Avtostrada Group of Companies has been recognized as the winner of the procurement procedure for the construction of the metro in Vynohradar, its founder Maxim Shkil said.
“We will start work without advances, at the expense of our own working capital. For us, the decision to enter the metro construction market is strategic, the company has been preparing for this for 3 years,” Shkil wrote on Facebook.
According to the public procurement platform Prozorro, the winner of the tender was determined on July 12 with a price of UAH 13 billion 785 million, which is slightly lower than the stated expected cost of the purchase of UAH 13 billion 956 million 843 thousand 711.13. The decision can be appealed until July 18.
The terms of the procurement stipulate the completion of construction (5th and 6th launch complex) of the Syretsko-Pecherska subway line to the Vynohradar residential area by December 30, 2026.
Shkil said that before the start of work, a detailed analysis of the status of work performed by previous contractors is required. Next, it is necessary to compare the actual amount of work performed and those that should be performed in accordance with the existing design solutions. After that, it is necessary to adjust the project in terms of the scope, type of work, and cost.
“For this purpose, Avtostrada has its own design institute with a separate underground construction unit, where employees have considerable experience in metro design. Accordingly, we will start this stage of work immediately,” said the founder of the group of companies.
In parallel with the documentary work, it is planned to start the construction of the metro to Vynohradar in the coming months.
He noted that there are difficulties with organizing the construction process at the highest possible pace, i.e. nine construction sites with round-the-clock operation.
“In today’s realities, it is impossible to ensure such an approach from the very first days, as the subway construction industry has been practically lost over the past ten years. From the very first days, Avtostrada will engage its employees, and in parallel, to reach the maximum construction schedule, we will recruit and train personnel, which will actually revive the metro construction industry,” said Shkil.
According to him, a significant factor that will affect the pace of construction is timely funding from the state for the work.
“We set ourselves the task of reaching the full pace of work around the clock in all construction sites in 2025, provided that we have adequate funding. In total, we plan to employ more than 4000 people. The total investment in this project will be more than $50 million. Next month, the company plans to contract the necessary equipment for the construction of the subway for more than $30 million. In addition, to avoid construction interruptions, we are counting on loans and our own working capital of up to UAH 1 billion. – These funds will be used in case the customer has a delay in financing. This will allow us to cover short cash gaps and continue to operate,” Shkil said.
As reported, on May 13, Kyiv Metro announced a tender for the continuation of the construction of the Syretsko-Pecherska line towards the Vynohradar residential area with a total cost of UAH 13,956 million.
In December 2023, Kyiv Metro terminated the contract with Kyivmetrobud JSC in court due to unsatisfactory terms of construction works performed by the contractor. The claim also seeks to recover a portion of the prepayment, the use of which was not confirmed by the relevant acts of completion. As of May 2024, the facility has constructed a right distillation tunnel with a length of almost 1,250 meters from Mostytska station to Syrets station, and completed the construction of the main structures of the distillation ventilation unit. Also, the wall-in-soil method of enclosing structures, monolithic and reinforced concrete support of the pit with metal structures – with excavation and removal of soil – were partially installed; the main structures of the combined traction substation were built; two-tier tunnels were partially constructed, etc.
The heatwave in Ukraine will not have a major impact on the harvest of early crops, but we can no longer count on high yields of late oilseeds, including corn and soybeans, said Taras Vysotsky, acting Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, during the Unified National Telethon.
He reminded that there are two types of crops grown in Ukraine – early and late. The harvest of early crops is already underway. We are talking about wheat and barley, as well as oats, peas, rye, and rapeseed.
“These crops are also subject to the heat effect, but it is not critical. They are even favorable for harvesting,” the acting minister said.
According to him, the average yield of early grain crops is 37 centners per hectare. However, it will grow as the harvest continues in the southern and central regions. In particular, Odesa, Mykolaiv, Kirovohrad, and Dnipro regions have already harvested more than 1 million tons each. Next, the western and northern regions will start harvesting, where yields will be higher.
As of today, the average yield of early crops is expected to be around 45-48 cwt/ha, Vysotsky emphasized.
“If we look at the later crops, which are primarily corn, sunflower and soybeans, there may be a negative effect of the heat, as it is the peak of flowering, pollination and growth of these crops. It all depends on the weather in the coming weeks. But as of today (it can be stated – IF-U), the current heat will not allow us to collect record figures for corn and sunflower,” said the acting Minister.
Vysotsky said that the production of early grains is expected to reach 27 million tons. The domestic consumption of this group of crops is about 6-8-9 million tons, which is three times higher than the domestic demand. Therefore, there will be no grain shortage in the country, and no sharp price fluctuations are expected.
At the same time, he said, the situation may change in the fall. In August, after the early grain harvest is completed, the situation with other crops will become clear.
“As of today, the price change is expected to be more at the level of inflation or devaluation, because these (crops – IF-U) are export-oriented goods. They are also tied to the hryvnia exchange rate. No sharp price changes are expected based on this levy (of early grain crops – IF-U),” the acting minister stated. He added: “The final forecast for the crop harvest will be made in the second half of August.”
On June 28, the Bunker Club hosted a charity wine evening organized by Experts Club. The guests of the event were given the opportunity to taste 12 varieties of Ukrainian wine, each of which has its own unique characteristics and history. In particular, the following Ukrainian wines were presented:
Sparkling white wine My wine by Eduard Gorodetsky, which is distinguished by its fresh and light taste, perfect for a summer evening.
Sauvignon blanc 2023 by Demidi wine with bright fruity notes and delicate acidity that gives the wine a special freshness.
Telti-Kuruk 2023 from Big Wines, which has a rich flavor with hints of ripe fruit, making it an ideal choice for red wine connoisseurs.
Dnipro Hills Riesling 2023 from Stoic Ukrainian winery has a pleasant aroma with notes of flowers and honey, complemented by a light fruity aftertaste.
The 2020 Furmint from Chateau Chizay has a rich flavor and a complex bouquet that combines fruity and smoky notes.
Beycush red 2023 from Beycush winery, which has a deep color and rich flavor with hints of ripe berries and spices.
Odesa black 2023 from Big Wines is noted for its rich taste and aroma of dark fruits, which gives it a special charm.
El Capitan Pinot noir 2021 from 46 ParaleI has an elegant taste with notes of cherry, raspberry and light spicy hints.
Freedom Blend from the legendary Purcari winery (Moldova) combines the best traditions of Moldovan winemaking, offering a rich taste with hints of black berries and spices.
Ice wine Riesling from Chateau Chizay is characterized by its sweet taste and rich aroma of ripe fruit and honey.
Shabo Reserve Sherry Dry White by Shabo has an expressive flavor with light notes of nuts and spices, making it an excellent choice for special moments.
Shabo Luxe de Charente by Shabo is distinguished by its mild and refined taste with notes of vanilla and caramel that give it a special charm.
The charity event was not only an opportunity to enjoy fine wines, but also to support important initiatives. All the funds raised will go to charity, which adds even more value to the event.
Over the past weekend in the water bodies of Ukraine killed 66 people, including 10 children, reported the State Service of Ukraine for Emergency Situations (SSES).
“66 people, among them 10 children, died on the water bodies of Ukraine over the past weekend. Fortunately, 11 people, including 4 children, managed to save. In general, since the beginning of 2024 on water bodies of Ukraine killed 672 people, including 76 children,” – reported in the Telegram channel on Monday.
It is noted that the most victims were found in Kyiv, Cherkasy and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
The State Emergency Service urges citizens to be careful while vacationing near water: to assess their physical capabilities, to choose only places adapted for swimming, not to swim too far, especially in unfamiliar bodies of water and to keep an eye on children.
At the end of June, Kyiv hosted a landmark event for all cigar and gourmet drink lovers – the 56th Cigar Gourmet Club Meeting. The event was organized by the Fortuna Cigar House in cooperation with the Experts Club. The meeting was held as part of a tradition launched in January 2015 in Odesa, and since then has been successfully held in major cities of Ukraine, including Lviv, Kharkiv and Dnipro.
This seminar was special due to the presentation of cigars from La Aurora Cigars, a company with a long history and producing products at the oldest operating factory in the Dominican Republic. La Aurora Cigars was founded in 1903 by Eduardo Leon Jimenez, who named his factory La Aurora in honor of the morning dawn. Today, the company is run by his grandson, Guillermo Leon Herbert, and is an important player in the market not only for cigars, but also for beer and cigarettes.
Two cigar lines were presented at the meeting:
Principes Claro Robusto is a sophisticated daily cigar with light Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade tobacco that combines sweet and woody notes.
La Aurora 107 Zeppelin is a cigar created in honor of the company’s 107th anniversary, with Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos aged for six years. It evolves from medium to full-bodied, revealing complex flavors of nutmeg, cinnamon and caramel.
The drinks for the event were selected by the sommelier of VINO & VINO stores Konstantin Yasko, who presented them to the visitors:
Oloroso Sherry, “Rio Viejo”, La Ina – an expressive sherry with deep notes of burnt oak, bitter chocolate and walnut.
REDBREAST whiskey, 12 years old, 40% – single malt Irish whiskey with a rich black currant flavor, sherry intonations and woody nuances.
SCAPA “GLANSA” whiskey 40% – aged in smoky whiskey barrels, with a fruity and spicy aroma of peach, pineapple and vanilla.
Warre’s Otima 20 Y.O. Port is a port wine with a refined flavor of dates, orange peel and oriental spices.
Each Cigar Gourmet Meeting is not only an opportunity to enjoy the best cigars and drinks, but also to learn more about their history and production. A special event was the presentation of Oksana Todorova’s new book “ENERGY OF STORETELLING. Stories, Archetypes, Trends in Business Communications” to those who listened attentively to the speakers’ presentations.
Thus, the joint event of the Fortuna Cigar House and Experts Club was a unique event that brought together people with a delicate taste and love for true values.
Tukimachi Sanoat Textile Group (TST Group, Uzbekistan) will establish five enterprises in Azerbaijan within the formation of a cotton cluster, the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan has reported.
Elchin Rzayev, head of the executive authority of Imishli district, and Rahib Isayev, head of Tukimachi Sanoat Textile Group, a subsidiary of Tukimachi Sanoat Textile in Azerbaijan, signed documents on Friday to implement the joint project. “The document envisages transfer of 5.826 thousand hectares of agricultural land on the territory of the agro-park located in Imishli district and managed by the Agency for Development of Economic Zones (structure of the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan) for long-term use to the Uzbek company,” the ministry said.
TST GROUP will initially invest AZN 28.7 million ($16.9 million at the current exchange rate) in the creation of cotton fields on the territory of the agro-park, in 2025-2029 will build a cotton processing plant, spinning, weaving and garment factories, as well as a cotton oil plant. “Cotton processing and oil production plants will be established on the territory of the agro park, while spinning, weaving and garment factories will be set up on the territory of the Mingachevir Industrial Park,” the ministry said.
“In general, investments in the project are estimated at AZN 92.5 million ($54.4 million at the current exchange rate), and its implementation will create 1,130 jobs. It is also planned to attract funds from the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Fund for the realization of the project. This project will allow to create a cotton cluster in Azerbaijan,” the Ministry said.
As reported, in May 2024, one of the founders of TST Group held talks with representatives of the Agency for Development of Economic Zones of Azerbaijan, their main topic was the realization of previously reached agreements on granting TST Group a land plot near the town of Imishli. Then it was reported that the volume of investment in the textile cluster project is estimated at $52 million. The meeting also discussed plans for joint processing of Azerbaijani cotton with export of products to third countries.
TST Group is a family group of companies engaged in production and wholesale of fabrics in Uzbekistan. The group is one of the five major producers of fabrics in the country.
