A landmark event for local businesses took place in Odesa today as the International Labour Organization (ILO) held focus groups with representatives of the region's enterprises. The event brought together entrepreneurs, experts, representatives of local authorities and NGOs to discuss the current challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in the Odesa region. The meeting was facilitated by Ms Oksana Glebushkina, ILO Independent Expert on Local Employment Partnerships.

The main topics of discussion touched on the most pressing issues for businesses operating in the war:

• The state and needs of businesses in Odesa region, including local enterprises and relocated businesses. Entrepreneurs shared their difficulties arising from economic instability, infrastructure destruction and declining consumer demand.
• Business support infrastructure in communities and the region. It was important to understand the extent to which local support tools for business development are developed, and whether there are incentive and support programmes that could help businesses in times of crisis.
• Obstacles to the sustainability of local and relocated businesses. Difficulties with the supply of materials, energy resources and a lack of specialists were also highlighted.
• Challenges in the recruitment and employment process. The panelists discussed how businesses can more effectively search for qualified employees, especially in the face of staff outflows and competition for resources.
• Employment programmes for vulnerable groups, including women, internally displaced persons (IDPs), veterans and people with disabilities. Participants raised the question of whether there are effective initiatives to integrate these groups into labour market.
• Educational and training programmes for employees and adults. An important aspect was the discussion of who are the providers of education and training for employees in the region, and whether these programmes meet modern business requirements.
• Interaction between labour market stakeholders. Entrepreneurs and experts were looking for ways to improve cooperation between different labour market stakeholders, including government authorities, employers and educational institutions.

These important topics provide a unique basis for discussing future reforms and initiatives in the field of employment and economic development in Odesa region.

Alla Stoyanova, a member of the Odesa Regional Council and economic expert, shared her thoughts on the importance of such discussions:
"Today's discussion is a real step towards addressing the pressing business and employment issues in the region. In difficult times, local businesses play a special role, not only providing jobs but also forming the basis for post-war recovery. We actively cooperate with international organisations and support initiatives that help solve the problems of staff shortages, employment and economic development. Young people and entrepreneurs are the force that can return our country to prosperity. And we are already preparing them for this important role."

The focus groups organised by the ILO were an important event for Odesa oblast businesses, helping to identify the main obstacles and opportunities for enterprise development during wartime and after the victory.

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