USAID Program to provide Ukrainian companies with equipment, marketing services

MOSCOW. March 28 (Interfax) - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Competitive Economy Program in Ukraine will conclude partnership agreements with Ukrainian companies and provide them with up to three items of equipment or marketing services that are the most in-demand in Ukraine, while businesses would undertake to create from 20 new jobs and/or increase sales by at least $1.5 million.

Potential bidders will choose the necessary equipment or services on their own. The program applies to refrigeration, sewing, or baking equipment, computer-controlled machine tools, laser cutting machines, and warehouse racks, Ukrainian media quoted the USAID Program's statement.

As for marketing services, USAID would be prepared to cover brand promotion services, search engine promotion, marketing and/or export strategy development, or consulting services on entering new markets and/or lean manufacturing.

Potential partner companies are supposed to have at least ten employees as of the moment of filing an application, be able to invest in their own development, and be willing to create 20 new jobs or generate at least $1.5 million in sales in the course of the partnership agreement's implementation.

Applications are accepted until April 30.