The Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) plans to invest $10 million in the internal renovation of the Golf Club in Obolon, Kyiv, which it recently acquired for $18 million, so that the campus created on its premises meets the requirements of leading world universities, KSE President Timofey Milovanov said.
“About $10 million will go toward internal renovation, not external. Everything there needs to be demolished, and laboratories, amphitheaters, and makerspaces need to be built. … Filling the campus itself with high-quality, modern educational facilities, such as those found in top universities, will cost $10 million,” he said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine.
According to Milovanov, KSE sent a team to MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to see what a makerspace is.
“This is where students have access to all modern robots, lasers, machine tools with software control — everything they need to make a prototype if they have an idea. All the equipment must be there, from projectors to lecture halls, and there must be access to software that costs money even for universities,” explained the KSE president.
He added that there are plans to open these makerspaces for students from other universities as well.
Milovanov recalled that the first KSE building in Kyiv, located at 3 Shpaka Street, cost $2.5 million, with another $2.5 million spent on renovations: shelter, sleeping capsules, library shelves, AI cameras that allow hybrid lectures, a security system, fire safety, modern ventilation, batteries, and generators in case of blackouts.
Some of this is already in place at the Golf Club, but it was designed for a small number of people, not the several thousand students who will be working here, added the KSE president. Among other things, he pointed to the building’s well-insulated basements, which can be used as shelters for all students and teachers.
He emphasized that he was very pleased with the purchase because the Golf Club was built to a very high standard, so the price of the deal was very attractive considering the location—$18 million for 14,500 square meters of space plus 5 hectares of land on lease.
“Even if you don’t count the land and the location near the Dnieper, that’s $1,200 per square meter! (…) But now there are no buyers. If people have $20 million, they will buy a hotel in Indonesia, not invest in Ukraine. I think this is simply a factor of the war, and we are very lucky—without the war, it would have been many times more expensive,” Milovanov believes.
According to him, in theory, the first students could use the renovated building as early as January next year, although in practice it may take longer, partly because of the existing tenants, with whom KSE would like to resolve the issue without any disputes.
“But there are two buildings at the Golf Club. One of them is empty—there are no tenants. So we are already starting demolition this week, and it may be ready sooner. That is where we will build makerspaces, amphitheaters, and other significant renovations,” said the KSE president.
He emphasized that the university will maintain the land’s sporting purpose, as stipulated in the lease agreement.
“We will do everything completely according to the law, so we will leave the golf course. Some good businessmen are already writing to us about how this can be improved. So maybe there is something in this direction,” Milovanov said.
At the same time, he said that in the future, KSE would like to expand the purpose of the land plot so that it fully corresponds to the university, so it will submit all the documents to the Kyiv City Council.
“I think it will take 5-7 years. But we have no other way, because we are an American company. Although local developers tell me: Timofey, why are you doing this? Do what you have to do, and you’ll figure it out later. But we don’t do that, we are an American company. We don’t know how to decide things like that,” he emphasized.
KSE is a private university and research center founded in 1996. It operates as a non-profit organization registered in the United States. Since 2022, KSE donors have contributed more than $150 million to humanitarian, defense, and educational projects, including the development of university infrastructure.
GOLF CLUB, INVESTMENT, KYIV SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS, RECONSTRUCTION
Today, consumers around the world, and in Ukraine in particular, are increasingly choosing natural products that are associated with a healthy lifestyle. Juices, as one of the key segments of the beverage market, not only meet this trend, but also demonstrate a steady increase in demand. For businessmen looking for profitable areas for investment, juice production offers attractive prospects: a relatively low entry threshold, quick payback, and significant potential for scaling. In this article, we will analyze global and Ukrainian market trends, provide key figures and facts, and explain why it is worth paying attention to this industry right now.
Global juice market: figures and trends
The global juice market remains one of the most dynamic segments in the beverage industry. According to the analytical company Statista, in 2024, its volume reached about $18.5 billion, maintaining a stable annual growth rate of 5-7%. Forecasts for 2025 indicate a further increase in the market to $20 billion, driven by growing demand for natural products and innovative approaches to production.
Key global trends:
Large players such as Tropicana (PepsiCo), Minute Maid (Coca-Cola), and Innocent Drinks dominate the mass segment, while local brands with organic, cold-pressed, and functional juices are winning the premium market.
Ukrainian juice market: untapped potential
The Ukrainian juice market has unique features that make it attractive to investors. According to the Ukrainian Agribusiness Association, the average per capita consumption of juice is only 10 liters per year. For comparison, this figure reaches 30 liters in the EU and 50 liters in the US. This means that the Ukrainian market is far from being saturated and has a huge room for growth.
Key characteristics:
Market leaders:
Financial analysis of juice production: why is it profitable?
Juice production in Ukraine is not only a response to trends, but also an economically sound business. Here are the key arguments:
It is worth clarifying that the payback period of several months primarily refers to the workshop itself, not the business as a whole. This figure takes into account only the costs of equipment and raw materials at maximum line utilization. However, a full-fledged business includes additional costs: salaries for accountants, sales managers, logisticians, and warehouse workers, as well as rent, taxes, and marketing. If you already have well-established sales and supply channels, the payback period may be closer to these terms. However, in real-world conditions, where there are no ideal scenarios, you should focus on a more realistic timeframe of about 6-12 months. That’s how long it usually takes for juice production to start generating stable profits, depending on external factors and the efficiency of your business model.
These simple calculations demonstrate that launching juice production is not only an opportunity to occupy a profitable niche in the market, but also to ensure a quick return on investment. Investing in modern equipment allows you to reduce production costs and increase profit margins, which is especially important in a highly competitive environment.
Minimum set of equipment for juice production
To organize a full-fledged production process, it is necessary to equip the workshop with a line that includes a number of specialized machines and devices. Using the equipment listed below, you can achieve a capacity of up to 30,000 liters per month, which is ideal for medium-sized businesses with the prospect of scaling up:
– Industrial juicers
Designed for processing large volumes of raw materials, which makes them indispensable in large-scale production. Particularly noteworthy is the STvega J 1500 masticating juicer. Its high productivity and squeezing efficiency allow you to optimize the production process and ensure high quality of the final product.
The approximate cost of this line can be around $50-80 thousand, while it can generate $10-20 thousand in gross revenue per month after reaching a volume of 500-1000 liters of juice per day.
But you can start with much smaller investments. Some of the operations can be done manually with the help of human resources, and then you can use only the most necessary equipment, such as a juicer, filters, and pasteurizers. In this case, you can start with 5-10 thousand dollars and test your idea.
Where to buy juice production equipment?
When choosing a supplier of equipment, it is important to consider not only the quality of the equipment, but also the level of service support, warranty service, and technical support. STvega is one of the market leaders specializing in the sale of modern equipment for the food industry.
Why choose STvega:
– Wide range of products: We offer equipment from China, Europe and Ukraine, which allows you to choose the best solution for any business.
– Warranty and post-warranty service: The company’s specialists provide full support and technical assistance at all stages of operation.
– Competitive prices: High quality at affordable investment terms makes the purchase as profitable as possible.
– Individual approach: Consultations on the selection of equipment for your budget and needs.
By investing in a production line from STvega, you get not only modern equipment, but also a partner who will help you grow your business and quickly achieve your goals.
Conclusion.
Today, investors are looking for opportunities that combine stability and high income potential. One of the most promising ways is to invest in your own production – your business. This is not just a reliable investment, but also a chance to create something real: a product that will be in demand, generate profit and allow you to control every stage of development. This approach provides not only financial return, but also long-term value, because you are building a business that works for you and meets modern market trends.
If you want to know more or get advice on the selection of equipment, please contact our specialists. For example, our company STvega has good experience in supplying equipment for juice production. We will help you make an informed choice, calculate the cost and lay a solid foundation for a successful start of your business.
Juice production is a business with a clear model that fits perfectly into the current trends of healthy eating and support for local producers. The global market is showing steady growth, and Ukraine has all the conditions for rapid development: from cheap raw materials to export opportunities. By investing in this segment today, you can not only make a quick profit, but also gain a foothold in an industry that promises to remain relevant for decades. It’s time to act – the market is waiting for new players!
In 2024, Lemtrans, Ukraine’s largest private rail transportation operator, increased its investments by 2.9 times compared to 2023 to UAH 478 million, while total transportation volume decreased by 6% to 15.9 million tons.
“Lemtrans continues to work to ensure the logistics and economic stability of Ukraine by supplying critical raw materials and investing in new infrastructure projects… In 2024, the group allocated more than UAH 478 million for infrastructure and logistics projects, which is three times higher than in 2023, when investments amounted to more than UAH 160 million,” Lemtrans’ press service said on Tuesday.
The company has invested in the development of terminals and container business, allocating UAH 441 million in this area, the statement said.
In the second half of 2023, the construction of a modern container terminal in Vinnytsia was completed. Lemtrans also continued to implement an investment program aimed at maintaining the railcar fleet and further improving the efficiency of railcar repair facilities. The volume of scheduled and current repairs of freight cars in 2024 reached 5,635 units.
Lemtrans’ total transportation volume in 2024 amounted to 15.9 million tons, which is 6% less than in 2023, the press service reported.
Coal accounted for the bulk of transportation – 10.9 million tons. Iron ore was the second largest (2.3 million tons). In addition, the company transported 2.01 million tons of construction materials and 0.6 million tons of other cargo in 2024, the report said.
“Starting from the third quarter, coal transportation decreased due to the massive attacks by Russia on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Damage to production assets led to a reduction in transportation volumes by shippers,” the company’s press service explained.
Based on the results of their activities in 2024, the companies that are part of the Lemtrans group transferred more than UAH 712 million in taxes and fees to the budgets of all levels. This is 30% less than in 2023, when UAH 929 million was paid.
“In 2024, Lemtrans transferred about UAH 647 million to the state budget. Local budgets were replenished by UAH 66 million. In addition, Lemtrans Group paid more than UAH 59 million in unified social tax, the press service said.
“Despite the challenges of wartime, we continue to invest in infrastructure projects… The container terminal in Vinnytsia expands the access of Ukrainian enterprises to world markets, contributing to the growth of export-import operations and strengthening the economic potential of both the region and the country as a whole. This is especially important in the current environment, when economic sustainability is a key factor for Ukraine,” Lemtrans CEO Volodymyr Mezentsev said, as quoted by the press service.
Earlier it was reported that Yegor Grebennikov, co-owner of the port operator Transinvestservice (TIS), will become a co-owner of the Mostyska Dry Port project in Vinnytsia, which Lemtrans is implementing jointly with Rail Investment. The relevant permission was granted by the Antimonopoly Committee.
At the first “EU-Ukraine Investment Conference” in Warsaw on Wednesday, the European Union called for mobilizing private investment in areas critical to Ukraine’s recovery, the European Commission (EC) said.
“Under this call, EU businesses, including joint ventures or consortia involving both European and Ukrainian companies, are invited to submit proposals by March 1, 2025. Proposals will be reviewed and linked to the most suitable investment projects financed by the Investment Framework for Ukraine, which is an integral part of the EU’s EUR 50 billion Ukraine Fund,” the EC communiqué says.
“Ukraine’s recovery requires both public funding and partnerships with the private sector. By combining these efforts, we can maximize investment, support the country’s recovery and its gradual integration into the EU single market. Indeed, facilitating private sector participation in Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction will be key to its success,” said Oliver Vargey, European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Policy.
The European Commission named the priority areas of the EU’s call: development of sustainable energy solutions, including renewable energy projects and modernization of existing energy infrastructure; investment in processing of critical raw materials – key minerals and resources needed for high-tech industries and renewable energy technologies; revitalization and modernization of the manufacturing and production sector to increase industrial competitiveness; support for construction and reconstruction of Ukraine; and support for the development of the energy sector.
The two-day conference, according to the EC, brought together more than 5,000 participants, including companies, banks and investors from Ukraine, the EU and other countries, to mobilize private investment in the recovery, reconstruction and modernization of Ukraine.
Insurers in 2024 will focus on increasing investment in private markets, clean energy infrastructure and innovative technologies. According to the Reinsurance News website, this is according to the 13th annual Global Insurance Report by asset management company BlackRock.
For the third consecutive year, the report found that the majority of insurers plan to increase private market allocations, with 91% of respondents indicating they will do so in the next two years.
That figure reaches 96% for insurers in Asia Pacific and North America. The report is based on information from 410 insurance investors in 32 markets managing approximately $27 trillion in assets.
“With 2024 expected to be a landmark election year, insurers are increasingly concerned about how political uncertainty could impact macroeconomic risks, citing regulatory changes (68%) and rising geopolitical tensions and fragmentation (61%) as top concerns,” the report notes.
In addition, market risks such as interest rate volatility (69%) and liquidity problems (52%) were identified as critical.
Despite these challenges, 74% of insurers have no plans to change their current risk profiles. Many insurers cited the value of partnerships in improving their internal expertise for risk assessment and portfolio management, with 40% of respondents emphasizing that an investment partner that understands both their insurance business and operating model is critical to achieving their strategic goals.
In the public markets, 42% of insurers plan to increase investments in government and agency bonds, while 33% focus on inflation-linked bonds, as 46% view inflation as a significant macroeconomic risk. In addition, 44% of insurers are looking to increase their holdings in cash and short-term instruments to maintain liquidity.
BLACKROCK, clean energy, INNOVATION, INSURERS, INVESTMENT, private markets
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in mainland China’s economy in January-April fell 27.9% year-on-year to 360.2 billion yuan ($49.7 billion), according to the country’s Ministry of Commerce.
That included 58.5 billion yuan in FDI last month, the lowest since November. The figure fell 36% year-over-year and 32% month-over-month.
In January-April, about 12.7% of total investment was in the PRC’s high-tech sector.
As reported, FDI in 2023 fell 8% to 1.13 trillion yuan.
Experts Club Analytical Center and Maxim Urakin released a video analysis of how the GDP of the world’s countries has changed in recent years, more video analysis is available here – https://youtu.be/w5fF_GYyrIc?si=BsZmIUERHSBJrO_3.
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CHINA, EXPERTS CLUB, GDP, INVESTMENT, MACROECONOMICS, URAKIN
