in the field of design, construction and architecture, students and graduates of specialized higher education institutions, as well as entrepreneurs and members of the public. Currently, participants are at the stage of selection for the hackathon to develop new ideas, where they will be able to plan and design their solutions for modular housing in a group work format. Throughout the hackathon, as well as during the development of their own projects, participants will receive ongoing mentoring support, and later, the evaluation and selection of the best projects for awarding at the awards ceremony. The authors of the best concepts will receive additional support and funding to implement their project.

Participation is free of charge. EDU 3.0 is implemented by K.Fund, Brand Manual, UrbanMill, and Ultrahack. The project is funded by the European Union under the Creative Europe program. The project’s media partner is the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

You can register for the hackathon, which will take place from April 11 to 13, and learn more about the project here: https://edupgrade.design/.

European Design Upgrade 3.0., modular housing

On April 11, 2024, Recovery Construction Forum Ukraine will be held at CEC “Parkovy”!

🌐Recovery Construction Forum Ukraine is a forum that brings together government officials and the construction community to discuss current industry challenges and effectively coordinate efforts to rebuild Ukraine.

The first block of the discussion will be devoted to the state policy of reconstruction of Ukraine:

🔹Dialogue with the authorities on reconstruction priorities and involvement of other countries

🔹Discussion panel “State support programs and transparency of Ukraine’s reconstruction”

During the second block, we will discuss community support – from service to opportunities:

🔹Dialogue with the authorities on cooperation between the authorities and communities

🔹Discussion panel “Rebuilding communities: opportunities and planning”

Within the third block, we will focus on the issues of launching the reconstruction processes – regulation and innovation:

🔹Discussion panel “Technical regulation and standards of reconstruction”

The forum will also include panel discussions on the following topics:

🔹”Modern development in the context of reconstruction: analytics and realities”

🔹”Reconstruction through the eyes of architects: proposals and cases for implementation”

Thus, the speakers will present an overview of the current residential and commercial real estate market, obstacles that hinder development, features of construction in regions that have been significantly affected, the dynamics of the eHouse program, proposals and case studies of projects that are already possible for implementation.

We invite you to get acquainted with the speakers in the video 👇 or on the website: https://recoveryforum.in.ua/programme

Join the discussion of topical issues that will make the reconstruction faster, better and more efficient!

❗Your participation is a contribution to the reconstruction of the affected communities, for which a part of the funds raised will be transferred.

Earlier, the KCU and its partners have already transferred more than UAH 1 million to the UNITED24 Fund for the “Reconstruction of Ukraine” program. Certificates for medical equipment worth more than UAH 1.5 million were also transferred to the communities.

❗For certain categories of visitors, participation in the forum is free of charge upon prior registration: https://recoveryforum.in.ua/#tickets

🏗️Ставайте part of the future reconstruction today!

To join the forum: https://recoveryforum.in.ua/#tickets

To book a stand: https://recoveryforum.in.ua/exhibitors#stand

Become a partner: https://recoveryforum.in.ua/exhibitors#partnership

Forum organizers: Confederation of Builders of Ukraine KBU and International Exhibition Operator Premier Expo Ukraine

General partner: Creator-Bud

Strategic partner: Caparol Ukraine, Würth – Ukraine, Kvertus

Financial partner: Globus Bank

Logistics partner: EURO Forwarding

Industry partners: Association of Ukrainian Cities, All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities, Association of Small Cities of Ukraine, American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, ICC Ukraine, Ukrcement Association, Association of Consulting Engineers of Ukraine (AECU)

General media partner: Interfax-Ukraine

Media partners: Build Portal, ProfBuild, MIND, Property Times, LUN, RED Community, IRS, Polsko-Ukrainska Izba Gospodarcza (PUIG), TIME OF THE FIRST, zagorodna.com, TRUE, Address Group, KyivVlada, Capital Real Estate, Ukraine Communal, NGO “Living Planet”

WE WILL WIN AND REBUILD EVERYTHING!!!! 💪

TOGETHER TO VICTORY! 🇺🇦

GLORY TO UKRAINE!!!! 💙💛

RECOVERY CONSTRUCTION FORUM

Future of Urban Development at International Mayors Summit 2024

The Western NIS Enterprise Fund proudly announces an unparalleled opportunity for city leaders, innovators, and policymakers at the International Mayors Summit 2024, set to be organized in Dănceni, Moldova, on April 11.

Themed “Building Resilient Communities Through Innovation and Cooperation,” this year’s Summit is dedicated to lead the way to the future of urban development and resilience. With an engaging lineup of activities, the Summit is more than an event, it’s a launchpad for actionable solutions and enduring partnerships. Participants will dive into:

Pitches of Mayors: Experience firsthand the innovative strategies mayors across the globe are employing to address local challenges through creativity and collaboration with diverse approaches to urban problem-solving.

Panel Discussion on Innovations and Digital Transformation in Local Government: Discover how digitalization is redefining the governance landscape, improving citizen services, and enhancing administrative efficiency.

EU Membership – Regional Efforts Panel: Learn from cities within the EU about the transformative impact of EU programs and funds on urban modernization and development, featuring insights from an EU representative on existing and upcoming initiatives.

Rebuild Ukraine Panel: Engage in a critical discussion on the ongoing efforts and future plans for rebuilding Ukrainian cities, focusing on resilience, infrastructure, and community restoration.

Session on the Power of Partnership Award: Celebrate successful city partnerships through presentations by mayor pairs, highlighting their collaborative projects and the potential for new alliances.

Innovative Solutions Exhibition: Explore technologies designed to enhance city living. From online voting systems to virtual reality in urban planning, discover tools that promise a more sustainable, convenient, and vibrant environment.

The Summit, supported by valuable partners and endorsed by President Maia Sandu, is poised to be a milestone event. It promises to deliver a rich agenda that fosters knowledge exchange, showcases best practices, and stimulates networking among urban leaders worldwide.

This is a unique chance for mayors, government officials, experts from across the EU, businesses working with local authorities and beyond to come together and envision the future of urban development, resilience, and innovation. The participation of representatives from diverse countries, including Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Romania, Sweden, Italy and France, ensures a global platform for exchanging innovative solutions and success stories in urban development.

Join us in Moldova for the International Mayors Summit 2024 to contribute to and benefit from a forward-thinking dialogue on making our cities resilient, innovative, and inclusive for all. The Summit is held with the valuable support of partners, including Primaria Mea, Comunitatea Plus, CIPE, and Cities 4 Cities.

For more information please visit our official website – https://internationalmayorssummit.com

About WNISEF

Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF), funded by USAID, is a pioneering $285 million fund in Ukraine and Moldova, investing over $188 million in 136 companies and unlocking $2.4 billion over 29 years.

Mayors Summit

Uzbekistan intends to intensify exports of fruit and vegetable products

In order to further promote fruit and vegetable products in Uzbekistan, a commission for the export of fruits, vegetables and food products will be established, headed by the Prime Minister.

For this purpose, Uzbek trading houses in Germany, Hungary, Poland, Spain, the United States, and Kazakhstan will be transferred to the management of entrepreneurs.

It has been announced that new trading houses will be opened in major port cities such as Nagoya (Japan), Mersin (Turkey), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Qingdao (China), Klaipeda (Lithuania) and Doha (Qatar).

Thanks to an investment of $8 million, modern laboratories with international accreditation will be launched this year in Zangiat, Fergana, and Samarkand.

A reference laboratory will also be set up in Tashkent to ensure that private laboratories meet international standards. For these purposes, $12 million will be allocated from the World Bank. In the future, internationally recognized reagents will be exempt from customs duties and will not require a mandatory environmental certificate.

For export companies with a shortage of working capital, the Business Development Bank will provide UAH 1.5 trillion in soft loans of up to 50% of the contract amount with the farmer and the procurement warehouse. Loans will be issued at 18% per annum with a grace period of six months for a period of up to 1.5 years.

Suppliers of various fruits and vegetables will be exempt from all taxes regardless of turnover, and will now be able to work as self-employed individuals.

Thanks to the measures taken, fruit products worth USD 1 billion are expected to be exported this year. As part of regional programs, 528 projects worth $833 million will be launched.

For more details, please follow the link

EXPORTS, FRUIT, UZBEKISTAN, vegetable products

Business news from Ukraine