Lviv and Frankfurt are sister cities in the truest sense of the term. Over the years, Frankfurt has consistently supported Lviv across multiple areas. During this visit, the connection deepened further, but even more importantly, cooperation expanded with small and medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine.
«When Ukrainian manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and clusters traveled to Frankfurt with in GIZ’s delegation programme, it was not just another working trip. The goal was to establish meaningful connections with people who shape the future,» - said Oksana Straz, executive director of the Lviv Furniture Cluster
One of the key moments of the programme was a strategic visit to GIZ headquarters. At a time when Ukrainian businesses are forced to build new supply chains, retain specialists, and adapt to new markets, support must be practical rather than declarative. It requires tools, solutions, and people who are genuinely engaged.
That is why the conversation with Daniel Busche, Country Director of GIZ Ukraine, carried particular weight. It was not a formal meeting but a substantive dialogue about cooperation, openness to support, and belief in the potential of Ukrainian entrepreneurship, especially companies that create jobs, invest, and compete globally.
Equally important was the position of Hagen Ettner, Programme Director, who presented the new programme, its priority areas, and regions. For the delegation, this set the pace. The furniture and textile industries were included among the priorities. For clusters and companies, this signaled future projects that could create real opportunities for innovation, certification, export, and scaling.
Another important meeting took place with Frankfurt Economic Development Agency. It was an opportunity to see from within how Frankfurt developed into a business capital that effectively never sleeps.
Behind its recognizable skyline and global brand stands a disciplined strategy: clear priorities, long-term planning, and the ability to integrate local strengths into global value chains.
For Ukrainian manufacturers, this was not just an inspiring story but a practical lesson. How cities attract investment, work with industry clusters, support universities and innovation hubs, and maintain international competitiveness. The delegation came looking for partners, but also for models that could be adapted back home.
An important part of the visit was engagement with Frankfurt’s international cooperation infrastructure and the people who give substance to intermunicipal partnerships.
The delegation met with Pia Honerath, Head of the International Affairs Office, and Julie Cazenave, Project Manager for Lviv. The dialogue quickly moved beyond protocol and focused on what mattered most: planning joint projects for 2026 and beyond, as well as formats for events that connect people and businesses.
This is an ambitious yet timely vision. Initiatives that bring together art, design, creativity, manufacturing, and business in both Lviv and Frankfurt reflect the logic of modern competitiveness. Where industry and creativity intersect, added value is created.
Some meetings leave notes; others leave confidence. For the delegation, the conversation with City Councillor Ina Hauck was exactly that.
She stood out not for formalities but for her directness, curiosity, and genuine engagement. Her openness to ideas on promoting Ukrainian products in the German market created a sense that Frankfurt’s political leadership is ready to speak not only about support, but also about market access, visibility, and demand.
«It is important to build cooperation not only at the political level - city to city - but also directly between entrepreneurs,» - Ina Hauck emphasized.
As a result, a clear intention emerged to develop a joint Lviv–Frankfurt export project. If implemented, it could become a model of city partnership that helps companies move from introductions to contracts.
The delegation’s programme was filled with meetings, contacts, and ideas. But behind any programme are the people who make cooperation possible.
That is why the delegation expresses gratitude to Armin Hofmann, who helped shape the programme, guided the process, and provided the support that turned a complex schedule into a meaningful journey.
Special thanks also go to Anna Haiduchok for her continued attention to initiatives and projects within the furniture industry. Such support strengthens not only individual companies but the sector as a whole.
Frankfurt’s doors are open to Ukrainian business. And behind those doors are people ready to work together. The next task is to turn meetings into pilot projects, pilot projects into long-term programmes, and programmes into growth for the companies that sustain Ukraine’s economy.
Ukrainian manufacturers and clusters come to Europe not seeking sympathy, but ready for cooperation — with products, competencies, and ambitions capable of competing.
«Solidarity becomes strong when it creates opportunities. And opportunities become real when they are built together,» - noted Oksana Straz.
Frankfurt, for its part, once again demonstrated the value of city partnerships. When a city invests attention, institutional time, and strategic thinking, change happens faster than within standalone programmes.
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