Ukraine Must Adopt a 15-to-20-Year Strategy: Kim Shares Lessons Learned from South Korea.

Key Takeaways from Vitaliy Kim’s Visit to the Republic of Korea

According to Novyny.live: Vitaliy Kim, head of the Mykolaiv Regional State Administration, has summed up his trip to South Korea, stressing that Ukraine urgently needs a long-term economic development plan spanning 15 to 20 years. He highlighted the energy sector as a cornerstone for the country’s stability and economic growth.

The visit offered a firsthand look at how South Korea—once among the world’s lowest in GDP per capita after the Korean War—transformed itself. Over several decades, its economy expanded by an average of nearly 8% annually, demonstrating the effectiveness of a well-crafted development strategy.

The Case for a Long-Term Roadmap

Kim argues that Ukraine must go beyond post-war reconstruction and establish a clear, enduring national strategy—one that remains intact regardless of election outcomes or shifts in political leadership.

“What we need is not just a post-war recovery program. We need a long-term state strategy for economic development that looks 15 to 20 years ahead,” said Vitaliy Kim.

He also emphasized the critical role of investing in new industries and human capital. “Without people, there will be no economy and no real recovery. Ukraine must invest simultaneously in a new economy and in its people,” Kim noted.

Kim warned that a strong post-war economy cannot rely solely on continuous foreign aid. “A robust post-war economy will not be built on perpetual external assistance—that is a dead end. It will be built on manufacturing, investment, technology, new jobs, and the state’s ability to integrate into global economic processes,” he stated.

In summary, Kim’s visit to the Republic of Korea underscored the necessity of strategic planning for Ukraine’s economic development amid post-conflict recovery.

Long-term economic planning is especially vital for Ukraine as it confronts the challenges of rebuilding after war. South Korea’s experience shows that strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and human capital can drive sustained economic growth even under difficult conditions. Such approaches could help Ukraine not only restore its economy but also integrate into global markets, creating fresh opportunities for development and ensuring future stability.