The UCCI delegation took part in the 14th World Chambers Congress in Melbourne, co-hosted with the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
On Friday, 5 September 2025, UCCI leadership along with AUCC representatives – Chrestyna Kmetj (AUCC Vice President and UCCI Representative in Australia) and Bohdan Wojewidka (AUCC Treasurer) – participated in a Ukraine-focused breakout event showcasing business potential in Ukraine. Led by Gennadiy Chyzhykov, President UCCI and moderated by Valeryia Zabashta, Head of International Business Cooperation, UCCI the event focused bi-lateral Australia Ukraine business opportunities and potential during the war and into the post war rebuild.
International business leaders present included:
- Mark Birrell AM, President, Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- Adrian Kloeden, President, Victorian Chamber of Commerce & Industry
- John W.H. Denton AO, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce
- Vladimír Dlouhý, President, Eurochambres
- Norman Loayza, Director Global Indicators Group, World Bank Group
Ukrainian voices included:
- Gennadiy Chyzhykov, President, UCCI
- Mykhailo Bno-Ayriyan, Director of Communications, MHP
Australian – Ukrainian perspective included:
- Chrestyna Kmetj, Vice President, AUCC; UCCI Representative in Australia
- Michael Galea MP, Parliament of Victoria
- Pavlo Troian, First Secretary, Embassy of Ukraine in Australia
The Ukraine breakout was well-attended and widely praised. It offered a unique spotlight on Ukraine’s resilience, adaptability, and forward-looking business vision despite the ongoing war.
Speaking at the session, Gennadiy Chyzhykov outlined the transformation of Ukraine’s economy, highlighting its accelerated digitalisation and adoption of high technologies at both government and business levels. He emphasised that despite the ongoing war, Ukraine remains open to international partnerships and continues to be a reliable partner.
Chyzhykov introduced the Ukrainian Embassy team in Australia represented by Pavlo Troian, UCCI’s official representative, and MHP, one of Ukraine’s leading agribusinesses. Mykhailo Bno-Ayriyan, Director of Communications at MHP, shared a compelling case study of how the company scaled operations during wartime, establishing itself as a global player. Pavlo Torian cited real examples of bi-lateral business trade in recent times highlighting that the war has not stopped the expansion of trade opportunities.
The presentation left a strong impression on Australian business leaders, who were struck by the ambition and resilience of Ukrainian companies. The success story of MHP was seen as a powerful example of the strength, adaptability, and international competitiveness of Ukrainian business.
Australia remains Ukraine’s leading trading partner in Oceania, with bilateral trade in goods reaching USD 116.64 million in the first nine months of 2024. UCCI continues to leverage the global chamber network — particularly direct business-to-business engagement — to drive further growth in trade and investment.
The key message of the WCC Ukraine breakout event was clear and was summarised with a unifying message from Chrestyna Kmetj: while risks must be acknowledged and realistic strategies applied, now is the time to join Ukraine’s business growth journey. Standing with Ukraine today means not only by standing with Ukraine during war, but is investing and helping to build the long-term foundations of peace, prosperity, and partnership.
