A New Opportunity for Ukrainian Furniture Manufacturers: UNDP Launches Training Programme on Entering the Japanese Market
A new opportunity is opening up for Ukrainian furniture and woodworking companies to expand their export geography and prepare for entry into one of the world's most demanding markets. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, together with the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), has announced a call for applications for a practical training programme focused on entering the Japanese market.
The initiative is implemented within the project "Support to Inclusive Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine", funded by the Government of Japan.
An Opportunity for Furniture and Woodworking Companies
The programme is designed for small and medium-sized enterprises that already have export experience or are considering Japan as a promising market for future growth. Woodworking and furniture manufacturing have been identified among the programme's priority sectors.
For members of the Lviv Furniture Cluster, this is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese market, assess their products' export readiness, and prepare for cooperation with Japanese partners.
What Participants Will Gain
The training programme will help companies:
understand the characteristics of the Japanese market and consumer behaviour;
assess the export potential of their products;
learn about packaging, labelling, and certification requirements;
prepare effective commercial offers for Japanese partners;
identify potential sales channels, importers, distributors, and B2B opportunities.
Online Training and Advanced Workshop
The programme consists of two stages. Companies will first participate in an online training session, after which up to 60 businesses will be selected for an intensive two-day in-person workshop in Kyiv.
Online training: July 21 or July 28, 2026 (participants may choose either date).
Advanced workshop in Kyiv: July 14–15, 2026.
Why It Matters for the Furniture Industry
The Japanese market is internationally recognised for its exceptionally high standards in quality, design, reliability, and business reputation. These are also the strengths that increasingly distinguish Ukrainian furniture manufacturers on global markets.
Participation in the programme will not only provide practical knowledge about exporting to Japan but will also help companies better understand how to adapt their products to international requirements and strengthen their long-term export strategy.
The Lviv Furniture Cluster encourages furniture and woodworking companies to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their applications.
The application deadline is 11 July 2026.
For companies looking to expand internationally and enter new export markets, this programme could become an important step toward sustainable global growth.
REGISTRATION
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