Japanese and Ukrainian officials on Monday discussed Ukraine's reconstruction at a meeting in Tokyo.

The Japan-Ukraine Economic Joint Meeting was held following a five-year hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's launch of its invasion of Ukraine. About 200 businesspeople and government officials from both countries attended.

Kokubu Fumiya, who chairs a division dealing with Ukraine-related matters at the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, addressed the audience.

Kokubu said what Ukraine needs is the sustainable development of infrastructure, as well as innovation in the country's mainstay industries, such as agriculture and food. He said he is ready to deepen discussions on what steps and support will be necessary to achieve them.

Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who doubles as economy minister, said a majority of Ukrainian businesses that stopped operating in the wake of Russia's invasion have resumed activities.

Svyrydenko called for Japanese companies' entry into the Ukrainian market and their investment in her country. She said she is expecting investment in Ukraine to increase by 20 percent from last year.

Participants also exchanged views on plans to reconstruct damaged infrastructure, as well as the Japanese government's restrictions on travel to Ukraine. They agreed to take on a range of challenges, including securing a large enough workforce for reconstruction efforts, through public-private partnership.

A Japanese businessperson who attended the gathering said what is important for Ukraine is to create jobs and help Ukrainians return to their normal lives.