Vitaliy Kim: “Ukraine needs a consistent national strategy to keep and attract its workforce”

Speaking at the forum of the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities “Resilience. Recovery. Development,” held in Kharkiv on 5 February, Vitaliy Kim, Head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, outlined his vision for Ukraine’s long-term recovery and economic transformation. He stressed that Ukraine’s victory in the war against Russia will mark only the beginning of a much longer process of national renewal.

According to Kim, a genuine “Ukrainian economic miracle” will depend on sustained investment in human capital and technology, supported by a coherent state strategy that remains stable beyond electoral cycles.

“Ukraine’s economic breakthrough may take more than two decades. To achieve it, the country needs a clear national plan that is implemented consistently regardless of political change. This requires macroeconomic stability. Under such conditions, businesses will be able to invest with confidence, generate profits and contribute through taxation,” he said.

Kim identified three key pillars for recovery and growth: investment in people, the development of high-tech manufacturing, and stronger competition among regions and municipalities for investment.

He underlined the importance of policies aimed at encouraging the return of Ukrainians from abroad and attracting highly skilled professionals, particularly engineers. He also called for sustained investment in education, early childhood development and sports to ensure that young people see their future in Ukraine.

“Ukraine needs a proactive policy to bring its citizens back and attract talent. Investment in people must start from schools and communities, creating opportunities and motivation for people to build their careers at home,” he noted.

Kim also highlighted the strategic importance of high-tech and defence technology sectors for future growth.

“Defence technologies will represent a significant share of our economy. The state should acquire rights, franchises and patents from Ukrainian specialists to ensure that intellectual capital and financial returns remain in the country,” he said.

He added that local communities must be equipped with the necessary tools to create a favourable business environment and effectively implement large-scale recovery programmes comparable to a modern “Marshall Plan.” Tackling corruption and strengthening local governance, he noted, will be essential to attracting investment.

Kim concluded that the Association of Frontline Cities and Communities will serve as a platform for advancing these systemic reforms and coordinating recovery efforts across regions.

“Only consistent and systemic work will deliver results for Ukraine. I look forward to working with our partners in the Association to move this forward,” he said.