Republic of Türkiye 2023/2024 by PP AGENCY

CZECH REPUBLIC Your Trade Partner

2023/2024 Republic of Türkiye

CZECH REPUBLIC Your Trade Partner Published by the PP Agency s.r.o. 2000 – 2023

Croatia Cuba Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany United Kingdom Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq

Ireland Italy Japan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lithuania Luxembourg Malaysia Mexico Moldova Montenegro Morocco

Netherlands Norway Oman Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Saudi Arabia Serbia Singapore Spain Sweden

Tajikistan Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Ukraine United Arab Emirates United States Uzbekistan Viet Nam Switzerland

2 0 21

www.doingbusiness.cz w w w. p p a g e n c y. c z

Obalka_2021-30let-2_final.indd 1

DOING BUSINESS IN T HE CZECH R EP UBLIC 202 1

Algeria Argentina Armenia Austria Bahrain Belarus Belgium Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Canada Chile China Colombia

Doing Business in the Czech Republic

2021

7. 12. 2020 14:55:46

Czech Republic - Your Trade Partner PP Agency, s.r.o.

Deadline: 20 November 2022 The publisher is not responsible for the content of paid presentations. The data presented in this publication are current at the time of the editorial deadline.

® Teritoriální publikace Česká republika – Váš obchodní partner

Published by the PP Agency s.r.o. Myslíkova 25, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic E-mail: journal@ppagency.cz, www.ppagency.cz

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 03

FOREWORD İkili ve çok taraflı platformlarda işbirliğimizi dost ve müttefik ülkeler olarak sürdürdüğümüz Çekya ile ekonomik ve ticari ilişkilerimiz Gümrük Birliği ile tarım ve AKÇT ürünlerinde mevcut tercihli ticaret sistemi temelinde yürütülmektedir. Bu düzenlemeler marifetiyle, ticarete konu malların büyük bir bölümünde gümrük vergileri sıfırlanmış veya indirime tabi tutulmuştur. Karma Ekonomik Komisyon ve 2021 yılında kurulan Ortak Ekonomi ve Ticaret Komitesi (JETCO), ülkelerimiz arasındaki istişare ve işbirliği için iki önemli araç konumundadır. DEİK bünyesinde faaliyet gösteren Çek-Türk İş Konseyi de ticari ilişkileri güçlendirmeye yönelik çalışmalar yürütmektedir. Ülkelerimiz arasındaki ticaret hacmi, pandemi ve Ukrayna’daki savaşın etkilerine rağmen son yıllarda büyüme eğiliminde olmuştur. 2020 yılında 3,9 milyar dolar; 2021 yılında 4,4 milyar dolar civarına yükselen ticaret hacmimiz 2022 yılı sonunda hedeflenen 5 milyar dolar seviyesine yaklaşmıştır. Çekya’ya ihracatımız geçtiğimiz yıl %15,6 oranındaki büyüme ile 1,9 milyar doları aşmış, ithalatımız ise %6,7 oranında artışla 2,9 milyar dolar olarak kaydedilmiştir. İkili ticarette lokomotif sektörler olan otomotiv ve makine-elektronikte mevcut işbirlikleri, karşılıklı tamamlayıcılık perspektifi ile devam ederken, son dönemde Çekya’nın Türk kamyon ve otobüslerine artan ilgisi ile işbirliğimizin arttığını memnuniyetle gözlemlemekteyiz. Diğer taraftan, savunma sanayiinin yanı sıra, bilişim ve lojistik başta olmak üzere hizmetler sektöründe, hem ikili düzeyde, hem de üçüncü pazarlarda işbirliği yapılabileceğini değerlendiriyoruz. Bilhassa enerji ve mobilite alanlarında olmak üzere, Çek firmalarının yatırım için tercih ettiği önemli destinasyonlardan bir olan Türkiye’nin, arz güvenliğinin öneminin daha da arttığı bu dönemde, Çekya için hızlı, kaliteli ve güvenilir bir tedarikçi olmaya devam edeceğine inanıyorum. Önümüzdeki dönemde Çekya ile ticaretimizin dengeli bir şekilde artması için çalışmalarımız devam edecektir. Bu rehberin, ortak ticari hedefler doğrultusunda, iş insanlarımızın sahip olduğu potansiyelin harekete geçirilmesine katkı sağlayacağını umuyorum. Ticari hedeflerimize ulaşmamızda esas rolü üstlenecek olan Çek ve Türk iş insanlarına, karşılıklı yarar sağlayacak işbirliği imkânlarına dair fikir alışverişinde bulunmak üzere Büyükelçiliğimizin kapılarının açık olduğunu hatırlatmak isterim. Egemen Bağış T.C. Prag Büyükelçisi

04 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

Çekya uzun zamandır Türkiye’nin önemli bir ticaret ve yatırım ortağı olarak yer almaktadır. NATO ve Türkiye’nin katılmayı arzu ettiği Avrupa Birliği ile sıkı sıkıya bağlı olan iki ülke ilişkilerimizin niteliği de bunu haklı çıkarmaktadır. Çekya’nın Türkiye’ye ihracat hacmi, Çekya’nın büyüklüğüne tekabül edenden daha büyükken, Türk ihracatı da hızlandı ve neredeyse Çekya’nınkiyle eşitlenmek üzere. Aynı zamanda Türkiye, hem Çek ihracatı hem de yatırımları için keşfedilmemiş birçok fırsat sunmaktadır. Türk ihracatçılar için Çekya ise, tüm sektörlerde oldukça talepkar ve doygun bir pazardır. Ancak üretime dayalı sanayilerde, inşaat altyapı veya tüketim malları sektörlerinde kaliteli ve rekabetçi ürünlerin şansı oldukça fazladır. Çekya’nın ticari ortamı ayrıca hem AB’yi hem de üçüncü ülkeleri ve denizaşırı pazarları hedefleyenler için yatırım fırsatları, potansiyel üretim ve ticaret ortaklıkları sunmaktadır. Ciddi Türk yatırımcılar ülkemizde memnuniyetle karşılanmakta ve hala AB’nin “eski” kısmından daha düşük olan maliyetlerle, üretimlerini AB içinde konumlandırmayı kolaylaştıran pekçok teşvik bulacaklardır. Ekonomik işbirliğindeki esas zorluk, hem şirketler hem de devletler için ne kadar arzu edilirse edilsin, yalnızca ihracat hacmini artırmakla ilgili değil, aynı zamanda ihracatı ve yatırımı teşvik etmek ve geliştirmek için hükümetler arası, bölgesel ve belediye işbirliklerini etkin bir şekilde nasıl kullanacağımızla ilgilidir. Çek perspektifinden bakıldığında en büyük fırsat alanlarından biri, altyapıya yaptıkları etkileyici yatırımlarla Türk devleti ve belediyeleridir. Çek şirketlerinin Türk müşterilerine hem teknolojik olarak hem de kendi sahasının avantajına sahip yerel Türk işletmeleriyle işbirliği yapma konusunda sunacakları çok şey vardır. Bu yıl 6 Şubat’ta meydana gelen feci depremin neden olduğu maddi hasarın hızla ortadan kaldırılmaya çalışılması, buna bağlı beklenen inşaat patlaması, deprem sonrası toparlanmaya yönelik hükümet harcamalarıyla birlikte Çek şirketlerinin radar ekranında olmalı. Çek sivil ihracatının Türkiye’deki geleneksel alanları, hassas ve üretim makineleri, tekerlekli araçlar, üçüncü pazarlara yönelik ihracat ve ortak üretim, savunma işbirliğinin umut verici bir şekilde büyümesiyle giderek daha fazla tamamlanmaktadır. Enerji sektöründe yeşil teknolojiler de dahil olmak üzare her iki taraf için de yeni fırsatlar doğacaktır. Türkiye, Çin’dekki üretim ve nakliye zincirlerinin bozulmasından etkilenen ve üretimlerinin yeniden konumlandırılmasını isteyen Avrupalı şirketler için mantıklı ve umut verici bir destinasyon olmuştur. Bununla birlikte, sadece Batılı yaptırımlardan kaçan ve güvenli bir sığınak arayan genellikle şüpheli nitelikte ve kökene sahip Rus sermayesine hoşgörülü bir yüz çevirmek değil ancak iyi niyetli yatırımcılara güven vermek için de Türkiye’den daha fazla makroekonomik ve politik istikrar bekleniyor. Covid salgını, küresel tedarik zincirlerinin buna bağlı olarak bozulması, yeşil dönüşüm ve bölgesel olarak konumlanmış ama en trajik şekilde, küresel ekonomik krize ve istikrarsızlığa katkıda bulunan Ukrayna- Rus savaşı hem ülkelerin hem de ekonomilerinin ve iş dünyasının karşılaştığı ortak tehtidlerdir. Zor zamanlarda, devletler ve hükümetler ekonomi için normal koşullardakinden daha fazlasını yapmak zorundadır. Çek - Türk ekonomik işbirliğinin daha da büyümesi ve başarısı, iki siyasi temsilciliğin, yani yerleşik hükümetler arası yapılar aracılığıyla devam eden çabalar ile desteklenmelidir. Ancak sonuçta her iki tarafta da bu işbirliği özel inisiyatif ve teşebbüsün elindedir. Gümrük Birliği de dahil olmak üzere AB - Türkiye sözleşme çerçevesinin, özellikle her iki tarafın ortak sorumluluğu olmaya devam eden modernleşmesine ve genişletilmesine imkan verilirse, ikili ekonomik işbirliğinin ilerletilmesine de elverişli olacağına inanıyorum. Pavel Vacek Çek Cumhuriyeti’nin Türkiye Büyükelçisi C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 05

FOREWORD

BERGER-HUCK

TRADITION

AND KNOW-HOW

HUCK nets and ropes BERGER-HUCK s.r.o. – Tradition and Know-How Berger-Huck s.r.o. was established in 1992 in the Czech Republic as a joint project of the firms Manfred HUCK GmbH and Berger GmbH. The original plan to set up a commercial representation on the Czech market soon turned into building up a manufacturing firm, which today employs more than 100 people and, through its partner network, distributes its products throughout the world. Within the framework of this international cooperative project, it is continuing a 55-year tradition in making sport, safety, and industrial netting and a 40-year tradition in gymnastic mat manufacture. Besides these main activities, Berger-Huck s.r.o. supplies a wide range of sports equipment and requisites for sports grounds, stadiums, halls, and children’s playgrounds. The basic philosophy of the firm is the top quality of its products, guaranteed by ISO 9001 certificates for the area of sports, ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO TS 16949 for the automotive industry, short delivery terms and a total commitment towards its customers and trading partners.

Berger - Huck s.r.o. Vanišova 552, 533 74 Horní Jelení, Czech Republic phone: + 420 466 673 306, fax: + 420 466 673 305 e-mail: info@berger-huck.cz

www.berger-huck.cz

06 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

virtually no other material is used for such a variety of applications. The top quality of the basic materials and the special knot-free process used make it possible for the nets to be used for formerly unimaginable purposes – from small net pockets in cars, sports nets and safety netting systems, to giant rope pyramids. HUCK nets are an uncompromising solution for different kinds of sport, children’s playgrounds, environmentally friendly and safety products, construction, transport, and the automotive industry.

Berger gym mats school mats, gym landing areas and carpets used in athletics, judo and martial arts, safety mattresses and lining – top quality materials, perfect processing and design, guaranteeing durability and tear resistance, a long service life and easy maintenance.

HASPO constructions aluminium constructions, sections and systems for sports and multifunctional compounds, sports grounds and halls, with safety certificates, easy handling and minimum maintenance costs for the whole life of the facilities.

Photo Author: Michal Vitásek, © CzechTourism; Cover photo: the firms’ archives (FENIX Trading, s. r. o.; Siemens, s.r.o.; ŠKODA AUTO a.s.; TOS VARNSDORF a.s.); www.shutterstock.com; unsplash.com

Prague

Contents FOREWORD

Foreword by Egemen Bağış, T.R. Prague Ambassador Foreword by Pavel Vacek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Türkiye Czech Exporters Useful Information

ECONOMICS

Business Relationships Türkiye – the Czech Republic Development of the Czech Economy in 2022

04 05 09 10

12 14

KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Dates of Milestones in Czech Industry 16 Czech Mechanical Engineering – Both the Tradition and the Future 17 Czech Defence and Security Industry 19 Czech Energy Sector – Among the Top Global Exporters 22 Food Industry of the CR – Hidden Potential 25 Czech Railway Industry Exports over Half of Its Production 28

CZECH FOOTPRINTS Global Player in the Electric Heating Systems Market

INSTITUTIONS PRESENT THEMSELVES

Czech Chamber of Commerce Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic International Chamber of Commerce in the CR / ICC Centre for Regional Development of the CR CzechInvest – Business and Investment Development Agency CzechTourism – Czech Tourism Authority Czech Centres Czech-Turkish Joint Chamber of Commerce

CONTACTS

Useful Contacts in the Czech Republic Useful Contacts in the Republic of Türkiye The Most Important Websites

32 32 33 33 34 34 35 35

36 36 38

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 07

FOREWORD

Hassle Free Slag Screening The most advanced technology for crushing, screening and separating iron from slag:

▶ Returns all iron from slag back to the furnace ▶ Produces valuable building materials ▶ Hassle free operation without outages and downtime ▶ Production capacity up to 300 tons per hour

Suitable for processing slag from:

▶ Blast furnaces ▶ Steelworks ▶ Foundries

Available worldwide on a temporary or permanent base as a: ▶ Service ▶ Lease ▶ Purchase

W WW.D ES T R O S E RV. CO M

08 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

Brno

Czech Exporters Czech enterprises that present their products and services in this publication intend to expand their exports and seek trade partners in the Republic of Türkiye. The firms are listed according to the branch codes - NACE.

Photo Author: Libor Sváček, © CzechTourism

20.51

Manufacture of explosives Explosia a.s. 24.50 Casting of metals TOS VARNSDORF a.s. 25.00 Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment KOVOBEL, výrobní družstvo 25.40 Manufacture of weapons and ammunition Explosia a.s. 27.90 Manufacture of other electrical equipment FENIX Trading, s. r. o. 28.11 Manufacture of engines and turbines, except aircraft, vehicle, and cycle engines Doosan Škoda Power s.r.o. 28.30 Manufacture of agricultural and forestry machinery KOVOBEL, výrobní družstvo 28.40 Manufacture of metal forming machinery and machine tools TOS VARNSDORF a.s. 28.41 Manufacture of metal forming machinery TOS VARNSDORF a.s. 28.99 Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery n.e.c. KOVOBEL, výrobní družstvo 32.30 Manufacture of sports goods Berger - Huck s.r.o. 33.00 Repair and installation of machinery

13 40

27 13 30

40 40

27 06

and equipment Doosan Škoda Power s.r.o. 35.30 Steam and air conditioning supply VA TECH WABAG Brno spol. s r.o. 36.00 Water collection, treatment and supply VA TECH WABAG Brno spol. s r.o. 37.00 Sewerage VA TECH WABAG Brno spol. s r.o. 46.90 Non-specialised wholesale trade Berger - Huck s.r.o. 49.41 Freight transport by road PST CLC Mitsui-Soko a.s. 52.10 Warehousing and storage PST CLC Mitsui-Soko a.s. 52.29 Other transportation support activities PST CLC Mitsui-Soko a.s. 71.20 Technical testing and analysis Český metrologický institut Czech Metrology Institute 74.00 Other professional, scientific, and technical activities DestroKladno s.r.o. 82.30 Organisation of conventions and trade shows Veletrhy Brno, a.s. 84.22 Defence activities Explosia a.s.

23 24 24 24 06 31 31 31

08 20 13

The publisher is not responsible for the content of paid presentations. C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 09

FOREWORD

Useful Information State Symbols of the Czech Republic Coat of Arms

National Flag

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country situated in Central Europe and bordering on Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Poland.

BASIC DATA

Prague – Charles Bridge

Population 10 827 529 (June 2023) Area 78 864 sq. km Capital city Praha (Prague) Parliamentary system Parliamentary democracy Language Czech Highest peak Sněžka (1603 m.a.s.l.) Time zone Central European Time GMT + 1, summer time GMT + 2 Currency Czech crown (Kč/CZK) = 100 hellers For the most recent exchange rates, please see https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter Internet domain .cz The President of the Czech Republic: until 8 March 2023 Miloš Zeman and since 9 March 2023 Petr Pavel.

MEMBERSHIP

Karlovy Vary – the Colonnade

Valtice – the Chateau

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List comprises the following cities and sites: Prague, Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, Litomyšl Chateau, Telč, Lednice-Valtice area, Zelená Hora (Green Mountain – St. Jan of Nepomuk Church, Holašovice, Kroměříž (chateau and gardens), Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc, Tugendhat Villa in Brno (architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe), St. Procopius Basilica and the Jewish Quarter in Třebíč. In 2005, the Moravian-Slovakian Verbuňk recruitment dance was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. In 2010 another entry on the List was the Shrovetide Carnival and Falconry and, in 2011, the Moravian-Slovakian Ride of the Kings. Czech puppetry was listed in 2016 and in November 2018 the textile printing technique called blueprint was included. Also the spa triangle – Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně – was, together with other eight famous European spas, added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021, upon the international series nomination of “Great Spas of Europe“. The decision to do so was adopted by the intergovernmental World Heritage Committee on 24 July 2021. In 2021, the traditional Czech blown-glass and beaded Christmas decorations were also added to UNESCO’s celebrated list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. More information can be found at www.unesco-czech.cz.

NOTABLE PERSONS

Czechs are considered a very cultured nation, which has given the world a number of significant persons. The most important rulers and heads of state are Emperor Charles IV and the Presidents T.G. Masaryk and Václav Havel. World renowned personOther practical information concerning travel conditions to visit or reside in the Czech Republic are to be found at www.czech.cz

Photo Author: Libor Sváček, © CzechTourism; © ŽIVÝ KRAJ - DESTINAČNÍ AGENTURA PRO KARLOVARSKÝ KRAJ, Z.S.; pixabay.com

The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union, the United Nations, NATO, WTO, the International Monetary Fund, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, OECD, and many other organisations.

alities include the scientists Jaroslav Heyrovský (holder of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry), Otto Wichterle, Czech chemist who invented contact lenses, and Antonín Holý, who helped to create a drug used in the treatment of AIDS. Other world renowned persons are Tomáš Baťa, creator of the shoe empire between the Two World Wars, and Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State. In the field of culture, great names are those of the composers Bedřich Smetana, Leoš Janáček, Antonín Dvořák, and Bohuslav Martinů, the writers Franz Kafka, Karel Čapek, Jaroslav Seifert (holder of the Nobel Prize), Jaroslav Hašek, Bohumil Hrabal, and Milan Kundera. Oscars have been awarded to film directors Miloš Forman (born in the Czech Republic), Jiří Menzel, and Jan Svěrák. Other famous people of culture are the painters František Kupka and Alfons Mucha, and the photographer Jan Saudek. Sportsmen who have gained international fame are, for example, Emil Zátopek – long-distance runner – best known for winning three gold medals at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. He won gold in the 5 000-metre and 10 000-metre races, but his final medal came when he decided at the last minute to compete in the first marathon of his life. He was nicknamed the “Czech Locomotive”. Gymnast Věra Čáslavská won a total of 22 international titles between 1959 and 1968, including seven Olympic gold medals, four World titles and eleven European championships. Martina Navrátilová is a former Czechoslovak and later American professional tennis player and coach. In 2005, Tennis Magazine selected her as the greatest female tennis player for the years 1965 through to 2005. She is considered one of the best, if not the very best, female tennis players of all time. Jaromír Jágr is the most successful European hockey player who has ever played in the NHL and is considered one of the greatest professional hockey players of all time. Petr Čech is considered one of the greatest and most respected football goalkeepers of his generation. Barbora Špotáková is a track and field athlete who competes in the

javelin throw. She is a two-time Olympic and World Champion. Petra Kvitová is a professional tennis player. She turned professional in 2006 and has won 23 career singles titles, which includes two Grand Slam titles at the Wimbledon Championships in 2011 and 2014. Martina Sáblíková is a speed skater, specialising in long-distance races. She is an Olympic gold medal winner and a multiple European and World all-round champion. She became the first Czech to win two Olympic gold medals at one Winter Games in the 2010 Olympiad. Ester Ledecká is a snowboarder and Alpine skier. At the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, Ledecká won gold medals in the super-G in Alpine skiing and in the parallel giant slalom in snowboarding. She is the first person to win two gold medals at the same Winter Olympics, using two different types of equipment (skis and snowboard) and the first woman to do so in a single Winter Olympics.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Dialling code: +(420). More detailed information about telephone numbers can be found on the www.zlatestranky.cz website. Licences for operating mobile networks on the territory of the Czech Republic have been awarded to the following companies: 02 Czech Republic a.s., T-Mobile Czech Republic a.s., Vodafone Czech Republic a.s., and Air Telecom a.s. The most popular credit cards in the Czech Republic are Eurocard/Mastercard and Visa. C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 11

ECONOMICS

Business Relationships Türkiye – the Czech Republic Czech-Turkish bilateral relationships are traditionally friendly and have a long tradition, dating back to the period immediately after World War I. The first Commercial Convention was signed on 31 May 1922 on the principle of the most-favoured-nation treatment. The last preferential trade agreement concluded on a bilateral basis, the Free Trade Agreement, was signed in 1997. It was terminated when the Czech Republic joined the European Union. Since then, the basic document regulating trade between the Czech Republic and Türkiye is the Agreement on the Customs Union of Türkiye with the EU. Furthermore, the following economic documents are in force: The Joint Economic and Trade Committee protocol (JETCO) between the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Turkish Ministry of Trade; Agreement on Economic, Technical, Industrial and Scientific Cooperation, Agreement on International Road Transport; Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism; Air Transport Agreement; Military Cooperation Agreement between the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the General Staff of Türkiye; Agreement between the Government of the Czech Republic and the Government of the Republic of Türkiye on Industriual Cooperation in the Field of Defence; Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion in the Field of Income Taxes; Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture; Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters; Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Culture, Education, Science, Youth and Sports; Interdepartmental Memorandum on Strategic Partnership for Cooperation in Power Sector; Agreement on Mutual Protection and Support of Investments. For 2021, the mutual trade increased by 10.7 % (CZK 103.5 billion). This was caused especially by the growth of Turkish exports to the Czech Republic by 32.1 %, while our exports, on the contrary, in USD terms, went up by just 5.1 %. The result is a negative balance of the foreign trade, amounting to USD 1.3 billion. A similar trend also continues in the first months of the year 2022 – the volume of the mutual trade exchange is growing moderately, especially thanks to 12 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

the continuance of Turkish exports to the Czech Republic. In the total volume of exports outside EU countries, Türkiye ranks sixth, from our viewpoint, outside the EU countries (behind the United Kingdom, the USA, Switzerland, and China) and also belongs to the group of our 20 biggest markets in general.

DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENTS

ČEZ, operating in Türkiye since 2008 with the Turkish company Akkok (joint venture, ČEZ and the family of Dinckok) in production – Akenerji (hydropower, wind and steam gas, in total about 1250 MW), distribution (Sedas) and sale (Sepas), is the biggest Czech investor in Türkiye. In addition to this biggest Czech investment, activities of the 100 % owned subsidiaries of Škoda Praha and UJV Řež in Türkiye are positively known. The total investments of the Group of ČEZ in Türkiye then, according to the statements of the Group, amount to more than USD 2 billion. Another important Czech investor in the power sector is EnergoPro. In the late 2020, this company completed the Alparslan 2 project, which, with its total power of 280 MW, became the biggest private-owned hydroenergy power plant in Türkiye. The most recently completed project (April 2021) is the project of the hydroenergy power plant (HEPP) of Karakurt (95 MW) in the province of Kars, worth USD 360 million. The volume of the realised or planned investments until 2023 amounts to about USD 1 billion. Besides the hydroenergy power plants, it also includes a plant manufacturing generators and turbines in Ankara, which was put into operation at an inauguration ceremony in 2019. The presence of the company in Türkiye began with the acquisition of five hydroenergy power plants (Hamzali with the total power of 16.7 MW near the city of Kirikkale not far from Ankara, Aralik with the power of 12.4 MW in the north-east of Türkiye and the cascade of Resadiye 1 – with 22.9 MW, Resadiye 2 – with 26.7 MW, and Resadiye 3 – with 16 MW near the cities of Sivas and Tokat respectively, in the north of Türkiye), the power of which totals approximately 95 MW; this acquisition was financed through the Czech Export Bank (ČEB). Important activities of Czech businesses are also related with the transport industry and the construction sector. In 2020, the PPF Group, through Škoda Transportation, completed the purchase of one-half of the shares of TEMSA, the Turkish manufacturer of buses, based in Adana. And, since 2015, Metrostav has been operating in Türkiye through its joint venture named Metrostav Ankar Insaat. Two biggest contracts awarded to it in 2017 (M7 metro depot of Mahmutbey – Kabataš in Istanbul, and the Underground Cableway Ašiyan – Hisarustu) are still semi-complete – both worth approximately CZK 1 billion.

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 13

ECONOMICS

Development of the Czech Economy in 2022 Economic development in 2022 was adversely affected by numerous very negative causes, including, in the first place, the energy crisis, the war in Ukraine from February, disruptions in customer-supplier relationships, skyrocketing inflation as a result of the increase in prices of all raw materials and consumer goods, and the reverberating COVID pandemic from previous years, especially from 2021. The adverse impact on the economy was experienced especially in the second half of the year. More positive results were achieved in manufacturing enterprises. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

According to the preliminary estimate, the gross domestic product in 2022 was 2.4 % higher, compared to 2021 (in 2021, it was 3.5 % higher). In the last quarter of 2022, the year-on-year increase was 0.4 %. The slowdown of GDP growth was mainly caused by household final consumption expenditure. Expenditure on gross capital formation, investment and better performance of foreign trade all had a positive influence. Relatively better gross value-added formation occurred especially in the industrial sectors, where the achieved growths counterbalanced the slumps in the sectors of trade, transport, healthcare, social services and education.

INDUSTRY

In 2022, total industrial production increased by 1.7 % in the year-on-year comparison. In the sector of mining and excavation, a 3.1 % increase occurred, the manufacturing industry was increased by 2.2 %, while the production and distribution of electricity, gas and heat remained under the level of the year 2021. The highest year-on-year increase within the manufacturing industry occurred in the manufacture of motor vehicles (11.7 %), which significantly contributed to the total growth of industrial production. What reached above the level of 2021 was also the pharmaceutical industry (by 10.7 %), clothing industry (by 12.3 %) and mining industry (by 3.1 %). A drop occurred, on the contrary, especially in the manufacture of fabricated metal products and in the production and distribution of electricity, gas and heat. Besides the influence of the high energy demands of production, also the enormous increase in prices and problems in customer-supplier relationships had a negative impact. A certain role was also played by the low comparison basis of the year 2021.

FOREIGN TRADE

In 2022, the performance of foreign trade (movement of goods across the border) ended up with a negative balance, amounting to

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Gross Domestic Product (current prices)

CZK. billion

4 796.87

5 110.74

5 410.76

5 791.50

5 709.13

6 108.72

6 782.81

Gross Domestic Product

%, real, y/y

2.5

5.2

3.2

-5.5

3.5

2.4

%, y/y

3.1

6.7

3.1

-0.3

-7.2

6.6

1.7

5.19

3.77

3.07

2.87

3.51

3.86

3.72

2.9

2.2

2.6

2.8

2.2

%, y/y

0.7

2.5

2.1

2.8

3.2

3.8

15.1

Industrial Production Registered Unemployment

General Rate of Unemployment according to VŠPS3) Inflation Rate

%, average

0.6

2.4

2.6

3.3

16.8

Exports

EUR, mil.

147 004

161 283

171 716

178 398

168 118

192 238

229 500

Exports

%, y/y

3.3

9.7

6.5

0.2

-5.7

14.3

19.4

EUR, mil.

129 272

144 491

156 852

160 435

150 000

179 979

224 555

%, y/y

1.4

11.8

8.5

2.3

-7

19.9

24.8

Inflation (HICP)

Imports

EUR, mil.

17 732

16 793

14 864

17 963

18 118

12 259

4 946

CZK/EUR

average

27.033

26.330

25.643

25.672

26.444

25.645

24.57

CZK/USD

average

24.432

23.382

21.735

22.934

23.196

21.68

23.4

Trade Balance

Source: Czech Statistical Office, Czech National Bank (CNB); General note: y/y = year-to-year change in the indicator; 1) data after the review of the methodology of ESA 10 (European Systém of Accounts), year 2021 preliminary data, year 2022 estimate; 2) Average share of unemployed persons = the number of available job applicants aged 15 - 64 years in relation to inhabitants of the same age (MPSV= Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs); 3) VŠPS = Labour Force Sample Survey; 4) HICP (Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices), inflation rate in the methodology of the EU; 5) Foreign trade data expressed in EUR are the sum of particular monthly figures in CZK, converted with the average monthly rate of exchange announced by the CNB; 6) Czech National Bank (CNB)

14 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

Photo: © skodamedia.com

Macroeconomic Indicators of the Czech Republic

Çek Metroloji Enstitüsü, bilimsel ve teknik faaliyetlerin tüm alanlarında en yüksek teknik düzeyde kapsamlı metroloji hizmetleri sunan bir Çek ulusal metroloji kuruluşudur. Çek Metroloji Enstitüsü uluslararası kuruluşların bir üyesidir: OIML, WELMEC, EURAMET e.V., … Çek Metroloji Enstitüsü atanmış bir Onaylanmış Kuruluştur ve kimlik numarası 1383’dur, metroloji alanındaki yeni yaklaşım AB Direktiflerinin gereklilikleri ile uygunluk değerlendirmesi sağlar.

Onaylanmış Kuruluş: 2014/31/AB sayılı Direktif - Otomatik Olmayan Tartı Aletleri (NAWI) 2014/32/AB sayılı Direktif - Ölçü Aletleri Direktifi (MID) (Otomatik Tartı Aletleri, Su Ölçme Sistemleri, Gaz Ölçme Sistemleri, Aktif tüketim bilgisini ölçen elektrik sayaçları, ısı sayaçları …) 2014/53/AB sayılı Direktif - Radyo ekipman

Diğer hizmetler: Calibration Ölçüm cihazlarının kalibrasyonu Doğrulama Metrolojide araştırma EMC (Elektromanyetik Uyumluluk Direktifi) testleri Czech Metrology Institute Okružní 31, 638 00 Brno web: www.cmi.cz email: info@cmi.cz

any year-on-year price decline. A recordbreaking increase was shown in particular in some types of foodstuff, especially sugar, eggs, flour, fats and oils. There was a massive increase in prices, mainly in the second half of the year, especially of foodstuff, where the reason was allegedly its increasing costs (skyrocketing prices of electricity, gas and unavailability of some items, especially of building materials, such as plastics, glass, paper).

DEVELOPMENT OF SALARIES

CZK 198.1 billion (in 2021, the negative balance was CZK 9 billion). Compared to 2021, exports were 13.3 % higher, imports 18.0 % higher. The negative balance was caused predominantly by the skyrocketing prices of electricity, crude oil and natural gas, but also by higher prices of some other import commodities. A negative balance occurred, for example, in the categories of agriculture and hunting (minus CZK 10.5 billion), trade in food (minus CZK 51 billion), trade in metals and metal products (minus CZK 184.7 billion).

PRICES

The average annual inflation rate expressed by an increment of consumer prices in 2022 was 15.1 %. This was the highest rate of inflation since the establishment of the Czech Republic. A higher rate of inflation was in 1993 – 20.8 %. In the year-on-year comparison, the prices of goods in total increased by 16.8 %, prices of services rose by 12.3 %. Actually none of the monitored commodities experienced

According to preliminary data, the average gross monthly salary of employees (full-time equivalent) in 2022 achieved CZK 40 353. In the year-on-year comparison, this nominal value increment amounted to CZK 2 450 (6.5 %). Real salary was 7.5 % lower than in 2021. In the first quarter, real salary dropped by 3.6 %, in the second and third quarters by 9.8 % and in the fourth quarter by 6.7 %. A percentage increase, compared to 2021, was experienced in the financial and insurance business (+10.7 %), in information services and in real estate business (equally + 9.2%), in accommodation and gastronomy (+ 9.6 %) and in transport and warehousing (+ 9.0%). The nominal salary in healthcare and social services remained under the level of 2021. C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 15

KEY SECTORS

Dates of Milestones in Czech Industry In 2018, we celebrated an important anniversary: 100 years ago, the independent Czechoslovak Republic came into existence. A centenary was also celebrated by the backbone of our current prosperity and the basis of our record-breaking exports – Czechoslovak and Czech industry. 1815 – On 17 September, Josef Božek presented his steam-driven car in Prague Stromovka. 1830 – A puddling furnace was launched at the steelworks of Rudolfova Huť in Vítkovice. This furnace was the first technology of its kind in Austria at that time and made Northern Moravia the steel heart of the Monarchy. 1856 – The Austrian Association for Chemical and Metallurgical Production – Spolek pro chemickou a hutní výrobu – was founded. So the chemical plants in Ústí nad Labem, Pardubice, and Neratovice were in at the birth of the future Spolchemie. 1869 – Emil Škoda bought foundries and machine works in Plzeň and concentrated on the manufacture of technology complexes and iron rolling. He set up a future mechanical-engineering imperium. The Škoda works was the largest arms manufacturer in Austria-Hungary until World War I. 1894 – Tomáš Baťa and his siblings set up the famous Baťa shoe factory. 1895 – Foundation of Laurin & Klement – a company which originally manufactured bicycles of the Slavia brand and, from 1899, also motorbikes. In 1905, it made its first L&K Voiturette automobile, and in 1925 it merged with the Škoda company. 1896 – After his successful American engagement in T.A. Edison´s business, Emil Kolben set up a factory in Vysočany to manufacture machines and equipment for large power plants driven by steam and water. With its production range, his firm was a unique company of that time in a global comparison. 1900 1900 – První Českomoravská továrna na stroje made its first steam locomotive of the 310.0 series. 1907 – Foundation of Praga. From 1911, it was one of the most important truck manufacturers. 1911 – Ringhoffer Works made the first electric locomotive of the E 200.0 series. 1914 – Laurin & Klement car manufacturer acquired the RAF company in Liberec and founded a truck factory, later known as Liaz (1951). 1918 – The new Czechoslovakian Government bet on the development of the aviation indu16 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

stry. The Defence Ministry founded the company called Továrna na letadla (LETOV) in 1919, followed by Aero-továrna létadel with the first aircraft of its own construction – Aero A-1. 1919 – Foundation of Avia, a company for the repair and manufacture of aircraft. In 1929, it merged with the Škoda Group. Foundation of the arms manufacturer called Čs. závody na výrobu zbraní in Brno, later renamed to Československá zbrojovka. Kopřivnice launched the first series of trucks of the Tatra brand. 1921 – The first Letov Šm-1 reconnaissance aircraft and the first Czechoslovak Aero A-10 civil transport aircraft were made. 1922 – The Brněnská zbrojovka arms manufacturer started to manufacture the first ČZ-22 service pistol. 1923 – The Prague company, Walter, started to manufacture worldfamous aircraft engines. 1925 – After 30 years of its existence, the Laurin & Klement company merged with the Škoda Group. 1927 – Foundation of ČKD, the biggest machine works company in Czechoslovakia of that time. 1929 – Messrs. Janeček and Wanderer founded the Jawa brand. 1934 – In Tábor, Brita company – present-day Brisk – was founded, to become one of the five biggest manufacturers of ignition coils in the world. 1936 – In Kunovice, the construction started of the aircraft manufacturing plant of the LET brand. 1946 – Foundation of Avia truck manufacturer. 1947 – A team of Czech engineers invented the air jet loom; four years later, the water jet loom. 1950 1953 – The first indestructible Praga V3S military vehicle was launched. 1954 – A prototype of the modern Škoda Spartak passenger car appeared. 1959 – Barum started to manufacture tubeless tyres; test pilots were testing the new LF 29 aircraft and Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod manufactured its famous Sa-58 submachine gun, which was in the arsenal of the Czechoslovak and other armies for many years. 1964 – The assembly line of the new plant in Mladá Boleslav released the first Škoda 1000 MB passenger car. 1968 – The successful L-39 Albatros trainer aircraft took off. 1975 – Beginning of the manufacture of the world-famous CZ 75 pistol in Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod. Since 2011, the CZ 805 BREN assault rifle has been made there. 1997 – Škoda made the first “Astra” tram of the Škoda 03T series. 2000 2005 – Liberec Technical University started to manufacture machinery for non-woven textiles from Nanospider nanofiber materials. 2017 – Nanopharma made the first artificial thymus gland, to assist patients after surgery to strengthen their immunity. 2018 – In August, the assembly line of Škoda Auto in Kvasiny released the millionth SUV.

Taken from the Český exportér magazine, a supplement of the Hospodářské Noviny newspaper and Ekonom weekly, released in association with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic and the CzechTrade Agency. Edited by: František Kotrba, Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Czech Mechanical Engineering – Both the Tradition and the Future Mechanical Engineering is definitely one of the most important sectors of the Czech economy. It is of crucial importance both for GDP generation, for the foreign trade balance, and for employment. Competitive Mechanical Engineering attracts foreign investors. And the R+D support is essential for the maintenance and enhancement of its level. The sector encompasses the Czech production of a wide range of machinery, components and accessories usable in most segments of the manufacturing industry and in other sectors such as agriculture, transport, forestry, metalworking, metallurgy, mining, textile industry, paper industry, food industry, and construction sector. HISTORY

In Bohemia, the industry has a very long and valued tradition. Its origin dates back to the 16th century, to the era of Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia. He was fascinated by the sciences and the arts. In Prague, he hosted many masters of various arts and crafts, including chemistry, the processing and fabrication of glass, precious metals and stones. During his reign, the first blast furnace in Bohemia was already put into operation in 1595. This triggered quite a vast and continuous production of iron on our territory. Actual industrial development started in the 18th century. And in the early 19th century, the industrial and technical revolution took over in complete form and at full blast. In 1803, the symbol of the whole Industrial Revolution – the steam engine – also appeared in Bohemia. Heavy industry was on the rise. And the most important sector of the whole Czech industry – Mechanical Engineering – was born. The very first modern factory producing machines was the

one established in 1821 in Šlapanice near Brno. An important innovation of that time was electrical energy. The most significant era, from the viewpoint of the present Czech Republic, was the late 19th century, when the first automobiles came into existence. The first Czech automobile with a combustion engine was manufactured in 1897 in the Kopřivnice factory and was called “President”. In the period between the World Wars, Czechoslovakia was regarded as one of the ten top global players in Mechanical Engineering! The rapid development after World War II was influenced both by the international and the internal situation of the country. Mechanical Engineering became the fundamental sector for the industrialisation of less developed regions.

PRESENT TIMES

Mechanical Engineering in the Czech Republic is one of the pillars of Czech industry. General Mechanical Engineering – the manufacture of machinery and equipment – employs almost 115 000 highly qualified professionals, who

The late 19 th century was shaped by the rollout of new technologies – the combustion engine and electrical systems. In this connection, that era is sometimes referred to as the Second Industrial or Science and Technical Revolution. Most important personalities of that era included Josef Ressel, inventor of the propeller, the Veverka cousins, who invented the revolutionary “ruchadlo” plough, which cut, lifted and turned soil upside down by means of a curved plate, and Viktor Kaplan, professor at Brno University, who invented the water turbine. A personality of outstanding significance was František Křižík – the “Czech Edison”. This inventor, electro engineer and entrepreneur, invented, among other things, the electric arc lamp, improved the security system of the railways, established the first Czech power plants and, in 1881, put into operation the first electrified tramline in Prague. In 1903, he built the first electrified railway on the route from Bechyně to Tábor. František Křižík Author: Ignác Šechtl; Šechtl and Voseček archives

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 17

KEY SECTORS

18 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

An important segment of Czech Mechanical Engineering is the manufacture, repair, and modernisation of rolling stock. In the Czech Republic, there are manufacturers of all kinds of rolling stock, including Metro trains, trams and trolleybuses. The aircraft industry is one of the top segments in Mechanical Engineering. Using state-of-the-art materials, it is becoming an initiator of technical progress in many other branches. An important position is held by the manufacture of jet trainer aircraft and light combat aircraft, regional aircraft, trainer and sport aeroplanes, gliders, aircraft components, and, last but not least, the manufacture of ultralight aircraft. In the Czech Republic, there are also manufacturers of riverboats and short-sea ships, sport boats, yachts, motorcycles, and bicycles. Czech production also includes hot-air balloons. And what is also worth mentioning, is the Czech Space Programme. Czech Mechanical Engineering also includes the manufacture of equipment for industry and for the construction sector, the manufacture and repair of steam and water turbines, pumps, and compressors. The Czech Republic is also a producer of machine tools and electrical hand tools, the quality of which is ranked top in the global comparison.

EXPORTS

Czech Mechanical Engineering is traditionally an important export sector. Eighty to ninety per cent of its production are exported. In the exports of goods, products of Mechanical Engineering are the source of the highest added value and are some of the best export-competitive Czech goods. In terms of the territorial structure of foreign trade, the largest business partner of the Czech Republic is traditionally Germany, followed by the UK, France, Slovakia, Poland, and Spain. The Czech Republic is also the only one of the CEE countries to be a member of the prestigious association of CECIMO (European Committee for Cooperation in the Machine-Tool Industry).

Photo: © Siemens – Archive

are the most precious assets of the whole sector. General Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest employers of all Czech industrial sectors. Its manufacturing base, which is a guarantee for the permanent improvement and expansion of the product portfolio, comprises more than 6 700 companies, the production portfolios of which include a very wide range of articles of Mechanical Engineering. Mechanical Engineering is scattered all over the Republic. It often follows the metallurgical industry. That is why we encounter plenty of machine works in the Ostrava Region, where heavy industry is dominant. Heavy Mechanical Engineering manufactures articles with a high weight and large dimensions, such as parts of ships, large aircraft, mining, and metallurgical technology. On the contrary, light Mechanical Engineering produces machine tools, means of transport such as automobiles and smaller vessels and numerous other smaller machines, used e.g. in the textile industry. The Czech Republic has always been one of the leading manufacturers of means of transport and, with its tradition in the manufacture of automobiles and its suitable location, is an attractive country for investment. Moreover, this sector of the Czech economy is experiencing a long-term growth of revenues and labour productivity. An absolutely dominant position in the manufacture of means of transport is held by the manufacture of passenger cars, followed by the manufacture of buses and trucks.

Exports of machinery and means of transport from the Czech Republic in 2021 in breakdown by articles (SITC 7) Article Code

Article

Stat. Value EUR (thousands)

Machinery and Power Generating Equipment

3 875 630

Machinery for Certain Sectors of Industry

5 304 381

Metalworking Machines

General Purpose Machinery Used in Industry, Not Elsewhere Classified

12 748 969

Office Machines and Equipment for Automating Data Processing

14 736 864

Equipment for Telecommunications and Sound Recording and Reproduction

13 536 016

Electrical Equipment, Devices and Household Appliances, Not Elsewhere Classified

20 145 725

Road Vehicles

34 430 997

Other Transport Equipment

1 398 501

909 199

Source: Czech Statistical Office

FUTURE

A new challenge for the years to come, not only in the area of employment and education, is comprised in the “Industry 4.0” initiative. The world was changed when the steam engine and electricity had been invented. Now it is being changed by tech-

nologies, and not only in communications. For this reason, the government of the Czech Republic is going to endeavour to create an adequate environment in which it will be possible for industrial enterprises and the social milieu to develop and succeed in the new digital world. This means, in particular, to build a data and communications infrastructure, to reset the educational system, to implement new instruments on the labour market, to adapt the social milieu, and to set up a system of fiscal assistance to firms coping with investment in advanced technologies and know-how. For example, what will the work of a lathe operator be like in 15 years? Will he normally work in a workshop with a machine in protective clothing? Or will he operate the machine by means of remote control via a computer, which will be able to give exact instructions and optimise the consumption of materials and energies and ultimately make the production most cost-effective? The philosophy of Industry 4.0 opens up unprecedented opportunities and those who are able to utilise them will succeed in the new era. Source: www.businessinfo.cz, www.mpo.cz, www.czso.cz

Czech Defence and Security Industry

One of Top-Ranking Defence and Security Industries in the World With its almost 200-year history, the Czech defence industry is one of our traditional sectors and a showcase of our production. In the last decade, the volume of the exports of weapons, ammunition, and accessories increased more than four times. Together with exports of other defence industry production, such as planes, helicopters, services in the area of training, radars, gears, security software etc., the exports total about CZK 25 billion per year. At the same time, this is a sector with dominantly Czech capital, producing extremely technically-advanced articles with a high added value and demands on a highly qualified workforce with lifelong training. Due to the limited possibilities of purchases from domestic customers, it was always necessary for Czech manufacturers rather to turn to foreign markets. This is still true – now exports account for more than 90 % of the Czech production for the defence and security industry. With its research and development and resulting innovations, and the subsequent transfer of know-how to civilian sectors, the Czech defence industry significantly participates in the enhancement of the reputation of the Czech Republic abroad. Now already, Czech firms operate on numerous close and distant markets and it is evident that, thanks

to the quality and competitiveness of their products, they are actually able to succeed anywhere in the world, even on the most demanding markets. In spite of the complicated situation in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, several important business missions abroad were undertaken in 2020. Czech firms already presented themselves traditionally at the DEFEXPO defence exhibition in India and at the IADE trade fair in Tunisia. In addition, the quality of the Czech defence and security industry was also demonstrated to foreign partners at some incoming missions that took place. Ambitions of the Czech defence industry have been soaring in recent years. Both wellestablished companies and start-ups are increasingly focusing on “emerging techC z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 19

KEY SECTORS

64th MSV INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING FAIR 10–13/10/2023

BRNO CZECH REPUBLIC

MSV 2023

nologies”, such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, robotics, and space research. And they are not only functioning as some sub-suppliers of components for big supranational consortia. Domestic private entities, in collaboration with research institutes, are developing and constructing on their own unmanned aerial and terrestrial vehicles and, for example, satellites. What is also very promising is the segment of experimental laser technologies. Thanks to the development of these sectors with a high added value, Czech firms also have the possibility to be engaged in international projects and to demonstrate in this way that the systems developed in Czechia are usable within wider applications, for example, for the needs of the EU and NATO.

WEAPONS AND AMMUNITION

This is a segment with a strong tradition dating back to the beginnings of the Czech or Czechoslovakian statehood. First fiddle is played here by hand-held firearms, such as rifles, submachine guns and pistols, followed by infantry support sets, such as mortars. As 20 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

far as ammunition is concerned, this is especially small-bore and medium-bore ammunition and grenades, whether hand grenades or mechanically launched grenades.

TANKS, ARMOURED TRUCKS AND TRANSPORTERS

The development and manufacture of armoured vehicles in Czechia was on the rise especially in the 1920s and 1930s. After World War II, the Czech design bureau was declining and replaced by the transfer of production from the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, in the period of the Cold War, Czechoslovakia preserved its own capacities, besides the Soviet licensed production, modernisation and repairs. It included, for example, the OT-64 SKOT armoured transporter. And global reputation has been enjoyed by the specialised and cargo vehicles of the Tatra brand, which are technologically unique.

AERONAUTICAL PRODUCTS

The aeronautical segment is one of the Czech industrial branches with a long-standing tradition. It maintains its unique character and reputation worldwide, whether with trainer aircraft, light combat aircraft or transport aircraft. In addition, the Czech aeronautical segment manufactures components for aircraft and helicopters and often works as a subcontractor for leading global players on the market, such as Boeing, Airbus, and Sikorsky. A significant part of the contracts are the services of repairs, maintenance and modernisation of aeronautical products.

SYSTEMS OF COMMAND, CONTROL AND COMMUNICATION

Systems of command, control and communication, known also under the abbreviation C2, are becoming increasingly important in the information age of today. As the famous saying goes, “there can be no command or control without contact”. In the Czech Republic, we find several companies engaged in the development and integration of the systems of command and control. At the same time, the Czech industry has its own capacity for the development and production of communication technology, although by global comparison, this is not a very large capacity.

SECURITY TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES

Security technology is useful to various customers, including households, private security agencies, security and rescue corps, corporates, and, last but not least, defence forces. The Czech Republic offers a relatively wide range of such type of services and technical equipment, e.g. camera surveillance systems, building automation, central security boards, and sophisticated fire-fighting systems for infrastructure or vehicles.

OBSERVATION AND MARK-UP DEVICES

Reconnaissance and information gathering are the cornerstone of the activity of armed forces in respect of potential threats. At the same time, observation and reconnaissance are important to many civilian sectors, such as meteorology, forestry, agriculture, mining, etc. What is very popular at present is the application of unmanned aerial vehicles, in combination with advanced observation technology such as multifunctional cameras and sensors.

MEANS OF TREATMENT AND REPAIRS OF THE ARSENAL

Maintenance, repairs, and modernisation are very important to the Czech defence industry, no matter whether this is a case of State-owned enterprises or private companies. In both cases, Czech entities can use their vast experience of the former Soviet arsenal

THE DEFENCE AND SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC (DSIA) affiliates companies involved in the research, development, manufacture, trade, and marketing of defence and security equipment, materials, and services. It is a non-governmental, independent, apolitical, non-profit, and non-business organisation, which was already founded in 1997. At present, the DSIA has more than 130 members. Already since its foundation it has been a respected and recognised partner of the government of the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Defence Ministry, the Home and Foreign Affairs Ministry, with which it has signed many cooperation agreements. The DSIA has also become an important partner and participant in legisla-

and, at the same time, are able to implement and integrate the current contemporary systems and work out their own solutions.

VEHICLES FOR TRAINING OF MILITARY AND POLICE PROFESSIONALS

Training vehicles and simulators are supplied by providers of the training courses for pilots and ground staff on their own simulators. In addition, the Czech Republic has a wide range of manufacturers of training aids, components and mock-up infrastructure for the construction of training premises, which can modularly be adapted to the specific needs of the customer.

SECURITY AND PROTECTION OF PERSONS

In this category, the top level in the global comparison is achieved especially in the segment of means of protection against weapons of mass destruction and gear components, uniforms, and textiles.

RADARS AND RADIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEMS

The Czech segment of radars and radio technology is definitely one of the most significant, both by its tradition and the unique character and quality of the technologies. This fact is proven by the important and long-term success abroad. Some companies in this segment acquire customers worldwide and their unique technology has ranked high globally in the long run.

tive processes. The DSIA is the main checkpoint for foreign partners and it acts as a platform for the meeting of Czech and foreign companies and also collaborates with numerous similarly focused associations in Europe and worldwide. It represents the Czech Republic in the NATO Industrial Advisory Group (NIAG) and is active in bodies of the ASD European association, which is the voice of European Aeronautics, Space, Defence, and Security industries. Source: www.aobp.cz

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 21

Czech Energy Sector – Among the Top Global Exporters The energy sector is one of the most important sectors in the Czech Republic. Its strength is based not only on many years of continuous development, sophisticated use of geographically available sources, development and manufacture of machinery used in the energy sector, but also on the self-sufficiency of the Czech Republic in the production of electric energy and heat. The Czech Republic regularly ranks among the top global exporters of electricity.

22 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

Share of Specific Sources in Production of Electricity in the CR Source Type

Other

0.10

Waste Processing

0.20

Wind Power Plants

0.80

Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Stations

1.50

Solar Power Plants

2.80

Other RES

3.00

Hydro-power Plants

3.10

Biomass

3.10

Black Coal

3.20

Gas Sources

10.40

Brown Coal

35.10

Nuclear Power Plants

36.60

Total

90.90

Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade, www.oenergetice.cz, www.businessinfo.cz, www.eru.cz, www.cez.cz

Photo: © Siemens – Archive

VISION FOR THE NEXT 25 YEARS

The actual summary of the development, assessment and visions of this sector for the future is provided in the document entitled “Updated State Energy Policy (ASEK)” dated 2015, valid for the next 25 years. Primary objectives are especially the following: a well-balanced mix of primary energy sources and sources of electricity production, based on their wide portfolio, effective use of all available domestic energy sources, enhancement of the energy efficiency of the national economy; development of the network infrastructure of the CR in the context of CEE countries, strengthening of the international collaboration and integration of energy and gas markets in the region, creation of effective and operational common energy policy of the EU, support for research, development and innovations, providing the competitiveness

of the Czech energy sector, support for the educational sector, focused on the necessity of generational renewal and enhancement of the quality of the technical brainpower in the energy sector, and, last but not least, the enhancement of the energy security and resistance of the CR and strengthening of the ability to provide necessary supplies of energies in case of cumulation of failures, multiple attacks against the critical infrastructure, and long-term crises in fuel supplies.

Škoda Power

We think of the future We are a forward-looking company providing complete power-engineering solutions tailored to our customers' needs.

Driven by innovation, inspired by change, committed to clean energy.

Today, every day www.doosanskodapower.com

CZECH ENERGY SECTOR AND THE WORLD

The Czech energy sector has an excellent reputation and, with its products, is one of the best in the world. It can offer excellent quality at a favourable price. Competitive Asian firms combine their power plants with European and US technologies. So, also in this respect, there is an opportunity to succeed in the supply chain with Czech sub-supplies. The competition offering lower prices can be beaten by Czech firms with offers of new products, and especially with consulting services on energy sector issues. Czech firms participate in constructions of power plants and deliveries of related products almost everywhere in the world. No matter whether this is a case of nuclear, thermal, hydro- or solar-power plants. Let´s mention some examples: A Czech company is going to take part in deliveries of the equipment for the control of protective systems for the Armenian power plant, Metsamor, A steam turbine from Plzeň will be applied on the Indonesian island of Java. The export of the Czech turbine is part of a wider project – the overall extension of the Grati power plant, involving numerous firms from various countries, Another Czech company engaged in designing, construction, and operation of solar power plants in Europe and Latin America, is just finishing the construction of four solar power plants in Chile, with the total capacity of 31.4 MW. The approximate value of the completed power plants will be about CZK 660 million. The power plants are situated in the region of Central Chile around the capital city of Santiago. At present, all the power plants are already

connected to the distribution network and are in the final stages of their completion. By 2023, the Czech company wants to have built at least 110 MW of photovoltaics at USD 85 million (approximately CZK 1.8 billion). Other localities of the photovoltaic parks built include the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Romania. In the Czech hydropower plant sector, there are several companies building hydropower plants not only in Europe, but also in Africa and South America. They include both projects on a greenfield site and the reconstruction and development of hydropower plants.

CZECH KNOW-HOW

The Czech Republic, together with the USA and China, are the only three countries that can boast of vast know-how regarding the application of salt technologies in the nuclear power sector. A relatively little-known fact is that a new project for the future is being born by Czech-American collaboration. The rollout of small nuclear reactors is expected in approximately 10 years. Small solar reactors have numerous advantages over the current ones – greater safety, effectivity, and flexibility. C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 23

KEY SECTORS

www.wabag.cz VA TECH WABAG Brno spol. s r.o. Železná 492/16, 619 00 Brno Czech Republic Tel.: +420 545 427 711 Fax: +420 545 427 736 E-mail: wabag@wabag.cz

VA TECH WABAG Brno spol. s r. o. SUPPLIER OF COMPLETE WATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY Sphere of activity: Industrial waste water treatment plant Drinking water treatment plant Industrial water treatment plant Power plants water solutions Technology proposals Design works

INSPIRED BY KAPLAN The power sector has always attracted top engineers, who are trying to keep moving this sector ahead. The Czech footprint was and still remains significant in this regard. Apparently the most important invention created on the Czech territory was the Kaplan turbine, which is used in hydropower plants all over the world today. Hydro-power plants worldwide use the Kaplan turbine – a turbine developed by Viktor Kaplan. Kaplan was Austrian, but he created most of his significant inventions, including this turbine, in Brno, as a professor at the local German Technical University. He developed and constructed

NUCLEAR TOP Global respect is also enjoyed by Czechia in the nuclear power sector and research. The first research reactor was already started up in the Nuclear Research Institute in Řež in 1957, which made Czechoslovakia the ninth country in a row to master the fission chain reaction. Czech nuclear research has its finger on the pulse of the future of the sector. Thanks to the good reputa-

24 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

the original type of propeller hydro-turbine already before World War I. He designed its blades to be narrower and in a lower number, in order to reduce friction, and with the rotating mechanism in the runner, he maintained its high efficiency even with a lower flow. Whereas the current Francis turbines achieve a speed of approx. 400 revolutions per minute, the Kaplan turbine could achieve double that speed. The first Kaplan turbine was put into operation in 1919 at a cotton mill in Velm, Austria. In Bohemia, it was used for the first time at the power plant in Poděbrady in 1921. Today, the Kaplan turbine is the most popular type in large hydro-power plants on rivers with high flows and (mostly) low heads. Absolutely the highest discharge, i.e. the flow of water under certain circumstances, is achieved by Kaplan turbines at the hydropower plant in Gabčíkovo, South Slovakia: 636 cu.m, with the head of 12.88 to 24.20 metres.

tion of researchers and developers of the Nuclear Research Institute and its subsidiary, Centrum výzkumu Řež (CVŘ), the Czech Republic was given the opportunity to design and realise the assembly of the unique hot chambers of the Jules Horowitz Reactor in France. The useful life of most research reactors operated in the European Union ends after 2020 (the reactors in Řež will be phased out in approximately 2027) and Jules Horowitz will assume a part of their research. In exchange for the delivery of the hot chambers, the Czech Republic gained access to a part of its research measurement capacity.

Food Industry of the CR – Hidden Potential The Czech food industry is not the core of Czech exports, but some trends in the development of this sector indicate that its potential for export is growing. Such trends include the consistent and thorough control of quality, the respect for tradition, the application of the latest research results and state-of-the-art technologies in the production process and, last but not least, the development of technological, organisational, and product innovations. We believe that the Czech food industry has plenty to offer the world. EXPORTED ARTICLES

What accounts for the vast majority of the exported articles of this sector are raw materials – grain, dried milk, malt, coffee, colza oil, fodder crop, bakery products, chocolate and cocoa preparations, food preparations, beer, sugar, cheeses, and quark.

FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGIES

In recent years, manufacturers of food and agricultural technologies and machinery have also been successful. Exports of these technologies have headed to Belarus, Russia, Georgia, as well as Albania, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Uruguay, and Ethiopia. Foreign companies in Czechia are enquiring about the purchase of equipment for bakeries, breweries, mini-breweries, dairies, and cheese production. Other exported products of Czech firms include vegetable oil press machines, smokehouse equipment, vegetable packing lines, beverage processing and packing lines, meat processing equipment, and technologies for seed and grain processing. Deliveries of agricultural technologies and capital goods are also successful. Czech firms abroad are also building brand-new breweries and supplying technologies for the production of raw materials for brewing. The biggest contract has been one for the construction of a brewery in Ethiopia, which was completed in February 2017. The ZVU POTEZ machine works, based in Hradec Králové, has delivered complete technologies, including construction work and spare parts, worth more than CZK 764 million, for a modern plant of the Raya Breweries company.

CZECH PRODUCERS

Food producers in the CR are associated in the Federation of the Food and Drink Industries of the Czech Republic (FFDI), established in 2001. At present, the Federation has more than 170 members, whom it represents to authorities of the CR and the EU, and to global organisations. Priorities of this institution in terms of the market are clear: support for production quality, regional brands, and local producers. One of the methods for these objectives to be pursued are awards of national food product quality labels, such as “KLASA” (“Top Class“), “Regionální potravina“ (“Regional Food Product”), and “Český výrobek“ (“Czech Product”), guaranteed by the Federation of the Food and Drink Industries of the Czech Republic, which are labels that guarantee the food quality. The European Designation of Origin as a certification of outstanding products is a similar tool.

BREWING

Brewing has a long-standing tradition on the territory of the Czech Republic. Břevnov Monastery in Prague, which was founded in 993, has the oldest documented Czech tradition of brewing. Czech beer and brewing are world-renowned. The same is true for Czech brewmasters, who are indispensable to every brewery. Our brewmasters have worked on all continents, except for Antarctica. They have even brewed beer in places like Rapa Nui on Easter Island. Czech brewmasters have a global reputation as experienced experts, able to produce beer not only of the Czech type, but also according to local requirements. Although this profession is rather a masculine domain, beer in the Philippines has also been brewed by a Czech female Master. Lots of Czech brewmasters also work abroad as supervisors of the licensed production of Czech Beer. “Czech Beer” is a protected geographical indication awarded within the European Union, the purpose of which is to maintain the good reputation and quality of the beer produced on the territory of the Czech Republic. The purpose of the entry in the “Register of Protected Indications of Origin” is to protect the tradition of Czech brewing, brewing technology, beer quality, and to prevent imitations of Czech Beer being produced that may be passed off as Czech Beer and abuse its unique properties. Another reason for the protected indication is to avoid situations that a product made in the Czech Republic applying non-traditional methods, or by traditional methods abroad, is passed off as Czech Beer. Although “Czech Beer” is a phenomenon under which every foreigner imagines similar beverages, specific brands differ from each other in taste and in production technology. A lager alone can be produced in many ways, each brewery using their own recipe, a different time and temperature of fermentation, a different place where the fermentation takes place, and a different fermentation type. Besides the large, world-famous breweries, the Czech Republic has about 400 mini-breweries and their number keeps growing. C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 25

KEY SECTORS The biggest importers of our beer are Slovakia, Germany, and Poland. And as far as countries outside the EU are concerned, the main importers are Russia, Korea, and the USA.

traditional markets, where people merely associate the Czech Republic with beer and sportspersons. Most Czech wines head to Slovakia and Poland, and to other countries of the European Union.

VINICULTURE

At present, the Czech food industry is experiencing a recovery and a higher progressivity after a period of stagnation. Our greatest wish is that this development will continue and gain in strength, so that Czech products and technologies will penetrate global markets to a higher extent and that Czech quality will generally become recognised and well known.

Wines from the Czech Republic are also increasing their export potential. In Europe, they maintain their good reputation and can beat traditional champions in international contests. In addition, they also have the ambition of penetrating non-

PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION

ořice Tubes – rolled wafers, the manufacture H of which began in Hořice in 1812, when Napoleon’s chef reportedly divulged the recipe, making them readily available. Lomnice Biscuits – unlike dietary biscuits, these are sweet slices; in 1927, they gained the highest award for a food product at the World Exhibition in Paris. Pardubice Gingerbread – honey pastry, manufactured in Pardubice since the 14th century. Beer from Chodová Planá – brewed by the Chodovar Brewery. It owes its unique taste to mineralised water and storage in 800-year-old cellars. Karlovy Vary Wafers – a unique product linked with Karlovy Vary, made with local thermal water and salt. Beer from České Budějovice – The right to use the geographical indication “České Budějovice Beer”, “Budějovice Beer” and “Budějovice Burghers’ Brew” was established in 2004. The “České Budějovice Beer” trademark is used by Budějovice Budvar; the indication “Budějovice Burghers’ Brew” belongs to Budějovice Burghers’ Brewery and both breweries may use the name “Budějovice Beer”. Štramberk Ears – Special bakery product made of flour, sugar, eggs, water, baking powder, spices, and honey or caramel. The dough is rolled out into small circular scones, which are rolled up into the shape of cones after baking. Třeboň Carp – Třeboň Carp have very good meat, with a minimum content of fat and a specific taste. Cereals are used for their fattening. The “Třeboň Carp” indication has been used for more than 100 years. Všestary Onions – The conditions in Všestary and its environs are ideal for onion growing. Všestary Onions are exceptional for their high iron content (about 25 % more than other onions) and they contain practically no noxious agents. Czech Beer – To obtain the “Czech Beer” designation, the beer must meet three conditions: be brewed on the territory of the Czech Republic, use traditional raw materials and exclusive traditional technologies. Two-phase fermentation – the main fermentation process must be

26 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

EXPECTATIONS, OBJECTIVES

separated from maturation – is also a condition. atec Hops – This protected indication only applies to semi-early red Ž fine-aroma Žatec Hops cultivated in the Žatec hop-growing region, which is situated in a “rain shadow”. The climatic conditions, together with the geographical position and soil composition, combine to create ideal conditions for hop cultivation. Žatec Hops have been cultivated in the traditional region for more than 1 000 years. Pohořelice Carp – South Bohemia has the Třeboň Carp, South Moravia the Pohořelice Carp. The entire production process, from swabbing to growth to feeding, takes place exclusively in the fishpond area around Pohořelice. The fish feed on natural food from the ponds; additional feeding with cereals takes place at certain times of the year, with granules being used only exceptionally. Novošice Sauerkraut – The specific properties of Novošice Sauerkraut, which distinguish it from other sauerkrauts, are given by the locality in which they are grown, and by the original recipe. The cabbage is first sliced, salted, and flavoured with caraway and mustard seed, after which it is placed in vats. There it is treaded as in olden times. This is followed by a 6-day fermentation. The result is golden yellow sauerkraut, with its typical acid to finely bitter taste, which has a high C-vitamin content. Czech Caraway Seed – Czech Caraway Seed is much in demand on world markets, where it enjoys high acclaim. Three caraway seed varieties cultivated in the Přibyslav region – Record, Prochan, and Kepron – are valued especially for their typical aroma. Caraway seeds began to appear in the Vysočina Region about 150 years ago. Currently, caraway is grown in the whole of the Czech Republic on about 1 600 hectares. Chamomilla Bohemica – This Latin name is the protected geographical indication assigned by the EU to the blossom of wild chamomile grown in Bohemia. Unlike chamomile from other areas, it has a higher content of the main agent responsible for chamomile’s anti-inflammatory effect. Chelčice-Lhenice Fruit – fruit of the temperate zone, intended for both direct consumption and canning, comprising kernel and stone fruit, and small fruit. The flavour of the fruit is full, sparkling, with a large scale of fruit elements and a long-lasting taste on the tongue. The specific properties of this fruit (such as freshness and compactness) in both aroma and taste are due to the local conditions (mainly the difference between day and night temperatures during ripening time and also morning mists in the cultivation areas). Olomouc Stinky Cheese – this is a ripening cheese made from skimmed milk. Its production is concentrated traditionally in the Haná region, where it has been made since the 15th century. Today its production is linked with the small town of Loštice, where this type of cheese has been produced since 1876 by the firm A.W., named after its founder, Alois Wessels. A complete updated list can be found at: http://eagri.cz/public/web/mze/potraviny/znacky-kvality-potravin/ chranena-zemepisna-oznaceni/

WWW.KOVOBEL.CZ

THE CZECH REPUBLIC IS THE WORLD LEADER IN THE PRODUCTION AND EXPORT OF FOOD POPPY The biggest importers of our poppy are mainly countries of Eastern Europe. A part of our poppy production heads also to the Baltic States and to Belarus. Large importers of our poppy are also Austria and Germany, and a relatively big quantity of the food poppy is re-exported, mostly to the USA and Canada.

Photo: pixabay.com

According to Václav Lohr, consultant of the Czech Blue Poppy Association, the Czech Republic is the biggest producer of food poppy in the world. On average, our country produces about 27 000 tonnes of poppy per year, 85 % of which are exported. The value of the exported poppy is about CZK 1 billion per annum. In terms of exports, the poppy outperforms our best-known article, hops, the export of which amounts to CZK 800-900 million per annum.

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 27

KEY SECTORS

Czech Railway Industry Exports over Half of Its Production The present successful advancement of railway transport was enabled thanks to more than 200 years of traditional development of the Czech railway industry. The former ČKD and ŠKODA plants, together with a range of other manufacturers, have always been at the top of their professions. The quality of their products is reflected in their high exports. This long-standing tradition is successfully linked to the present representatives of the Czech railway industry, who do not rely only on tradition but invest significantly in the development of new products, in the purchase of high-tech technologies and the renewal of production areas. This technological innovation is necessary to ensure the competitiveness of this industrial branch. A highly competitive and stable industry, that is resilient towards the economic difficulties associated with the current pandemic situation – just as can be translated into the economic results, achieved last year by companies associated in the Association of Czech Railway Industry (ACRI). In 2021, ACRI members achieved a turnover of approximately EUR 3.5 billion. “The share of exports is very significant, reaching 56 per cent in 2021. It proves that Czech companies offer innovative and competitive

products and services in this demanding sector”, says Marie Vopálenská, CEO of ACRI. “The stability of the industry is proving to be a very important factor in maintaining employment, especially in today‘s difficult times. And of course, it is important for the country‘s economic indicators – according to an analysis prepared by Deloitte, Czech companies operating in the railway industry create an added value of approximately EUR 1.2 billion. If we include indirect and induced effects, it is almost EUR 2.1 billion, which represents 1.5 per cent of the Czech Republic‘s GDP.”

100 000 90 000 80 000 70 000 60 000 50 000 40 000 30 000 20 000 10 000 0

2016

2017

2018

Turnover CZK mil.

2019

2020

Export CZK mil.

Employees

2021

At the same time, the whole sector has great growth potential – shortly before the current coronavirus crisis, the European Commission introduced the so-called Green Deal for Europe, a package of measures to ensure a smooth transition to a sustainable and green economy for Europe. Significant investments in ecological transport are also directly related to this. The European Union emphasizes the role of rail transport in the Green Deal – its development and support are key to the plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transport by 90 per cent by 2050. The year 2021 became the European Year of Railway. The European Union places great emphasis on ecology, a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint and climate neutrality, and therefore intends to support the strengthening of the role of rail transport. And investments in this area of railway should be at the forefront in the Czech Republic as well. Marie Vopálenská, General Director, ACRI www.acri.cz

28 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

Photo: ACRI archives, AŽD archives

Source: ACRI analysis

SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS OF CZECH COMPANIES ACRI members export their high quality products and services especially to the member states of the European Union, the Balkan countries, Türkiye, and Russia. Their products, such as train control systems, locomotives and tramcars, are of the highest European standards. The Czech railway industry is at the top among European manufacturers, and Czech companies are in a position to compete on the international scene. Worth mentioning among its export achievements is the recent contract for the delivery of electric units from ŠKODA Transportation to Germany, Türkiye, Finland, or Hungary, and the delivery of tramcars from the same manufacturer to a number of European and non-European cities; AŽD Praha is modernising railways in Slovakia, the Balkans and Türkiye, rails from TŘINECKÉ ŽELEZÁRNY delivered to European countries, while railway wheels from Bonatrans can be found serving practically all over the world, and the same is true of anti-friction bearings from ZKL. ŠKODA Transportation will supply 80 modern tramcars for the Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr transport company. Czech Railways ordered 50 super modern express vehicles from the SIEMENS-SKODA consortium. ŠKODA will supply 7 six-carriage trains to Saint Petersburg Metro via OOO VAGONMAŠ, part of the Škoda Transportation Group. Škoda Transportation, in consortium with ŽOS Trnava, have won the tender to supply up to 25 electric units to Slovak Railways (ZSSK). The Slovak company will receive state-of-the-art single-decker RegioPanter units. Transtech Oy, a subsidiary of Škoda Transportation, will supply 10 ForCity Smart Artic trams to the Finnish City of Helsinki. AŽD Praha has equipped the 13.3 km-long loop at the Velim Test Centre with ETCS Level 2. Also completed is the first commercial project for the installation of the ETCS L2 on the section Kolin–Břeclav– state border of the Czech Republic with the Slovak Republic and Austria. The ETCS L2 project on the Petrovice u Karviné–Břeclav section is under construction, and work on the Česká Třebová–Přerov section has recently been completed. AŽD Praha is collaborating on various projects in Türkiye, for example, on the modernisation of the Istanbul Metro, for which AŽD supplied the signalling systems and carried out the upgrade of railway crossing safety devices. It also supplied components for more than 260 railway crossings, and traffic control and information systems for Izmir. AŽD PRAHA is completing the delivery of its signalling system to Montenegro. GHH-BONATRANS, premium supplier of railway wheelsets and their parts, a company with a history of more than 200 years with delivery footprints in more than 80 countries globally, represents an impres-

sive part of the history of wheelset design and manufacture. Generations of genuine experts continuously contribute to the development of wheelsets. Respecting the past but looking ahead, the pioneers of wheelset manufacture produce premium solutions for railways worldwide. ŠKODA ELECTRIC offers the development, production and integration of propulsion and control systems for various rail vehicles, i.e. underground railways, locomotives, EMUs, lowfloor trams, trolleybuses and battery vehicles for environmentally friendly public transport. Škoda Electric also has experience with PMSM motors, SiC semiconductors, TCMS and system integration, and is a reliable partner and technology leader in the field of propulsion systems for rail vehicles. AMiT is a supplier of industrial electronics and reliable solutions for public and mass transportation, industrial automation and building automation. AMiT Transportation is one of the most important players in Central Europe in the development and production of control systems for transportation, mainly for railways and rolling stock. DAKO-CZ is a traditional manufacturer of braking systems and components for railway vehicles. It has important contracts with leading world rolling stock manufacturers, including Siemens and Stadler. Another important customer of DAKO-CZ is Tatravagónka Poprad, co-owner of the Třemošnice manufacturer. Besides train brakes, DAKO-CZ also supplies braking systems and components for underground railway trains and tramcars. UP to 70 % of the company´s production goes for export. For example, it has made another delivery of braking systems for LHB carriages to the Indian customer, ESCORTS. DAKO-CZ has been in the Indian market since 2006. Its exports began to grow meaningfully in 2015.

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 29

CZECH FOOTPRINTS

Global Player in the Electric Heating Systems Market The Czech firm, Fenix, is one of the largest European manufacturers of electric heating systems, as well as an important exporter. The company exports its products to more than 70 countries across 5 continents and was ranked first in the “Large Company” category in the 2020 Czech Exporters’ Awards Competition. Its core business is the manufacture and sale of electric heating systems, with ECOFILM floor and ceiling heating foils, heating cables, cable mats and ECOFLOOR antifreeze systems, ECOSUN radiant heating panels, and recently also HES battery storage facilities for household and industrial use as the backbone of the group´s production programme. The firm, which started as a small garage workshop making electric radiant panels, has become an important player in the market with a turnover of more than CZK 2.1 billion. In addition, this is a company which can justifiably serve as an example of showing the usefulness of including the younger generation in the company management. For the whole duration of its existence, the company´s head has been the father, Cyril Svozil, Director and owner of the holding. His daughter, Kateřina Jezerská, has several years behind her of successful employment in the position of Executive Director of the Spanish affiliation of CEILHIT. Since January 2017, she has been Director of Fenix Trading s.r.o., generating the highest revenue among the firm´s subsidiaries. The Director’s son, Cyril Svozil Jr., who spent 8 years in France as head of the company´s affiliation, ACSO, now heads the department concerned with the development and manufacture of battery storage facilities and is gradually taking over the management of the entire Fenix group. “The year 2020 was for us one that can be characterised as a year of investment, which we estimate at about CZK 180 million. Fenix Group was joined by the Serbian company of Elmark. We enlarged production lines in the Spanish company of Ceilhit and increased automation in our plant in Jeseník. The construction of a new Fenix plant in Slovakia has been postponed until later this year, due to the Coronavirus pandemic,” says Kateřina Jezerská, Director of Fenix Trading, adding: “We participated in Expo Dubai, which was held until the end of March 2022. It was our first international exhibition at which we exhibited in the Middle East.” “The sales in 2021 were absolutely the best in the whole history of the company. What is also positive is the fact that an absolute majority of our subsidiaries were doing well. This will provide a reserve against fluctuations on particular markets, on which we always have to count. And we were also pleased that the Czech market has kept growing,“ says Ing. Cyril Svozil, Director and Chairman of the Management Board of Fenix Group a.s. “2022 was an even more successful year, but mainly because of a very strong first semester. In the second part of the year, 30 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

we already saw a coming crisis on Czech, Norwegian, and UK markets. Nevertheless, we have to be cautious during this year and consistently analyse the changing situation. Last year, adverse developments hit the power sector, on which we essentially depend. So it is necessary to search actively for new opportunities, which will certainly be brought about by the upcoming crisis.” Besides comfortable heating in residential houses, heating cables and panels have also proven themselves in agriculture and industry, e.g. for heating the soil in greenhouses, protection of vines in vineyards against frost and heating livestock stables. In recent years, heating cables have found their use in heating football pitches. They are becoming popular in the European market, in the heating of playground surfaces with artificial grass. In 2018, for example, Fenix supplied heating cables for 4 football pitches with artificial grass in Norway and, in 2019, heating mats were installed on 11 fields. The response from clubs using the heating systems is very good; the players prefer training on fields with electric heating, which they find much more comfortable. Long-term experience shows that electric heating responds very quickly to today´s frequent temperature changes and using this type of heating is therefore much more economical. In addition, hot water systems are unable to ensure such flexibility and such precision of small amounts of heat supplies as electric heating. Currently, the holding has affiliations in 9 countries. In addition to the Czech Republic, it also has affiliations in Slovakia, France, Spain, Great Britain, Norway, Germany, and Poland and, since 1 January 2021, also in Serbia. The firm employs 350 people in these countries (180 in the Czech Republic). Battery Storage Systems are not something strange for the Fenix Group. Since 2016, they have been testing these in their Office Centre in Jeseník, to gain first-hand experience of their usage for nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs). Moreover, since 2018, the Fenix Group has been operating an SAS system for the management of energy consumption peaks, which is one of the biggest battery energy storage systems in the Czech Republic. It is manufactured by the AERS subsidiary. “In the segment of battery stations and battery storage facilities for industrial use, we are going to offer three basic types of solutions. Our HES battery stations, using second-life batteries from the automotive sector, are made and supplied with a capacity from 13.7 to 41 kWh. Their strengths will be appreciated especially by owners of photovoltaic cells installed on family houses. Our Distributed Energy Storage (DES) systems with the capacity of 300 kWh are intended for a wide range of users engaged in manufacturing, commerce, and services. Large peak-shaving systems with the capacity of 600 kWh and more are ideally applicable in the industrial sectors,“ says Mgr. Cyril Svozil Jr., Director of AERS s.r.o. “We deliver this system to customers in an ‘all-in-one’ finish, so all they need to do is to attach the cables from FVE panels and, on the other side, to connect it to the internal electrical network of the building,“ says Cyril Svozil Jr., Director of AERS s.r.o., adding: “For a long time, the absence of an affordable storage of energy had limited possibilities of energy savings and consumption cuts. With the development of new accumulation systems and their prices dropping, the situation is changing – renewable energy sources, together with an energy storage system, are becoming an affordable alternative for property owners.“

Complex Logistic Services CUSTOMS CLEARANCE

WAREHOUSING

FORWARDING

Paskov

Kolín Brno Bratislava

Nyergesújfalu

Istanbul

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 31

INSTITUTIONS

Institutions Present Themselves

CZECH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Czech Chamber of Commerce is empowered by law to pursue and protect the interests of the business community, ensure its needs and support its development. It consists of a regional network of chambers, associations, professional and trade confederations on a national scale. The broadly-based membership platform therefore makes it possible for businessmen and entrepreneurs to use its specific services, including international support undertakings and programmes. Although membership of the Czech Chamber of Commerce is not compulsory, the Chamber provides its services, whose standard is comparable with that of the chambers of commerce in the other EU states, not only to its members, but also to non-members:

lO rganisation of international and bilateral company contact events (outgoing and incoming missions)

lO rganisation of accompanying business missions of Czech state representatives during official visits to foreign countries

lV isiting missions of businessmen on the occasion of the official participation of the Czech Republic in trade fairs and exhibitions abroad lM issions of foreign investors for small and medium-sized Czech enterprises lO rganisation of seminars, workshops, business forums, and similar expertly and territorially oriented events lP articipation in the programmes and activities of the European Union l S eeking out trade partners in the Czech Republic and abroad, consulting in the area of foreign trade lA ctive support on entry of foreign markets lP rovision of export certificates l F oreign trade analysis lP ublication of offers and enquiries on the Chamber´s websites

Hospodářská komora České republiky Florentinum, Na Florenci 2116/15, 110 00 Praha1 Phone: +420 266 721 300 E-mail: office@komora.cz

Czech–Turkish Joint Chamber of Commerce Rumunská 122/26, 120 00 Praha 2 – Vinohrady Phone: + 420 733 123 101 (Yalin Yüregil – Chairman) Email: yuregil@ctsok.eu Phone: + 420 602 311 562 (Aleš Eppinger – Vice-Chairman) E-mail: eppinger@ctsok.eu www.ctsok.eu l More information at: www.komora.cz l

32 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

CONFEDERATION OF INDUSTRY OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC l I t is a voluntary, non-political and non-governmental organisation that brings together employers and entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic. It is the largest alliance of employers in the country which represents a predominant part of Czech industry. Its membership includes more than 30 branch or sectoral associations and 140 individual companies. The Confederation supports the interests of more than 11 000 subjects, which together employ around 1 300 000 people. l I ts mission is to participate in the shaping of the economic and social policy of the Czech Republic and to represent and promote common interests of its members in order to create optimum business environment. l I t promotes and defends the interests of its members in the Council for Economic and Social Agreement (Tripartite), which is the platform for negotiations between the government, employers, and the trade unions. l I t supports the establishment of trade and economic relations between Czech and international partners by means of trade missions, conferences, bilateral and multilateral negotiations and through the participation of its members in trade fairs, exhibitions, and seminars. l T he Confederation is a co-founder of the Czech Business Representation in Brussels (CEBRE) and of the Platform for Foreign Development Cooperation. lA s a member of influential European and international organisations of employers and entrepreneurs – BUSINESSEUROPE and BIAC – it enhances the position of Czech businesses in Europe.

Svaz průmyslu a dopravy České republiky Freyova 948/11, 190 00 Praha 9 Phone: +420 225 279 111 E-mail: spcr@spcr.cz l More information at: www.spcr.cz l

INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC / ICC l T he International Chamber of Commerce – ICC – was founded in Paris in 1919. Its mission is to support world trade. Today it comprises thousands of companies and associations from more than 130 countries. ICC CR has been providing its services for more than 15 years. lP restige – Through national ICC committees, businessmen transfer their interests, standpoints and views to representatives of supreme bodies, institutions and governments, including the UN, EU, WTO and OECD, in which ICC has the highest status level of consultant. lR ules – ICC has incontestable authority to create rules according to which international trade is operated. The rules are used in everyday contact and they have become an indivisible part of international trade throughout the world. Examples are Incoterms ® 2020, banking rules, and international model agreements. lP artnership – ICC provides a wide range of services, for example, it organises arbitration proceedings within the framework of the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris and educational events, and arranges for consulting services and meetings with foreign trade partners. l T erritorial meetings – The aim of these events is to support Czech diplomacy, create business and investment opportunities for Czech exporters, help to diversify Czech exports and establish useful trade contacts. l S pecialised courses – Subjects are linked with international trade, in particular: Incoterms® 2020, bank guarantees and URDG 758, documentary letters of credit and standby, and international purchase contracts.

Národní výbor Mezinárodní obchodní komory v České republice Václavské náměstí 796/42 – Building Entrance on Štěpánská Street 110 00 Praha 1 Phone: +420 257 217 744 E-mail: icc@icc-cr.cz

CENTRE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC – ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK The Centre for Regional Development of the Czech Republic (hereinafter referred to as the Centre) is a state contributory organisation, managed by the Ministry of Regional Development of the Czech Republic. Its main task is to support the EU-funded regional policy of the government. The Centre mainly deals with the administration and control of drawing on EU funds. The Centre is also the hosting organisation of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), the largest international network (with more than 600 contact points throughout the world), set up by the European Commission for supporting entrepreneurship. In the Czech Republic, this network is represented by a consortium of six partners in four cities – Prague, Brno, Plzeň, and Ostrava. The purpose of the EEN is mainly to assist small and mediumsized enterprises wishing to enter and operate on foreign markets. Experts in the network provide the enterprises with comprehensive advisory services, focused on extending their international collaboration, enhancing the innovation potential and supporting their involvement in EU projects. The EEN at the Centre offers foreign clients information about the entrepreneurial milieu in the Czech Republic, about Czech legislation, and about sources of funding from European programmes. Czech and foreign entities receive assistance from the EEN in seeking suitable business partners. Services of the Enterprise Europe Network are funded from the EU programme named COSME under the grant agreement No. 737766 and by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Centrum pro regionální rozvoj ČR – Enterprise Europe Network U Nákladového nádraží 3144/4, 130 00 Praha 3 Phone: +420 225 855 312 E-mail: een@crr.cz l More information at: www.crr.cz/een l

l More information at: www.icc-cr.cz l

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 33

INSTITUTIONS

CZECHINVEST, BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AGENCY Your gateway to success in the Czech Republic The Business and Investment Development Agency CzechInvest is a state contributory organisation subordinated to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. Services include sector-specific market intelligence, identification of business properties and sites, investment incentives, identification of potential business partners, suppliers, and acquisition targets as well as aftercare services. The Agency contributes to attracting foreign investors operating in the manufacturing industry, business support services and technology centres, and also supports Czech enterprises in their expansion efforts. To simplify communication between the state, business, and the European Union, CzechInvest acts as an umbrella business-promotion organisation for companies using both EU and national funding. CzechInvest is exclusively authorised to file applications for investment incentives at the competent governing bodies and prepares draft offers to grant investment incentives. Its task is also to provide potential investors current data and information on business climate, investment environment, and investment opportunities in the Czech Republic. All services are provided free of charge.

CZECHTOURISM – CZECH TOURIST CENTRE CzechTourism, the Czech Tourist Centre, publicises the Czech Republic at home and abroad as an attractive tourist destination. Its partners are representatives of regional institutions and tourist regions, destination managements, towns and communities, and firms. With all its activities, the Centre attempts to awaken the interest of foreign tourists in the Czech Republic’s wealth of unique sights and attractions and to inspire them to visit the country. Its policy is to promote incoming tourism, while systematically supporting tourism at home. All its marketing activities place special emphasis on the communication strategy, which presents the Czech Republic as an exciting country where visitors can not only discover thrilling tales of its history, past and present, but also experience and share these with their companions. CzechTourism is assisted in these efforts by a network of foreign representations; it actively collaborates with the media and addresses partners in the Travel Trade sector at trade fairs. The Agency organises study tours to the Czech Republic for representatives of the media and tour operators and mediates tourism news for the local tourist community, acquainting it with the trends and analyses in the sphere of global tourism. It acts as a service organisation for the regions and the B2B segment in the area of tourism, assisting tourist entities to present themselves abroad at a level which they could not easily achieve if acting on their own. CzechTourism Agency is a state-run contributory organisation of the Ministry for Regional Development of the Czech Republic.

CzechInvest Štěpánská 15, 120 00 Praha 2 Phone: +420 727 850 330 E-mail: fdi@czechinvest.org l More information at: www.czechinvest.org l

Česká centrála cestovního ruchu – CzechTourism Štěpánská 567/15, 120 00 Praha 2 Phone: +420 226 886 362 E-mail: Info@czechtourism.cz l More information at: www.czechtourism.com l

34 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

CZECH CENTRES

CZECH-TURKISH JOINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Czech Centres are an agency of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the promotion of the Czech Republic worldwide. They propagate the Czech cultural scene in the international field and advance Czech interests from their offices in 26 cities on three continents. They are members of EUNIC — the Association of European National Cultural Institutions. Czech Centres promote all sectors of Czech cultural and creative industries, presenting the Czech Republic as a modern country with valuable cultural traditions. They bring together and promote the cooperation of foreign cultural institutions, experts and artists with their Czech counterparts. In the area of education, science, research and innovation, Czech Centres collaborate with universities and other higher learning and specialised institutions, help to promote cooperation between them and propagate the achievements of Czech science abroad. They support the tuition and popularisation of the Czech language internationally. In the area of external economic relations, Czech Centres assist in the promotion of Czech trade interests in other countries. In promoting the Czech Republic as an attractive tourist destination, the Centres, in collaboration with their partners, devote themselves especially to the presentation of Czech regions abroad. As regards the provision of information about the Czech Republic, Czech Centres act as communication centres for the lay and expert public, the media and international entities abroad.

Established in 2006, ČTSOK operates in Prague and Istanbul. It is one of the leading organisations in Business Development Consultancy between the Czech Republic and Türkiye. Experience in diverse industries ČTSOK supports companies from many different industries, which expands our specialisation to unlimited borders. Working together with Czech- and Turkish-speaking specialists, ČTSOK gives you the opportunity to present your needs in your own language with no barriers in communication with your future partners. Business Cultural Guidance ČTSOK’s experts know the political, cultural, and social differences between the two countries. They assist expanding companies by understanding the local market, minimising cultural problems, and improving the mindset of global business. Our Services Business Development lC ustomised Market Research / Feasibility; lM arket Entry Models and Business Plan; l F inding potential business partners; lA rranging business meetings; lC onsulting for participation in tenders; l S upport for participation in fairs; l E xport support – incentives for foreign investment. Trade lD eveloping Distributor & Wholesalers’ Network; lP rivate Label Production; Finding producers and handling the communication; lP urchasing; lO rganising the full Import & Export process. Legal l S worn (certified) Translation (CZ&TR); lG uidance on Legal Regulations; lO rganising all kinds of contracts; l T raining on taxes & other issues; lM ergers & Acquisitions. Marketing and Training lM eeting Assistantship; l F air Assistantship and Support; lW eb Development & Social Media Management; l E mployee Training; lC ultural and Business Ethics training courses; l L anguage courses.

Česká centra – ústředí Václavské nám. 816/49, 110 00 Praha 1 Phone: +420 234 668 211 E-mail: info@czech.cz l More information at: www.czechcentres.cz l

Czech-Turkish Joint Chamber of Commerce Rumunská 122/26, 120 00 Praha 2 – Vinohrady Tel.: + 420 733 123 101 (Yalin Yüregil – Chairman) Email: yuregil@ctsok.eu Tel.: + 420 602 311 562 (Aleš Eppinger – Vice-Chairman) E-mail: eppinger@ctsok.eu l More information at: www.ctsok.eu l

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 35

CO N TAC TS

Useful Contacts USEFUL CONTACTS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye Na Ořechovce 69, 162 00 Praha 6 Phone: +420 224 311 402, +420 224 311 938 Fax: +420 224 311 279 E-mail: embassy.prague@mfa.gov.tr www.prague.emb.mfa.gov.tr Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Türkiye – Brno Hlinky 118, 603 00 Brno Phone: +420 532 196 635, +420 604 522 069 Fax: +420 532 196 612 E-mail: honorary-consulate@psg.cz Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Türkiye – Frýdek-Místek 8. pěšího pluku 2380 738 01 Frýdek-Místek Phone: +420 602 448 011 E-mail: martin.pecina@mfa.gov.tr Czech – Turkish Joint Chamber of Commerce Rumunská 122/26, 120 00 Praha 2 – Vinohrady Phone: + 420 733 123 101 (Yalin Yüregil – Chairman) Email: yuregil@ctsok.eu Phone: + 420 602 311 562 (Aleš Eppinger – Vice-Chairman) E-mail: eppinger@ctsok.eu www.ctsok.eu

MINISTRIES Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí www.mzv.cz Ministry of Industry and Trade Ministerstvo průmyslu a obchodu www.mpo.cz Ministry of Agriculture Ministerstvo zemědělství www.eagri.cz Ministry of Transport Ministerstvo dopravy www.mdcr.cz Ministry of Finance Ministerstvo financí www.mfcr.cz Ministry of Regional Development Ministerstvo pro místní rozvoj www.mmr.cz Ministry of the Environment Ministerstvo životního prostředí www.mzp.cz 36 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Ministerstvo práce a sociálních věcí www.mpsv.cz Ministry of Health Ministerstvo zdravotnictví www.mzcr.cz Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport Ministerstvo školství, mládeže a tělovýchovy www.msmt.cz Ministry of Culture Ministerstvo kultury www.mkcr.cz Ministry of Justice Ministerstvo spravedlnosti www.justice.cz Ministry of Defence Ministerstvo obrany www.army.cz Ministry of the Interior Ministerstvo vnitra www.mvcr.cz

USEFUL CONTACTS IN TÜRKIYE Embassy of the Czech Republic Kaptanpasa Sokak No. 15, G.O.P., 06700 Ankara Phone: +90 312 405 61 39, +90 312 405 69 65 Fax: +90 312 446 30 84 E-mail: ankara@embassy.mzv.cz Website: www.mzv.cz/ankara Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Istanbul Abdi Ipekci Cad. 71, Maçka, P.O. Box 35, Istanbul 34367 Phone: +90 212 368 80 34, +90 212 368 80 35 Fax: +90 212 231 94 93 E-mail: istanbul@embassy.mzv.cz Website: www.mzv.cz/istanbul Czech Trade Türkiye Abdi Ipekci Cad. 71, Czech Consulate Building, Macka 34 367, Istanbul Phone: +90 212 219 98 47 Mobile: +905 368 631 777 Website: http://www.czechtrade.com.tr/ Czech-Turkish Joint Chamber of Commerce İnönü Cd. No:19/9-11Gümüşsuyu Taksim, Istanbul Phone: + 90 (212) 244 84 94 Fax: + 90 (212) 244 85 95 The data presented in this publication are current at the time of the editorial deadline.

National Committee of International Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic ICC is – and has been throughout its long existence – a steadfast rallying point for those who believe, like our founders, that strengthening commercial ties among nations is not only good for business but good for global living standards and good for peace. ICC was founded in 1919 in Paris. Today, ICC represents 6.5 million companies and associations in more than 130 countries and transmits their interests to high official representatives including the UN, EU, WTO, OECD and G20, where ICC has been granted the highest level of consultative status. The main aim of ICC Czech Republic is to assist Czech companies and other businesses to integrate into world events through this prestigious global organisation. Within the framework of its activities, ICC Czech Republic creates opinions and statements on issues sent by ICC Headquarters for examination. At the same time, this agenda is influenced, so as to be in compliance with the interests of ICC Czech Republic members. The National Committee of ICC in the Czech Republic serves the role of coordinator of the business community activities in the Czech Republic and represents its interests in dealing with both national and international organisations and governments. PRESTIGE

Being an ICC member is a question of prestige.

PRINCIPLES

ICC creates rules and principles that are fully respected and used in everyday business and has become one of the most important pillars of international trade.

PARTNERSHIP

ICC provides a large portfolio of services fundamental to foreign trade, such as educational and advisory services, as well as creating opportunities for establishing partnership with foreign business partners. ICC Czech Republic was founded in 1999. The main aim of ICC Czech Republic is to assist Czech companies and other businesses to integrate into world events through this prestigious global organisation.

TERRITORIAL WORKSHOPS

The main aim of these workshops is to support the efficiency of Czech economic diplomacy in the presence of Czech ambassadors, to introduce trade and investment opportunities to Czech exporters, to help diversify Czech export to perspective markets and to help establish useful business contacts.

SEMINARS, PROSESSIONAL COURSES

Our extensive range of educational programmes is targeted at specific topics associated with conducting international trade. Lecturers include experts and professionals with longtime experience or managers working in the given field – Incoterms 2020, Bank guarantees and experience with URDG 758 and ISDGP, Documentary Credits and Standbys – International Standard Banking Practice and Practices, Terms of International Sales Contracts in Foreign Trade. In addition to seminars on banking technology and practice, we also organise workshops focusing on transport and logistics, and arbitration, law, mediation and negotiation. We try to supplement traditional topics with current topics that are related to foreign trade.

PUBLICATIONS

ICC Rules and Guidelines are used worldwide, simplifying transactions and promoting good business practices. We have prepared and offer for sale professional publications in Czech. National Committee of International Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic Václavské náměstí 796/42 | 110 00 Praha 1 Phone: +420 257 217 744 | E-mail: icc@icc-cr.cz | More information at: www.icc-cr.cz

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 37

CO N TAC TS

The Most Important Websites General information on the Czech Republic

www.czech.cz

Official site for the CR

BusinessInfo

www.businessinfo.cz

Doing Business in the Czech Republic

www.doingbusiness.cz

Portal of the Public Administration

www.vlada.cz

Official site for business amnd exports+ General information about business climate, structure, and development of the Czech economy The electronic gateway for the public to administration and government services

Company Contact Information ARES

wwwinfo.mfcr.cz/ares/ares.html

Access to Registers of Economic Subjects/Entities

Hoppenstedt Bonnier

www.hbi.cz

The most important companies in the CR and the SR

Inform.cz

www.inform.cz

Czech Company Catalogue

European Databank

www.edb.cz http://exporters.czechtrade.cz/ en/

Information operator

www.justice.cz

Course of legal proceedings

Czech National Bank

www.cnb.cz

Monetary, financial, and macroeconomic data

Prague Stock Exchange

www.pse.cz

Prague Stock Exchange data

RM-System

www.rmsystem.cz

Czech Stock Exchange

Czech Insurance Association

www.cap.cz

Directory of insurance companies operating in the CR

Czech Statistical Office

www.czso.cz

Official statistical data and information covering different subjects

Fairs and Exhibitions BVV – Brněnské veletrhy a výstavy/Trade Fairs Brno Miscellaneous

www.bvv.cz

List of exhibitions and fairs in the CR and relevant information

The Industrial Property Office

www.upv.cz

The Czech Science Foundation

www.gacr.cz

Česká pošta (the Czech Post)

www.ceskaposta.cz

Residence of Foreigners in the CR

www.domavcr.cz

Patents, trade marks, utility models, and industrial designs Awards grants to the best projects of basic research in all branches of science Incl. postcodes of municipalities and its districts (PSC), philately etc. Advice for living in the CR

Association for Foreign Investment

www.afi.cz

Support for entry of foreign investors

Cadastre of Real Estate

www.cuzk.cz

Information system, contains data on real estate in the CR

Road Toll in the CR National Register of Vocational Qualifications The Czech Association of Hotels and Restaurants

www.mytocz.eu

Information on toll and charges Survey of professional qualifications recognised in the Czech Republic

Czech exporting companies

Company-Catalogue Czech Exporters Directory

Legislation Portal of Czech judiciary Finance

Statistics

38 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

www.narodni-kvalifikace.cz www.ahrcr.cz

Directory of hotels in the CR

www.doingbusiness.cz

Whatever You Need To Know About

Doing Business

in the Czech Republic business

economy

legislation

industry

companies

regions

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 39

HORIZONTAL MACHINING CENTRES HORIZONTAL MILLING AND BORING MACHINES PORTAL MACHINING CENTRES

WVM 2600 T

We offer complete solution for machining TOS VARNSDORF machining solutions are known and popular for their high performance, progressivity and reliability.

The WHT 110/130 C machining centres achieve high productivity using the most modern technology. These are modern machines from a new series of machining centres. Portal milling machines of the WVM 2600 I 3600 T series are designed as a unified series of machines for universal machining of steel and cast iron parts, especially in the general engineering segment. The horizontal floor type milling and boring machines WRD 170/180/200 (Q) and WRD 130/150 (Q) are intended for universal flake machining of non-rotating dimensions and heavy workpieces. The WHN(Q) 13/15 CNC is intended for precise milling, coordinated drilling, boring and threading of cabinet, board and difficultly shaped workpieces. As something new, we offer WHR 13 (Q), a machine with a ram headstock. ˇ ˇ 1774. 407 47 Varnsdorf, Czech Republic TOS VARNSDORF Ə.s., Rícní

T: +420 412 351 203, E: info@tosvarnsdorf.cz