The Agro-Region agricultural holding has created a mobile application for working with land lease agreements, according to a Facebook post by the holding’s press service.
The land department of Agro-Region noted that daily work with a large number of contracts required a solution that would reduce the time spent searching for and processing them.
“We had to ensure quick access to contracts in the field and synchronization with the ERP system. This became a key task during development. The application was created by the company’s internal specialists. During the work, we used artificial intelligence tools, in particular JetBrains AI Assistant. AI accelerated some of the processes, but the architectural solutions and logic were formed in accordance with business requirements. This allowed us to obtain a simple and reliable tool,” explained Vadym Yanchuk, CIO of the Agro-Region group of companies, whose words are quoted in the report.
The application allows you to work offline, conduct contract inventory, transfer and accept contracts between employees, automatically generate transfer acts in ERP, scan QR codes on contracts for instant access, search for contracts by name, cadastral number, or other parameters, according to the release.
“The application has become part of the digital transformation of the land department. Its implementation has reduced operational time costs, increased the accuracy of contract processing, and optimized interaction between departments,” the agricultural holding noted.
Agro-Region agricultural holding owns a land bank of 39,000 hectares in the Kyiv, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, and Khmelnytskyi regions. It specializes in crop production. It consists of 11 companies, which are united into four crop clusters. It has two elevators: Boryspil with a capacity of 73,000 tons and Myropil with a capacity of 52,000 tons.
Agro-Region’s annual harvest of grain and oilseeds is 200,000 tons.
In April 2021, the Swedish company Lobiu Sala AB, owned by former Ukrainian Economy Minister Aivaras Abromavičius, received permission from the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine to purchase the Swedish company Agro Region Stockholm Holding, which manages the Agro-Region group of companies in Ukraine.
A talent visa is a special residence and work permit designed to attract foreign professionals with exceptional skills or achievements. It is used by countries to strengthen their scientific, cultural, technological, sporting, or business sectors. In the context of growing competition for talent and capital, such programs are becoming part of economic and innovation promotion strategies, helping countries become “talent magnets.”
Professionals in science, technology, business, education, or sports, entrepreneurs and start-ups, investors with a plan to create jobs, as well as creative professionals — artists, musicians, actors, designers, and fashion designers — can apply for a talent visa. Often, graduates of prestigious universities, students with outstanding academic achievements, and public figures fall into the “talent” category. Higher education is not always required: it is more important to have evidence of achievements — publications, participation in conferences, mentions in the media, and letters of recommendation.
In different countries, the visa program for talents has its own name and different requirements. In the US, it is called O-1A or O-1B and is intended for people recognized in the arts, sciences, sports, business, or cinema. The visa is issued for three years with the possibility of extension, and approval is given by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.
France has a Passeport Talent program that covers investors, professionals, artists, scientists, and athletes. Recently, the income requirements have been reduced to €39,500 per year. Those who have obtained a visa can live and work in France with their families for up to four years, with the possibility of extension.
The UK offers a Global Talent Visa, which allows you to live for up to five years, bring family members, and does not require a high level of English. Confirmation of merit by a relevant British organization is required. Germany has a pan-European program called the Blue Card, which is designed for highly skilled professionals from countries outside the European Union with a university degree or at least three years of work experience and an invitation from a German employer.
Canada uses the Global Talent Stream program, which is aimed at specialists in critical technology sectors. Candidates must have a job offer from a Canadian company and confirm their qualifications. In Australia, a similar program is called the National Innovation Visa. It is aimed at attracting foreigners with outstanding abilities, but the visa application process is long and expensive.
In New Zealand, the talent visa is intended for representatives of the arts, culture, and sports. It is valid for up to 30 months, after which you can apply for a residence permit. In Thailand, the talent visa is part of the Smart Visa program, designed for professionals in science and technology. A minimum one-year contract with an income of at least 100,000 baht per month is required.
The United Arab Emirates has a Golden Visa program that provides professionals, artists, medical professionals, and investors with a five- or ten-year residence permit. Hong Kong has a Top Talent Pass Scheme program designed for wealthy professionals or graduates of prestigious universities. In China, high-level specialists can obtain an R visa for up to ten years. Malaysia has a Residence Pass Talent program for skilled workers with at least five years of experience.
In September 2025, South Korea launched a new K-Star program for leading global experts in science and technology. It provides a fast track to permanent residence and will be fully operational in 2026.
Serbia also has a simplified talent visa option. To obtain it, you only need to confirm your diploma, pay a fee of about €95, and wait up to 90 days. The visa is issued for one year with the possibility of extension and subsequent transition to permanent residence. Language skills are not required.
Experts note that such programs have become a strategic tool for attracting knowledge and capital. Each of them is part of the formula “talent – innovation – economic growth.” Despite similar goals, the requirements vary significantly: in some cases, the process is strict and multi-stage, while in others, it is a fairly simple procedure for confirming competencies. The successful implementation of such programs strengthens the country’s reputation as a center of attraction for talent and investment.
However, it is important to remember the risks. Without transparent selection and integration mechanisms, such visas can become a burden on social and migration systems rather than a driver of development. For Ukraine, such initiatives open up opportunities for professional growth and entry into global markets, and for host countries, they are a way to strengthen their innovative potential.
Overall, Experts Club experts believe that the future of the global economy largely depends on how effectively countries can compete for human capital. Talent visa programs are becoming one of the main tools in this new “battle for minds.”
Pharmacy sales in Ukraine in January-September 2025 grew by 13.14% in monetary terms compared to the same period in 2024, reaching almost UAH 159.728 billion, while in real terms they decreased by 2% to 845.012 million packages, according to data from a study conducted by Business Credit and reported to Interfax-Ukraine.
According to the data, the weighted average price of goods in the pharmacy basket for January-September was UAH 189.02 per package, which is 15.51% more than in the same period last year.
At the same time, pharmacy sales of medicines in January-September 2025 increased in monetary terms by 11.76% to almost UAH 123.677 billion, while in real terms they decreased by 0.88% to almost UAH 597.193 million.
The weighted average retail price of medicines for the nine months was UAH 207.1 per package, which is almost 12.75% more than a year ago.
Pharmacy sales of dietary supplements in January-September increased by 27.9% in monetary terms compared to the same period in 2024, to almost UAH 18.385 billion, and in real terms increased by 1.06% to 72.858 million packages. The weighted average price in this segment increased by 26.56% to UAH 252.34 per unit.
As reported, pharmacy sales in Ukraine in the first half of 2025 increased by 11% in monetary terms compared to the same period in 2024, to UAH 105.214 billion, while in real terms they decreased by 2.78% to 567.02 million packages. The weighted average price of goods in the pharmacy basket at the end of the first half of the year was UAH 185.56 per package, which is 14.17% more than in the same period last year.
At the same time, pharmacy sales of medicines in January-June 2025 increased in monetary terms by 10.33% to almost UAH 81.929 billion, while in real terms they decreased by 2.32% to almost UAH 399.292 million. The weighted average retail price of medicines at the end of the first half of the year was UAH 205.19 per package, which is almost 13% more than a year ago.
Pharmacy sales of dietary supplements in January-June increased by 17.67% in monetary terms compared to the same period in 2024, to almost UAH 11.679 billion, and decreased by 1.5% in real terms, to 49.479 million packages. The weighted average price in this segment increased by 19.5% to UAH 236.03 per unit.
Ukraine Investment Fund, established under the management of Norwegian state investment fund Norfund, is investing approximately NOK 100 million (EUR8.5 million) in the expansion of the M10 industrial park in Lviv, according to a press release from Dragon Capital.
“An important part of Ukraine’s sustainability is supporting the economy. The Investment Fund’s first investment in Ukraine is a good example of how the fund will contribute to this by investing in sustainable businesses and infrastructure projects,” said Norwegian Minister of International Development Osmund Okrust, whose words are quoted in the press release.
According to Norfund CEO Tellef Torleifsson, the investment in M10 will create several thousand jobs.
The Ukraine Investment Fund was established in December 2024 and is managed by the Norwegian investment fund Norfund. The fund intends to support sustainable business and create jobs in Ukraine with a focus on risky projects involving private capital.
As reported, the first building of M10 Lviv Industrial Park in Lviv, which is being implemented by Dragon Capital in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), has received the international EDGE certificate.
The M10 industrial park is being built in the industrial zone of the Riasne-2 microdistrict in Lviv, 60 km from the border with Poland. The total area of the site is 23.5 hectares, which allows for the construction of six phases of production, warehouse, and office buildings in accordance with international standards of sustainable development.
The EBRD is a 35% shareholder in the project, and its total investment could reach $24.5 million.
In September 2023, the World Bank’s Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) provided M10 Lviv Industrial Park with 10-year insurance against military risks.
The first phase of the industrial park, a 14,400 sq m Class A warehouse complex, was completed and commissioned in February 2024. The facility was fully leased by Aurora, one of the leading national retail chains.
Dragon Capital is one of the largest groups of companies in Ukraine, which has been operating in the field of investment and financial services since 2000 and provides a full range of investment banking and brokerage services, direct investments, and asset management.
Dragon Capital Property Management is the management team that manages the company’s commercial real estate portfolio. It manages 25 properties (business centers, shopping and entertainment centers, and logistics complexes) with a total area of 560,000 square meters, making the company one of the largest players in the real estate market in Ukraine.
INDUSTRIAL PARK, Norwegian fund, Ukraine Investment Fund, М10
In October this year, Ukrainians purchased 3,114 thousand passenger cars imported from China, which is 2.6 times more than in the same month last year, according to UkrAvtoprom on its Telegram channel.
It is noted that most of the passenger cars purchased from China were new — 2,512 units, which is 2.6 times more than last year. Demand for used cars also increased more than 2.6 times — 602 units were imported.
The vast majority of passenger cars from China were electric vehicles – 92%.
The most popular models of new passenger cars of Chinese origin were Volkswagen ID.UNYX – 441 units; BYD Song Plus – 391 units; BYD Leopard 3 – 261 units; Zeekr 7X – 169 units; BYD Sea Lion 07 – 150 units.
The most frequently purchased used cars were Zeekr 001 – 57 units; BYD Sea Lion 07 – 45 units; Volkswagen ID.UNYX – 36 units; Zeekr 7X – 33 units; and Audi Q4 – 30 units.
As reported, in January-October of this year, China was among the top three countries from which Ukraine imported passenger cars after Germany and the United States, with a share of 13.8% of total imports or $663 million, while in the same period of 2024, it was not among the top three.
In 2024, Ukrainians purchased about 14,400 cars imported from China, which is 18% more than in 2023. Demand for new cars grew by 37% to 11,000 units, while demand for used cars fell by 20% to 3,300 units.
In addition, according to UkrAvtoprom, in October 2025, Ukrainians purchased more than 5,800 used cars imported from the United States, which is 2.2 times more than in the same period of 2024.
The largest share of this number (49%) was electric cars, while gasoline cars accounted for 36%, hybrids – 8%, diesel cars – 4%, and cars with LPG systems – 3%.
The average age of the used American cars that joined the Ukrainian car fleet in October was 5.2 years.
The five most popular used cars manufactured in the US were Tesla Model Y – 900 units; Tesla Model 3 – 841 units; Ford Escape – 408 units; Nissan Rogue – 273 units; Tesla Model S – 270 units.
Installation of individual and autonomous heating systems in residential projects can increase the cost of construction, but the demand for such an option on the part of buyers is gradually growing, said Ukrainian developers interviewed by Interfax-Ukraine.
“The issue of heating is one of the key for buyers – they study this aspect very carefully at the stage of initial consultations. Potential residents are interested not only in the technical characteristics of the system, but also in stability, autonomy and cost of operation,” the press service of Alliance Novobud reported.
As the developer noted, the format of heating is selected individually for each project, taking into account the location, technical capabilities, scale of the complex and the needs of future residents. Thus, Alliance Novobud projects provide for both their own boiler houses and centralized heating.
The feasibility of this or that format of heating is determined at the design stage. However, if necessary, it is possible to adjust technical solutions at the stage of implementation to optimize costs and improve efficiency without significantly affecting the overall cost of the project, explained in Alliance Novobud.
PGD installed generators in the previously designed complex already at the realization stage. In new projects, the developer is integrating autonomy into the concept and envisages its own boiler houses and solar power plants.
“It is fundamental for us that these issues are not left on the shoulders of the residents. We calculate and implement all solutions centrally, at the developer’s level. People want to be sure that the apartment will be warm, the elevator will work, the gates on the parking lot will open, and the access system will not stop due to power outages,” – said the press service of the developer.
According to PGD, this approach slightly increases the cost of project realization, but reduces the costs of operation in the future.
According to the construction group “Synergy”, the cost of heating from its own gas boiler house is about one third lower than from the centralized city system. In addition, the developer’s Irpen project is equipped with individual boilers in each apartment.
“The issue of heat in apartments is very relevant, there were many requests for individual heating, as well as for a warm floor. Independence from city repairs and seasonal hot water shutdowns, the official start of the heating season is important for residents”, – explained the developer.
An important component of the heating system is also its own generators, which ensure the operation of the boiler room and engineering systems of the house in case of shutdowns.
“People prefer autonomy and energy independence. That is why a generator, individual heating, energy efficiency of apartments, no unnecessary heat loss, uninterrupted water supply are real advantages. After the first blackout in the winter of 2022, these questions are more relevant than ever for sales visitors,” Greenville noted.
According to the experts of the company, the centralized heating system has a number of disadvantages, including high cost of connection, high level of wear and tear of networks, significant heat losses during transportation of energy carriers. Therefore, for its projects in Kiev, the developer has chosen the device of roof gas boilers and individual heating point.
Among the advantages in Greenville named technical flexibility of boiler rooms, environmental feasibility, cost-effectiveness and payback of the system. In addition, the high efficiency of individual boilers, automatic regulation and weather-dependent control optimize energy consumption.
“The payback period of an individual rooftop boiler plant is usually three to five years due to savings on tariffs and heat losses. Another advantage is technical flexibility. The system is easily adapted to different load modes (heating, hot water supply, summer period). And, finally, it is about environmental feasibility. Modern gas boilers have low emissions of nitrogen oxides and CO”, – explained in the company.
As noted by the executive director of the developer “Real” Igor Ferenc, roof boilers and individual boilers are also a necessary solution in the old districts of Lviv, which are not provided with centralized heat supply.
In Kiev, the choice of heating system for the project is dictated by a number of factors: location, available infrastructure and technical and economic feasibility, said the project manager of the capital’s business-class housing Maxima Residence Artem Sebba.
“We analyze the presence of nearby heat or gas networks, compare the cost of implementing different solutions and take into account the future costs of operation. In new projects we focus on solutions that allow us to reduce dependence on external suppliers and ensure more stable operation of the system”, – said the expert.
According to him, additional autonomous solutions in case of heat or power outages are considered for each project separately, because they affect the cost of construction and further operation.
The Enso development company, after a feasibility analysis, chose the centralized heat supply option for its projects. As explained in the company, the feasibility of the selected types of heating systems is determined by comparing the cost of connection, capital costs of construction and the projected costs of operation for residents
Adjustment of projects at the implementation stage may require additional resources and time, taking into account additional approvals and revision of project documentation, the developer noted. But the projects provide for the possibility of installing backup or alternative equipment.
“Such a decision did not affect the overall cost of project implementation, and the operating costs of residents remain at the level of market averages for residential complexes with centralized heating,” explained the developer.
