DFC Co-Hosts U.S.-Ukraine Partnership Forum with U.S. Chamber of Commerce

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, the U.S. International Development Corporation (DFC) co-hosted the U.S.-Ukraine Partnership Forum with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to convene U.S. and Ukrainian government officials, senior business executives, and other thought leaders to advance Ukraine's reconstruction, recovery, and modernization efforts. DFC CEO Ben Black gave opening remarks, DFC Chief of Staff and Head of Investments Conor Coleman spoke on a panel entitled "Financing Ukraine's Industrial Recovery," and DFC Associate General Counsel Jonathan Taylor spoke on a panel entitled "Innovative Technology Partnerships."

DFC CEO Ben Black:

"DFC has been active in Ukraine since the country's independence, and it has become one of our largest markets globally. While President Trump is working tirelessly to secure a lasting peace, DFC, along with our partners across the U.S. Government, is committed to rebuilding Ukraine's economy."

"Building an entity like URIF, the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, is something no agency has done before. For DFC, our investments represent more than just a financial return. They are an investment in Ukraine's future and in the enduring partnership between our nations.  It is our deepest hope that this progress continues. We are proud to be a part of this effort, and we remain committed to a lasting peace."

DFC Chief of Staff and Head of Investments Conor Coleman:

"We have reviewed, to date, over 200 different investment submissions to URIF, with sectors such as energy, infrastructure, emerging technology, and critical minerals. Those are the focus areas that we're starting with in the Fund and what we see as projects you can actively invest in now."

"The key to unlocking those projects is figuring out how to get additional private sector dollars into them... the Fund will continue to announce investments, but we also want to look at how you establish co-investment vehicles for these key sectors to bring in not only development finance institutions, but sovereign wealth funds, alternative asset managers, and banking partners to be able to amplify what the Fund is doing within Ukraine."

"We have a great working relationship with our Ukrainian colleagues. Our teams talk daily. So when it comes to active portfolio management for the life of these investments, we're very committed to being active partners, being the bridge between the government and the private sector. Because as problems arise, and there will always be problems that arise in conflict zones, we'll be able to work through it together to make sure the private sector gets the returns and the protection they need to invest now in Ukraine."

DFC Associate General Counsel Jonathan Taylor:

"URIF is seen by all corners of the government, on both sides of the aisle, as a tremendous success... We are an example in the U.S. Government of how to do economic statecraft in an innovative way."

"URIF announced a new investment a few weeks ago in Sine Engineering... It's a GPS and navigation software firmware company that does primarily, at this point in time, counter-drone technology. This technology is critical for not just the future of Ukraine, but of America and our allies too... This investment is also about economic growth in Ukraine - it's about job creation. The dual-use tech sector is seen as a key driver of economic growth for Ukraine going forward."

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The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is the international investment arm of the United States Government and central to U.S. economic statecraft. DFC mobilizes private capital to advance U.S. foreign policy and economic development. Our investments deliver strong returns for American taxpayers, drive meaningful economic development for our allies and partners, and secure supply chains to counter and outcompete our adversaries.