Business Tampere establishes presence in Lviv to deepen long-standing cooperation with Ukraine

For Tampere, cooperation with Ukraine is not a new opening. The City of Tampere has maintained close ties with Ukraine throughout the war, and Kyiv is Tampere’s twin city. In fact, Kyiv became Tampere’s first twin city in 1954, making the relationship one of the city’s longest-standing international partnerships. Over the past years, the relationship has been built on solidarity, trust and practical cooperation at city, business and expert level.

The new office in Lviv is a continuation of this work. It reflects Tampere’s commitment to being present, building relationships and supporting Ukraine’s future already now, while the country is still defending itself.

A delegation led by Business Tampere CEO Harri Ojala visited Lviv in early June to meet with the city’s leadership and lay the groundwork for Business Tampere’s activities in Ukraine.

According to Ojala, the active role of the Tampere City Region is highly valued in Ukraine.

“They respond very positively and with great appreciation. Finnish operators that are already present in Ukraine are particularly respected, because they are there now, when the situation is difficult,” Ojala commented to Tampere media Aamulehti.

Supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction through responsible partnerships

Ukraine’s reconstruction will be one of Europe’s most significant long-term efforts in the coming years. Large parts of the country’s infrastructure will need to be rebuilt, while Ukraine’s closer integration with the European Union is already clearly visible.

For Business Tampere, the focus is on building cooperation that is based on real needs in Ukraine and on the strengths of companies and experts in the Tampere region. The aim is not only to identify business opportunities, but to create partnerships that support reconstruction, resilience and sustainable growth.

The Tampere region has strong expertise in areas that are highly relevant for Ukraine’s future, including dual-use technologies, defence-related capabilities, health technology, smart industry, innovation and business development.

At the same time, Ukrainian companies are increasingly looking to strengthen their presence in Western Europe. The first Ukrainian dual-use companies have already established operations in Tampere. Investment opportunities in the Tampere region were promoted earlier this spring at an invitation-only event where Ukrainian companies presented their needs and opened direct cooperation opportunities with local stakeholders.

Close ties between Tampere and Ukraine

The opening of the Lviv office is part of a broader, future-oriented partnership between Tampere and Ukraine. The relationship is built not only on business cooperation, but also on shared trust, practical support and a commitment to Ukraine’s long-term development.

Business Tampere has been actively helping companies from the Tampere region to understand the Ukrainian operating environment, build direct contacts and identify where their expertise can create genuine value.

Active cooperation with Ukraine may also create new jobs and business growth in Pirkanmaa in the coming years. However, the wider goal is to ensure that the Tampere region is part of Ukraine’s reconstruction in a way that is useful, respectful and based on long-term commitment.

Opportunities in health technology and dual-use industries

In addition to defence-related industries, companies from other sectors in the Tampere region are already active in Ukraine with the support of Business Tampere. Health technology is one of the key areas of cooperation.

The Unbroken Centre in Lviv is both a hospital and a comprehensive rehabilitation centre. It works closely with international partners and companies, creating opportunities for collaboration in health technology, rehabilitation, medical innovation and related services.

Business Tampere’s Ukraine-focused team has the expertise needed to support companies in this work. The team combines language skills, practical business knowledge and several years of experience in operating in Ukraine.

During the summer and autumn, Business Tampere will provide guidance for companies interested in Ukraine, including information on how to operate in the country and how the new Lviv office can support their activities.

 

More information:

Harri Ojala
CEO
harri.ojala@businesstampere.com

Mika Kulkas
Senior Advisor, Defence Industry, Colonel, ret.
+358 40 4877533
mika.kulkas@businesstampere.com

Minna Tihinen
Project Coordinator, Ukraine
+358 40 5313148
minna.tihinen@businesstampere.com