Gift giving is an integral part of Ukrainian business culture. Plan to offer your Ukrainian colleagues a small gift at the first meeting.
Crafts or delicacies from your home country are particularly appropriate. Office items that have some symbol of your home country or town are also appreciated. There is little chance of a gift being misinterpreted as a bribe in Ukraine, but consider it best to stick with modest presents.
You may also offer gifts at the signing of a contract, the completion of a successful business deal, or on an important holiday. As you develop a relationship with your Ukrainian colleague, try to offer something chosen according to his particular tastes. Choosing gifts to suit the occasion is also appropriate, for example offering a bottle of champagne for New Year’s.
Note that most professions are honored with their own day in Ukraine. For example, Publishing Worker’s Day takes place on May 25, Businessman’s Day falls on September 1, and Lawyer’s Day occurs on October 8. If you can honor your colleagues with a small gift on the appropriate day, they will be particularly pleased.
You may also offer your business colleagues gifts on important holidays like Christmas or Easter. In this case, it is important to choose high-quality local, seasonal products to offer as gifts. Showing your understanding of Ukrainian culture this way will create good will.
If you are having trouble choosing an appropriate gift, entertaining your colleagues with a good dinner or an evening at the theater can provide a good option.