The U.S.-Ukraine Business Council was delighted to hold a panel discussion earlier this week with a group of 20 business professionals from different regions across Ukraine who are visiting United States as a part of exchange program The Ukrainian Business Leaders: Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UBL PIE), implemented by American Councils for International Education.

During this session we discussed combined efforts of business and not-for-profit organizations in strengthening economic cooperation between the United States and Ukraine, together with brilliant speakers:
Eric Hontz, Deputy Regional Director, Europe & Eurasia, Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE);
Flin Hyre, Specialist, Government Affairs, CNH Industrial;
George Chopivsky, Founder and President, Ukrainian Development Corporation, Chopivsky Family Foundation;
Robert Pincus, Member of the Board, Comstock Companies,
Alex Slusarenko, Director of Finance,  USUBC.

Eric Hontz (In the photo below) told about CIPE program in Ukraine, the Importance of building strong private business trade associations and shared his thoughts on how business can lead reforms in the country.

Flin Hyre (In the photo below) who represents one of the largest manufacturers of agricultural machinery widely used in Ukraine's agribusiness sector mentioned about CNH Industrials’ experience working in Ukraine, cooperation with governments and navigating challenges through various platforms.

George Chopivsky (Photo below) is a well-known representative of the US-Ukrainian business community, he told about several business he started in Ukraine and the US as well as the importance of corporate social responsibility.

Mr. Pincus has extensive background in banking sector, which includes founding several banks and financing multiple businesses. Business financing was one of the subjects that young entrepreneurs wanted to learn more about.

Nadiia Khomaziuk, Director of Communications and Events, U.S.-Ukraine Business Council (USUBC) moderated the discussion followed by Q&A session.

In the picture Dmitry Kornilov, Co-Owner and CEO, FFFACE.ME
American Councils for International Education is a member of USUBC.
Washington D.C. was the first stop for The Ukrainian Business Leaders: Promoting Innovation and Entrepreneurship (UBL PIE) scholars, followed by Austin, TX and San Diego, CA.