Methodological approaches to assessing the investment attractiveness of the Ukrainian sugar industry in the conditions of challenges and threats

Abstract

The role of Ukraine’s agricultural sector, particularly the sugar industry, is highlighted. The main negative consequences of the war for Ukraine’s sugar industry are identified. 

A systematization of factors threatening the investment attractiveness of sugar industry enterprises during wartime has been developed, including military, logistical, economic, political, regulatory, social, environmental, and security-related risks. 

Based on a SWOT analysis of the sugar industry’s investment attractiveness, the strategic direction for its development in Ukraine should focus on production modernization, product diversification, logistics optimization, export potential realization, and investment attraction under effective risk management and state support. This approach will enhance the adaptive capacity of industry enterprises during wartime. 

An analysis of the operational experience of sugar industry enterprises under crisis conditions, along with existing methodological approaches to assessing the investment attractiveness of agricultural enterprises amid challenges and threats, has revealed significant differences in assessment approaches during active hostilities and the post-war recovery phase. Specifically, wartime priorities include short-term stability, risk management, and operational efficiency, while the post-war period emphasizes long-term strategic planning, innovation, and investment attraction for modernization and development. The necessity of early development of strategic plans to attract investments into the Ukrainian sugar industry is substantiated. 

Recommendations for improving the methodology for assessing the investment attractiveness of the sugar industry under wartime challenges include adopting a comprehensive approach. This involves thorough risk analysis, financial stability assessment, supply chain analysis, consideration of social and environmental factors, state support evaluation, application of modern assessment methods, and engagement of independent experts for audits and consultations. 

It is concluded that, amid heightened uncertainty and multiple risks caused by military aggression, ensuring the investment attractiveness of the sugar industry and the agricultural sector as a whole is of particular importance. For the stable development of the industry and its integration into the European agricultural space, a combination of measures is needed to protect the domestic market while clearly defining and leveraging the export opportunities of agricultural enterprises. 

The strategic prospects for the sugar industry’s development are proposed as a comprehensive system based on three key components: investment attraction, cost optimization, and the implementation of innovative technologies.