United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia 2024/2025

CZECH REPUBLIC Your Trade Partner

2024/2025 United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia

TOS VARNSDORF with the headquarters in Varnsdorf, Czech Republic, is a leading global supplier of complete machining technologies and a producer of machine tools that are designed and manufactured with precision and a professional approach. Our product range includes a wide range of horizontal machining centres, horizontal boring mills, portal machining centres and knee-type milling machine. ź ź ź

READY FOR INDUSTRY 4.0

MACHINING FROM SIZE OF PARTS FROM 1 M

MANUFACTURING ACCURACY LEVEL IN HUNDREDTHS OF MM

ź ź

SOLUTION FOR AUTOMATIZED PRODUCTION

REMOTE MACHINE DIAGNOSTICS AND SETUP

TOS VARNSDORF a.s., Říční 1774, 407 47 Varnsdorf +420 412 351 111 skriz@tosvarnsdorf.cz www.tosvarnsdorf.cz

Czech Republic – Your Trade Partner Compiled by the PP Agency s.r.o.

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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

Spa resort with unique treatment.

Our baths reduce pain and help you with: - musculoskeletal system diseases - diabetes mellitus - neurological diseases JÁCHYMOV - circulatory system diseases - skin problems - Bechterew´s disease.

D For more visit www.LazneJachymov.cz

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

CZ

A

Photo: © CzechTourism, Photo Author: Ladislav Rener; Cover photo: the firms’ archives (© unsplash.com, Fotoautor: lea; Umschlagfoto: © Živý kraj – Touristische Zentrale für Karlsbader Region; Firmenarchive (BONATRANS GROUP a.s.; Doosan Škoda Power s.r.o.; Léčebné lázně Jáchymov a. s.; Siemens, s.r.o.; STEPA s.r.o.; TOS VARNSDORF a.s.); shutterstock.com; pixabay.com)

Prague

Contents FOREWORD

Czech Exporters Useful Information Important Czech Discoveries of the Past 100 Years

7 8 10

ECONOMICS

Development of the Czech Economy in 2023 12 Mutual Relations between the Czech Republic and the United Arab Emirates 14 Mutual Relations between the Czech Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 15

THE BEST OF CZECH

The Best of Czech

16

KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Czech Mechanical Engineering –Tradition and Future 18 Food Industry of the CR – Hidden Potential 23 The Czech Chemical Industry 26

Seven-Centuries-Old Tradition – This is the Czech Glass Industry 28 Vibrant Tourism and World-Famous Spas 29

INSTITUTIONS PRESENT THEMSELVES

Czech Chamber of Commerce 32 Centre for Regional Development of the Czech Republic – Enterprise Europe Network 32 Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic 33 International Chamber of Commerce/ICC 33 Czech Tourism Authority – Czechtourism 34 Czechinvest, Business and Investment Development Agency 34

CONTACTS

Useful Contacts in the Czech Republic Useful Contacts in UAE Useful Contacts in Saudi Arabia The Most Important Websites

36 36 37 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 05

Czech Exporters Czech enterprises that present their products and services in this publication intend to expand their exports and seek trade partners in UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The firms are listed according to the branch codes - NACE. 10.39 Other processing and preserving of fruit and vegetables I love Hummus, s.r.o.

25 10.85 Manufacture of prepared meals and dishes I love Hummus, s.r.o.

25 22. 10 Manufacture of rubber products BONATRANS GROUP a.s.

21, 40 23.43 Manufacture of ceramic insulators and insulating fittings STEATIT s.r.o.

19 23.44 Manufacture of other technical ceramic products STEATIT s.r.o.

19 23.49 Manufacture of other ceramic products STEATIT s.r.o.

19 24.50 Casting of metals TOS Varnsdorf, a.s.

02 25.10 Manufacture of structural metal products PROMAN s.r.o.

22 25.11 Manufacture of metal structures and parts of structures PROMAN s.r.o.

22 25.40 Manufacture of weapons and ammunition EXCALIBUR ARMY spol. s r.o.

06 28.11 Manufacture of engines and turbines, except aircraft, vehicle and cycle engines Doosan Škoda Power s.r.o.

35 28.40 Manufacture of metal forming machinery and machine tools TOS Varnsdorf, a.s.

02

28.41

Manufacture of metal forming machinery TOS Varnsdorf, a.s.

02 29.20 Manufacture of bodies (coachwork) for motor vehicles; manufacture of trailers and semi-trailers AGADOS, spol. s r.o.

39 30.20 Manufacture of railway locomotives and rolling stock BONATRANS GROUP a.s.

21, 40 31.10 Manufacture of furniture PROMAN s.r.o.

22 33.00 Repair and installation of machinery and equipment Doosan Škoda Power s.r.o.

35 33.17 Repair and maintenance of other transport equipment BONATRANS GROUP a.s.

21, 40 43.99 Other specialised construction activities n.e.c.

BERNDORF BÄDERBAU s.r.o.

29 45.20 Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles EXCALIBUR ARMY spol. s r.o.

06 46.90 Non-specialised wholesale trade EXCALIBUR ARMY spol. s r.o.

06 55.10 Hotels and similar accommodation Léčebné lázně Jáchymov a. s.

04 86.10 Hospital activities Léčebné lázně Jáchymov a. s.

04 94.99 Activities of other membership organisations n.e.c. ŽIVÝ KRAJ - DESTINAČNÍ AGENTURA PRO KARLOVARSKÝ KRAJ, Z.S. 37 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

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 – Wallenstein Garden

Population 10 900 555 (May 2024) Area 78 864 sq. km Capital city Prague Parliamentary system Parliamentary democracy Language Czech Highest peak Sněžka (Snow Mountain – 1603 metres above sea level) Time zone Central European Time GMT + 1, summer time GMT + 2 Currency 1 koruna česká/Czech crown (Kč/CZK) =100 halers 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 is Petr Pavel

MEMBERSHIP

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.

Brno

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

NOTABLE PERSONS

Jemniště – Chateau

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 personalities 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 worldrenowned persons are Tomáš Baťa, creator of a shoe empire between the Two World Wars, and Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State. In the field of culture, great names are Other practical information concerning travel conditions to visit or reside in the Czech Republic are to be found at www.czech.cz

Photo: © CzechTourism, Photo Authors: Petr Šálek, Jiří Kružík; pixabay.com

The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List comprises the following cities and sites: Prague, Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, Litomyšl Castle, Telč, Lednice-Valtice area, Zelená Hora (Green Mountain – St. Jan of Nepomuk Church), Holašovice, Kroměříž (castle 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 also included.

More information can be found at www.unesco-czech.cz

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 7 Olympic gold medals, 4 World titles and 11 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 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 as one of the greatest and most respected football goalkeepers of his generation.

Barbora Špotáková - track and field athlete who competes in the javelin throw. She is a two-time Olympic and World Champion.

Petra Kvitová - professional tennis player. She turned professional in 2006 and has won 23 career single titles, which includes two Grand

Slam titles at the Wimbledon Championships in 2011 and 2014.

Martina Sáblíková - 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 - 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. *ČNB = Czech National Bank 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

Important Czech Discoveries of the Past 100 Years For the last 100 years, Czech Science has given the world an enormous amount of knowledge. Thanks to our scientists, there are contact lenses and artificial blood vessels, and mankind has managed to eradicate the Variola virus and to look into the core of the smallest living organisms.

The Czech contribution to inventions and discoveries can not be easily described. Bohemian, Moravian and Silesian scientists have participated in countless studies and projects throughout the world. There are hundreds and maybe thousands of these, so let´s merely concentrate on the few very remarkable ones below.

GENETICS

The discovery of Genetics did not take place in the 20th century, but it should definitely be included in this list. This is because, in the second half of the 20th century, the discoveries that followed up on Genetics became the basis for transformation in our world. In any case, credit for the discovery of Genetics is owed mainly to one person, the solitary research of Johann Gregor Mendel – a native of Brno – whose work earned him the title of “Father of Genetics“. Mendel was the founder of Genetics and discoverer of the fundamental Laws of Inheritance. He was a monk and later Abbot of the Augustinian monastery in Staré Brno. There are no better recognised names in contemporary Genetics than Watson, Crick and Mendel. The latter was ahead of his time and, in 1866, submitted his world-famous research paper, titled “Experiments on Plant Hybridisation”, on the principles of cross-breeding, which ultimately laid the foundation for modern Genetics.

BLOOD GROUPS

Jan Janský, Professor at Charles University in Prague, was a significant Czech neurologist and psychiatrist. He became worldfamous due to his classification of the four blood groups. In 1900, Karl Landsteiner was the first to discover the existence of blood groups, but he described only three groups.

In 1907, Janský described all four blood groups, independently of Landsteiner, within an unclearly targeted research study on the relationship of blood and mental diseases. In 1921, the primacy of Janský was recognised in the USA and Janský´s classification is always quoted in American literature. However, the credit in general, as recognised in 1930 by the Nobel Prize, was given to Landsteiner.

Janský was also engaged in research studies in the field of neuropathology, and was one 10 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

of the pioneers of liquorology on a global scale.

ERADICATION OF VARIOLA

Karel Raška, founder of the modern Czechoslovak epidemiological school, gained renown as co-contributor to the global eradication of Variola. In 1963, he became Director of the Infectious Diseases Department of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva. Four years later, the battle to eradicate Variola started under his leadership. And in just two years, 20 of the most affected African countries had eliminated the disease.

CONTACT LENSES

Otto Wichterle was a world-famous Czech scientist and inventor, working especially in the field of macromolecular organic chemistry as one of its founders. He is especially renowned for his discoveries and inventions leading to the essential improvement and global spread of soft contact lenses. These results were based on his original scientific work in the field of hydrogels. Contact lenses did exist in his time, but those were made of glass and other uncomfortable plastic materials, which were very impractical and unpopular.

When Professor Wichterle came up with his soft gel contact lenses, he literally caused a revolution in ophthalmology. This was an absolutely brilliant invention. An irony of that time was that the lenses were manufactured worldwide, except in our country. In every democratic state throughout the world, a personality such as that of Professor Otto Wichterle would have been duly recognised. But not in the socialist Czechoslovakia of that era!

ARTIFICIAL BLOOD VESSELS

Thin flexible tubes or artificial blood vessels impregnated with collagen, which are commonplace in medicine nowadays, rewrote the textbooks of vascular surgery of that time. They were invented by a team of scientists and doctors, led by one surgeon – Milan Krajíček (1933–2016). He dedicated himself to the research and development of venous prostheses, and obtained numerous primacies and patents in that field. Currently, the development of artificial blood vessels is being undertaken by the Technical University in Liberec.

In 2016, the scientific team of Professor David Lukáš presented venous prostheses made of nanomaterial, which are going to be an invaluable aid in heart attack treatment, for example, because they prevent the formation of fatal blood clots.

Scientists believe that nanomaterial is the optimal base for the creation of artificial blood vessels, as it meets multiple preconditions.

It has good mechanical properties, prevents the formation of blood clots, is non-toxic and can be sterilised. Nanomaterial even enables vessels with a small diameter of less than 6 millimetres to be manufactured. Artificial “nano-vessels“ work as a kind of scaffold-

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ing, which will subsequently disintegrate when cells have grown through it and a vessel of its own arises.

ANTIVIRAL DRUGS – MEDICATION TO COMBAT EVEN HIV

Professor Antonín Holý was one of the most important Czech scientists of recent decades. A chemist of global renown, who followed the results of basic research through to the practical implementation, and was behind the discovery of numerous antiviral drugs to treat millions of people throughout the world. He was involved in the creation of one of the most effective drugs in the treatment of the AIDS epidemic. The antiviral drug called Viread is manufactured on the basis of a licence to use his original discoveries, as are other effective medications to combat the herpes zoster virus, Variola and viral conjunctivitis of the eye. In addition, another drug is used in the successful treatment of the hepatitis B virus.

NANOFIBERS CHANGING THE WORLD

The Czech Republic is a global leader in nanofibers. “Imagine if someone came up with iron in the Stone Age. In our era, nanofibers are a parallel to iron. They will penetrate every type of human activity,“ says Professor Oldřich Jirsák from the Technical University of Liberec. It was precisely Professor Jirsák who invented the nano-spider, a device which manufactures nanofibers on

industry

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a large-scale basis for industrial use. Nanofibers assist in medicine, for example, as new blood vessels, as well as in water treatment, in the manufacture of special waterproof clothing and also permeable jackets and trousers. In the home, to eliminate a lot of cleaning, nanomaterials are able to repel dust and other contaminants. Professor Jirsák and his team discovered a method of manufacturing all these on a large-scale basis. This was indeed a revolutionary idea.

CUNEIFORM SCRIPT

Bedřich Hrozný was a Czech orientalist and linguist. He contributed to the deciphering of the ancient Hittite language, identified it as an Indo-European language, and laid the groundwork for the development of Hittitology.

In November 1915, he announced that he was able to read the writings in Ancient Hittite, the official language of the Hittite Empire. The first sentence he deciphered was: “Now you shall eat bread, and water you shall drink…“ 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

Development of the Czech Economy in 2023 In 2023, the Czech economy as a whole struggled with attenuation of its performance. The Czech Republic was the only country in Europe which did not get back to the pre-COVID growth of its economy. The inflation rate was high, the real wages’ decline continued, expensive energies were not handled, and the investment rate was low. Worse economic outcomes in numerous productive and non-productive sectors and especially the persisting low household consumption, decreasing for quarters, contributed to the performance slump.

INDUSTRY

In 2023, the total industrial production was lower than a year before, especially due to a decrease in the production in the sectors of mining and excavation and in a prevailing number of other sectors. The slight growth in 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

FOREIGN TRADE

Foreign trade (cross-border movement of goods) for January – November 2023 ended up with a surplus amounting to CZK 120.8 bn. (In the same period of 2022, there was a deficit amounting to CZK 202.4 bn.). Contrary to the same period of 2022, exports were 1.2 % higher, imports dropped by 6.4 %. The reasons for the positive balance mainly included lower imports of crude oil, natural gas, and also a decrease in the prices of these commodities.

PRICES

The average annual inflation rate, expressed with the increment of consumer prices in 2023, was 1O.7 %, which is 4.4 percentage points less than in 2022. Prices for foods and non-alcoholic beverages increased, in the year-on-year comparison, by 44.3 % for alcoholic beverages. The increase was 47.5 %, for clothing and 50.4 % for shoes, 63.4 % for the group of housing, water and energies, for health care 43.1 %, for transport 32.1 %, and for services of the hospitality industry, 80.3 %. A price decrease, in the year-on-year comparison, occurred only in postal and telecommunication services.

Photo: pixabay.com, © Siemens archives

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

According to a preliminary estimate, the gross domestic product in 2023 will show a decrease.

In all quarters, the growth was adversely affected, especially by a decrease in household final consumption and depletion of inventories.

A positive contribution was influenced by the expenditure on the final consumption of governmental institutions, the gross fixed capital formation and the foreign demand, especially in the first half of the past year.

In the formation of the gross valued added, the decrease was influenced by worse economic outcomes, especially in the manufacturing industry, and also in numerous sectors of trade, transport, hospitality industry, health care, social care, and the education sectors.

the production of motor vehicles was not able to make up for this slump, especially with lower economic outcomes of the production of machines, the production of building materials and glass. In addition, the lower value of new contracts, especially in metallurgy, metal casting and the chemical industry, can partly be blamed for the deterioration of total economic outcomes. Besides the influence of the high energy demands on the manufacturing process, adverse factors included an enormous increase in prices and problems in customer-supplier relationships.

Macroeconomic Indicators of the Czech Republic 2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Gross Domestic Product (current prices)

CZK, billion

5 410.76

5 791.50

5 709.13

6 108.72

6 785.85

.

Gross Domestic Product

%, real, y/y

3.2

3

-5.5

3.5

2.5

-0.7

3.Q

%, y/y

3.1

-0.3

-7.2

6.6

2.5

-0.4

11 months.

Registered unemployment

%

3.07

2.87

3.51

3.5

3.7

3.7

General unemployment rate according to selective labour force examination3)

%

2.2

2

2.6

2.8

2.2

2.6

%, y/y

2.1

2.8

3.2

3.8

15.1

10.7

Inflation (HICP)

%, average

2

2.6

3.3

3.3

14.8

.

Exports

USD, mil.

171 716

178 398

168 118

192 238

229 500

.

%, y/y

6.5

0.2

-5.7

14.3

19.4

7.2

1)

1)

Industrial Production 2)

Inflation Rate 4)

5)

Exports

5)

Imports

USD, mil.

156 852

160 435

150 000

179 979

224 555

.

Imports5)

%, y/y

8.5

2.3

-7

19.9

24.8

-6.1

Balance of Trade5)

USD, mil.

14 864

17 963

18 118

12 259

4 946

.

CZK/EUR 6)

average

25.643

25.672

26.444

25.645

24.57

24.007

CZK/USD 6)

average

21.735

22.934

23. 196

21.68

23.4

22.21

5)

11 months.

11 months.

Source: Czech Statistical Office, Czech National Bank (ČNB); General note: y/y shows year-on-year change in the indicator; 1) Data after revision using the ESA 10 system (European Systém of Accounts), year 2021 preliminary data, 2022 estimate; 2) Unemployment to total population ratio = number of eligible job seekers aged 15-64 years/population in per cent, situation at the end of the year; 3) LFSS = Labour Force Sample Survey; 4) HICP = Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, inflation rate by EU method; 5) Foreign trade data expressed in USD are the sum of the different monthly values in CZK calculated by the average monthly exchange rate announced by the Czech National Bank; 6) Czech National Bank

ECONOMICS

Mutual Relations between the CR and the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates are among the most important trade partners of the Czech Republic among the Near East countries. A very important fact is that, on the world scale, UAE occupies fourth place in Czech exports to non-European countries. Gradually, forms of closer economic cooperation have been developing between the two countries, such as production collaboration, collaboration in research and development and in the area of security and defence. The introduction of visa-free travel between the EU and UAE in May 2015 increased the potential of health tourism of UAE citizens to the Czech Republic.

Since the opening of the commercial and economic section at the Czech Embassy in the year 2000, Czech exports to UAE have been growing steadily.

CONTRACTUAL AREA

with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Dubai as an establishment with its own legal subjectivity. The main mission of CBC is the exchange of experience, contacts and business opportunities among its members and the support of Czech firms newly entering the UAE market.

Export from Czech republic to UAE (January 2023 – December 2023) Code of goods

Name of goods

Stat. value in EUR (thous.)

0

Food and live animals

17 237

1

Beverages and tobacco

1 453

2

Crude materials, inedible, except fuels

2 779 16 966

Investment and Protection Agreement Double Taxation Treaty Air Transport Agreement

3

Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials

4

Animal and vegetable oils, fats and wax

BALANCE OF TRADE

5

Chemicals and related products, not elsewhere specified

24 059

6

Market products classified mainly by material

65 948

7

Machinery and transport vehicles

580 284

8

Industrial consumer goods

75 594

9

Commodities and objects of trade, not elsewhere specified

4 445

PC components and recording equipment account for about 20 % of Czech exports, telecommunication apparatus for about 20 % and glass products (especially glass beads) for about 10 %, on a long-term basis. Other important export items are broadcasting equipment, electrical switchboards and food, mainly dairy produce.

A marked increase in the share of exports in recent years is shown by technically more complicated products, such as complex digital data processing systems, switchboards and electricity control and distribution panels, and pumps.

Also significant is the export of food, with Akawi cheese being the largest item, followed by milk powder, sugar, chocolate, cocoa and sweets. The contract for the supply of radiolocation devices to the UAE army is an important document.

There are more than 30 Czech firms with permanent establishment in UAE and their number is steadily increasing.

The large number of Czech firms in the market called for the establishment of an informal business platform, where Czech firms and Czech professionals operating in UAE on a long-term basis could meet. In response to this requirement, a Club of Czech Businessmen in UAE was established in 2014. In 2015, the Club was changed into a new entity, the Czech Business Council (CBC), registered

Source: www.czso.cz

Import from UAE to Czech republic (January 2023-December 2023) Code of goods

Name of goods

Stat. value in EUR (thous.)

0

Food and live animals

66 999

1

Beverages and tobacco

21 571

2

Crude materials, inedible, except fuels

10 801

3

Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials

10 630

4

Animal and vegetable oils, fats and wax

5

Chemicals and related products, not elsewhere specified

108 737

6

Market products classified mainly by material

408 751

7

Machinery and transport vehicles

8

Industrial consumer goods

9

Commodities and objects of trade, not elsewhere specified

Source: www.czso.cz

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

0

715

1 597 203 375 221 2 302

Mutual Relations between the CR and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Although diplomatic relationships between the Czech Republic and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were not established until 1995, soon thereupon both countries started to develop their mutual successful collaboration in trade and investment, agriculture, water management, food industry, as well as in university education, culture, science and research, healthcare, the spa industry and tourism. he historically first official visit between the CR and the KSA since T the establishment of diplomatic relationships between both countries was the visit undertaken by Josef Zieleniec, Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, to the KSA in May 1997.

Exports from the CR to Saudi Arabia (January 2023-December 2023) Code of goods

Name of goods

Stat. value in EUR (thous.)

0

Food and live animals

21 876

1

Beverages and tobacco

61

2

Crude materials, inedible, except fuels

3

Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials

57

4

Animal and vegetable oils, fats and wax

11

5

Chemicals and related products, not elsewhere specified

33 720

6

Market products classified mainly by material

46 574

7

Machinery and transport vehicles

371 326

8

Industrial consumer goods

38 218

9

Commodities and objects of trade, not elsewhere specified

21 876

5 108

Source: www.czso.cz

Imports from Saudi Arabia to the CR (January 2023-December 2023)

Photo: www.bigstockphoto.com

Code of goods

Name of goods

Stat. value in EUR (thous.)

0

Food and live animals

108

1

Beverages and tobacco

4

2

Crude materials, inedible, except fuels

3

Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials

4

Animal and vegetable oils, fats and wax

232

5

Chemicals and related products, not elsewhere specified

49 583

6

Market products classified mainly by material

38 202

7

Machinery and transport vehicles

228

8

Industrial consumer goods

157

9

Commodities and objects of trade, not elsewhere specified

10

5 909 1

New dynamics entered into the mutual relationship with the State Visit to the KSA undertaken by Václav Havel, President of the Czech Republic, in February 2001, during which an Agreement to set up a Representative Office of the KSA in Prague was signed.

In January 2002, the Representative Office of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Czech Republic was ceremonially opened in Prague. This event is of real historical significance, because it introduced symmetry into the mutual diplomatic representation and created the standard conditions for further development of bilateral relationships.

TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS BETWEEN BOTH STATES

n 10.9.2001, the Memorandum of UnderO standing (MoU) on mutual collaboration was signed between the Police Academy of the Czech Republic and the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences.

On 3.3.2002, the General Agreement was signed between the governments of both countries.

On 18.10.2003, the MoU to set up a Joint Czech and Saudi Economic Committee was signed between the Economic Chamber of the Czech Republic and the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

In March 2004, the MoU was signed between the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic and the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology.

In April 2006, the MoU was signed between the Ministries of Health of the Czech Republic and the KSA. In November 2009, the Agreement for Encouragement and Reciprocal Protection of Investments was signed and on 13.3.2011 this Agreement came into effect.

In February 2011, the MoU between the Confederation of the Czech Industry and Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry was signed.

In June 2011 the first historical session of the Czech-Saudi Joint Committee, established within the framework of the General Cooperation Agreement of 2002, took place in Prague.

The Agreed Minutes of this session outlined collaboration in the fields of health, higher education, science and research, food security, tourism and spas, reconstruction of historical monuments, trade and investments.

In April 2012, the Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation was signed in Prague and on 1.5.2013 this Agreement came into effect.

Source: www.czso.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 15

THE BEST OF CZECH

The Best of Czech DID YOU KNOW THAT...

- the oldest European university north of the Alps is Charles University?

The University of Prague was founded by the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV in 1348 as the first university (studium generale) north of the Alps and east of Paris. It followed the example of the universities in Bologna and Paris and soon became internationally renowned.

Charles University in figures: l 17 faculties in 3 cities (Praha, Plzeň, Hradec Králové), 50 918 students In 2021, Charles University offered 876 study programmes, 215 of them in a foreign language.

Charles University had a total of: l 19 306 students in Bachelor´s degree programmes l 15 227 students in Master´s degree programmes l 9 675 students in follow-up Master´s degree programmes l 6 710 students in Doctorate degree programmes l 10 811 foreign students 704 foreign academics and scientists were employed by Charles University. Students could do an internship at 884 foreign institutions within the Erasmus and Erasmus+ programmes. In 2021, a total of 1 804 Czech students did internships abroad within the framework of foreign mobility.

bridge is 721 metres long and, at the time of its first opening in May 2022, was the longest suspension bridge in the world. During the first month of its opening, 45 000 persons passed over the longest suspension bridge in Dolní Morava. It attracts tourists from the whole world.

The height of the footbridge from the bottom of the valley is 95 metres, the height above mean sea level is 1110–1116 metres or 1125–1135 metres. The width of the walkway is 1.2 metres. The height of the railing is 1.2 metres.

The footbridge has 6 main supporting ropes with the tractive force 3.6 MN each and 60 wind ropes of various diameters. The footbridge comprises 1030 square metres of concrete, ropes weighing 158 tonnes in total and 20 tonnes of additional structures. The diameter of the main rope is 76 millimetres. The total weight of the footbridge is 405 tonnes. The height of the pylons at each end of the footbridge is 11.4 metres.

- the most famous Czech song is “The Beer Barrel Polka”?

“The Beer Barrel Polka”, or “Roll Out the Barrel”, is probably the best known Czech song in the world. It became popular in many countries during the Second World War. It was composed in 1927

by Jaromír Vejvoda as an instrumental piece of music. He adapted it in 1929, and in 1934 Václav Zeman wrote the Czech lyrics and called it “Škoda lásky” (“Wasted Love”). It became a popular song for the allied armies as well as for Czechoslovak pilots in the Battle of Britain. Its popularity is also testified by the fact that it accompanied astronauts on the Discovery Space Shuttle; it was also played in the popular M.A.S.H. series. The Vejvoda family archive records 14 titles of the song and 27 versions of the lyrics in various languages.

- the first music on the Moon was written by a Czech composer?

Neil Armstrong was the first human to step on the surface of the Moon and he took with him “The New World Symphony” composed by Antonín Dvořák, which he played on the Moon. This was the first composition ever to be played in outer space.

The word “robot” was first used in 1920 in the dramatic play, “R.U.R. – Rossum‘s Universal Robots” – written by the well-known Czech playwright and journalist Karel Čapek. The word was suggested to him by his brother Josef, after Karel had asked him what name he should give to an artificial being. The originally intended “forced labour” sounded too artificial.

The word “dollar” is close to the Old Czech word “tolar”, which is related to the German “Taler”, a shortened version of the original “Joachimstaler”, meaning “of Joachimstal (of St. Joachim’s Valley)”.

This was the name of the silver coin which Count Shlik started to mint in 1518 in Czech Jáchymov.

- the world’s largest stadium is in Prague?

- the longest suspension footbridge in the world is in Dolní Morava?

The longest suspension footbridge in the world, located in Dolní Morava, is called Sky Bridge 721. As suggested by its name, this 16 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 Strahov Stadium, with an area of 63 000 square metres, is the largest stadium in the world. The construction work started as early as in 1926. It was first used by members of the Sokol gymnastics organisation and later by members of sports associations. Currently,

Photo: © CzechTourism archives; ZO 7-20 HK, ČSS archives, pixabay.com

- the words “robot” and “dollar” are of Czech origin?

the FC Sparta training centre is located here. On occasion, concerts by famous stars such as The Rolling Stones are held here.

- the first sugar cube was made in Dačice?

In 1829, the František brothers and Tomáš Grebner established a sugar refinery – using sugar beet – in Kostelní Vydří near Dačice.

After realising that neither the climate nor the soil in the area were suitable for growing sugar beet, František decided to establish a refinery that formed raw sugar into various shapes and textures – icing sugar, castor sugar, coarse sugar, sugar loaves, sugar cubes, and chips. In 1840, Swiss-born businessman Jakub Kryštof Rad became Director of the Dačice refinery. His wife gave him the idea and, in 1841, he manufactured the first 300 white and pink cubes of beet sugar. Rad moulded them in an apparatus he himself had invented. Thus an invention was born whose practical use was soon to be discovered by the whole world.

- the Czech Republic has the oldest distillery in Europe?

In July 2023, the Green Tree Distillery celebrated 505 years of its existence. The unique plant, situated in the town of Prostějov in Moravia, is the oldest producer of spirits on the Old Continent. The history of this distillery dates back to precisely 4 July 1518, when William of Pernstein and Helfstein granted brewing privileges to 31 landlords of Prostějov. The distillery has a special history, and is currently the biggest solely Czech producer of spirits. Its most popular brands are Stará Myslivecká, Blend 42 Vodka, Hanácká Vodka, and Prostějovská Starorežná.

- Hranice Chasm is the world´s deepest flooded cave?

Hranice Chasm is the deepest known freshwater cave on earth. Five years ago, a team led by the Polish specialist Krzysztof Starnawski dived into it and confirmed that its depth was at least 404 metres.

However, already in a 2016 descent into the cave, the hypothesis had emerged to suggest that the cave bottom was 700-1000 metres deep.

The geologists‘ assumption was based on figures showing the chemical composition and temperature of the water at a depth of some 50 metres, which oscillated between 16-19 degrees Centigrade. The transparency of the water is variable; sometimes the visibility range is just 1 metre, at other times up to 50 metres. The water in the cave

is a mineral water containing carbon dioxide.

- we have the most detailed network of hiking trails?

More than 130 years have passed since the first hiking trails were marked out by Czech Tourist Club enthusiasts. The Czech tourist marking system is considered as the most reliable and most detailed, not only in Europe, but also worldwide. The system of hiking trails criss-crosses the whole country, so that, with slight exaggeration, tourists following the yellow, red, blue, or green markings will easily find their destinations, from the smallest hut to the most imposing sight. The Czech Republic has the densest network of tourist trails in Europe – with more than one kilometre of marked trails per square kilometre. Regrettably, the Czech primacy cannot be confirmed with absolute certainty, because many countries do not publish information about the length of their hiking trails. Its confirmation, however, may be the fact that tourists are hardly able to see so many guideposts or tourist markings on trees in any other European country.

CZECH TRAILS BY NUMBER l 44 101 km of hiking trails and 40 541 km of road cycling trails are marked. There are also 3 860 km of off-road cycling routes, 556 km of ski routes, 2 800 km of horse-riding trails, and 149 km of wheelchair routes. l 74 531 signposts and tables are posted on these routes, with 3 941 signposts and 1 408 mounted maps. l In 2022, a total of 15 698 km of tourist routes were renewed and maintenance was carried out on 145 tourist maps and frames and 816 guideposts. A total of 260 km of routes were closed or re-routed. l 1 866 sign markers worked for 62 938 hours, and 104 new markers have been trained. l CZK 16.9 million was spent in 2022 on marking tourist routes and other related activities. The Ministry of Regional Development contributed CZK 8.7 million.

- we are overall the most active wild mushroom-pickers?

Perhaps nowhere else in the world is wild mushroom-picking so popular as in the Czech Republic. Each year, Czech people collect more than 20 000 tonnes of mushrooms, which is more than 6 kilograms per household per annnum.

The mushroom-hunting tradition is probably nowhere else so alive (if there is any such tradition at all), except in other Slavonic countries, Germany, the Baltic and the Scandinavian states, Finland, and Southeast Asia.

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

Czech Mechanical Engineering – – Tradition and 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, in 1595, the first blast furnace in Bohemia was already put into operation. This triggered off 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.

The end of the 19th century was marked by the appearance of new technologies – the combustion engine and electrical systems. That period in time is sometimes referred to as the Second Industrial, or Scientific-Technical Revolution. The most important Czech inventors of that time were Josef Ressl, inventor of the propeller, the Veverka cousins, who invented the buzz plough, i.e. an improved plough, which not only dug up the soil, but also turned it up, Viktor Kaplan, inventor of the water turbine, František Křižík, nicknamed the “Czech Edison”, inventor, electrical engineer and entrepreneur, who invented, among many other things, the electric arc lamp, improved the railway safety system, built the first Czech electric power plants and, in 1881, put into operation the first electric tramway line in Prague. In 1903, he built the first electric railway track on the Bechyně-Tábor line, which was the first electrified railway line in the entire Austro-Hungarian Empire.

František Křižík Author: Ignác Šechtl; Šechtl and Voseček archives

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

STEATIT, s.r.o.

Klenčí pod Čerchovem 18 345 34 Klenčí pod Čerchovem, CZ tel.: +420 379 794 331

STEATIT, s.r.o. is a purely Czech private company that produces technical and electrotechnical ceramics. Our products are used in many branches of industry and the wide range of materials will ensure complete customer satisfaction.The services our company provides range from design, material consultation, creation of moulds for the technology used and finally the creation of the product itself.

Thanks to the company‘s perfectly developed quality management system, its production programme contains over 2500 types of high quality products exported all over the world. The company is a holder of an ISO 9001:2015 certificate.

Now we produce around 2500 types of products. We can offer different ceramic materials: Steatit materials – C220, C221, C230 Cordierite materials – C410 Cordierite pyrostat materials – C511, C512, C520, C530 Aluminium oxide materials - C610

Products:

Ceramic beads

NH bodies, fuses

Ceramic tubes

Welding rings

Ceramic riders

Heating plates

Ceramic rods

Resistance wire holders

Ceramic beer coasters

Ceramic bushings

Aluminium and metal storage heating

www.steatit.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 19

KEY SECTORS 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 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.

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 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

Export of machinery and means of transport from the Czech Republic in 2023 in breakdown by articles (SITC 7) Article Code

Article

Stat. value in EUR (thous.)

71

Machinery and Power Generating Equipment

4 747 553

72

Machinery for Certain Sectors of Industry

6 294 661

73

Metalworking Machines

1 106 058

74

General Purpose Machinery Used in Industry, not Elsewhere Classified

14 507 510

75

Office Machines and Equipment for Automating Data Processing

6 665 349

76

Equipment for Telecommunications and Sound Recording and Reproduction

5 415 805

77

Electrical Equipment, Devices and Household Appliances, not Elsewhere Classified

20 437 232

78

Road Vehicles

50 281 573

79

Other Transport Equipment

2 127 563

Source: Czech Statistical Office

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 export 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).

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 were invented. Now it is being changed by technologies, 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

GHH-BONATRANS GHH-BONATRANS is the premium supplier of wheels, axles, wheelsets for all kinds of rail-bound applications, such as highspeed trains, EMU/DMUs, trams, metro cars, passenger coaches, locomotives and wagons. We deliver them assembled or loose to OEM, railway and city network operators, maintenance shops and leasing companies in every single European country and into all railway markets worldwide. We also assist our customers in traffic data collection and analysis and help them to increase service lifetime and decrease lifecycle costs, plus we also refurbish complete running gears and generate customer value through professional maintenance services.

The most complex plant in terms of product range, and the only source of black wheels and axles, is located in Bohumin, Czech Republic.

Our plant with the longest history (dated from 1808) is located in Oberhausen, Germany.

We have an extensive reference list of products and solutions supplied to Europe and the Americas as well as to Asia and Africa.

Preceding recent investment in rail-bound transportation, within and between big cities of the Arabian Peninsula, the region had been set for development. And it will remain an important market for us in the years to come. We are helping to move around both people and freight. Haramain high-speed trains from Talgo, 1000+ of latest generation freight cars from Greenbrier, and other rolling stock for state and city operators are equipped with our top-notch wheelsets and parts thereof. Knowing that sand, temperature amplitude and humidity are key operational elements, makes a good reason for complex production and extra added value. In this case, the choice and optimisation of steel grades for wheels, are well covered under BONASTAR®.

Noise mitigation is just another good example of challenge from rolling stock operations.

Noise absorbers can be integrated into any type of wheel (monoblock and rubber sprung resilient), above all for high-speed trains, metro cars and trams, but in fact manufacturers, operators or owners of any rail-bound vehicle passing through densely populated areas will appreciate this feature. They ensure operation with less rolling and squealing noise, both effects benefiting passengers as well as those working or living in areas near rail-bound vehicle operation. Such products are designed, manufactured and supplied under the name BONASILENCE®.

Thanks to high flexibility, technical and manufacturing excellence and also to our experience and know-how, we keep on meeting the most demanding customer requirements and combine top quality with competitive price. Safe, Reliable, Comfortable, and Economical is our long-term approach to wheelset, and equally suits the expectations of all our customers.

GHH-BONATRANS is entirely committed to increasing its competencies and to serving our customers´ needs now and in the future.

Marcel Ujfaluši Head of Business Development and Marketing

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

RACKING SYSTEMS

RACKS

For 30 years, we have been providing complete deliveries of storing systems from design to installation. We have supplied our customers with more than 30 million pallet spaces.

We also provide post-warranty service, and our parts warehouse enables us ensure fast deliveries and service interventions.

PALLET

+420 469 622 279 proman@proman.cz 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

CANTILEVER

SHELVING

PROMAN s.r.o. www.proman.cz

STEEL PLATFORMS

Za Pivovarem 830 537 01 Chrudim, Czech Republic

PROPOSAL | INSTALLATION | SERVICE

RACKS, RACK SYSTEMS PROMAN

KEY SECTORS

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 23

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 manufacH ture 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

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

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/

Czech producer with tradition, history and years of experience Clean label without preservatives and added colors Organic and conventional production V-label, gluten and lactose free IFS Food from TÜV SÜD Germany

Chilled and shelf stable available

Zdeňka Aubrechtová sales@beavia.com +420 608 883 402

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.

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KEY SECTORS

The Czech Chemical Industry The current status of the Czech chemical industry is based on its long and rich history.

THE PRESENT TIMES

Today, the Czech Republic is an important manufacturer of a wide range of chemical products, including epoxy resins, PVC, ammonium sulphide, fertilisers, ​​ artificial silk, nitrous oxide, caprolactam, ammoniacal gas liquors, commodities and special amines, nitrocellulose, pigments, colourants, sodium hydroxide, and sulphuric acid.

An important role in the Czech economy is also played by the pharmaceutical industry with its large manufacturing capacity and R+D programmes. Another strong manufacturing industry in the country is the manufacture of plastic and rubber products. With the automotive industry being the biggest exporter in the country, the manufacture of tyres, hoses, V-belts, and other rubber and plastic products for passenger cars and trucks is a key part of the Czech chemical industry.

Contrary to many other countries, where manufacture is dominated by the major chemical giants, in the Czech Republic there is no leading manufacturer of chemicals. Instead, the chemical industry is the domain of small and medium-sized enterprises, which often closely collaborate in regional centres. The Czech chemical industry has many strategic advantages, such as a qualified and skilled workforce, 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

location in the centre of Europe and a unique national network of pipelines for the transport of crude oil, motor fuels, ethylene, and ethylbenzene.

The industry suffers from relatively high prices of natural gas, electricity and water, the dependence on imported raw materials (especially crude oil and natural gas) and the burden of both Czech and European legislation. It is obvious that the Czech chemical industry has many good preconditions, but it also faces multiple challenges, which include, last but not least, the fulfilment of the objectives concerning climate change and the transition from materials made of fossil fuels to a circular economy.

The Czech economy is one of the best performing, compared to all countries of the former Eastern Block. The same can be said about the chemical industry, which is not massive, but has a healthy and robust production. In the Czech Republic, there is close collaboration between the chemical industry and numerous technical universities nationwide. Like all economies, the Czech Republic is also trying to undergo essential transformations to adapt to the challenges of climate change. In this respect, it has been doing well, but there is still room for improvement. Additional investment in the chemical industry has developed an enormously successful industry of nanotechnologies, driven by governmental support (both financial and legislative) and by the high quality of local technical universities. Therefore, the Czech Republic has a strong base of nanotechnologies with several “nanotechnological centres”, including the Prague scientific and technical cluster known as STAR.

DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURE OF PHARMACEUTICALS

The development and manufacture of pharmaceuticals form an indispensable part of the chemical industry. With the leading global pharmaceutical companies having entered the Czech market successfully, Czech companies have been integrated into international networks and have expanded to foreign markets.

Manufacture is concentrated in the region of Prague and in the areas surrounding the cities of Ústí nad Labem and Opava. The Czech Republic benefits from its long tradition in the manufacture and development of pharmaceuticals and from the high level of experts working in this sector.

PLASTICS

The manufacture of products from plastics and rubber is the most dynamic sector of the manufacturing industry and has a high export potential. Key rubber products are made by the biggest European manufacturer – Barum Continental – in its manufacturing plant in Otrokovice. These include tyres and hoses for the use of pneumatic tools. Other products of this sector are gaskets, V-belts, hoses, etc. The Czech Republic is a leading manufacturer of a wide range of plastic semi-products, such as file folders and packaging products. The importance of this sector consists of a close connection to the automotive and electrical engineering, construction sector and food industries, especially the manufacture of packaging products.

Photo: pixabay.com

THE PAST

On the territory of the present-day Czech Republic, the chemical industry already started to develop in the late 18th century, when the oldest chemical factory in Velká Lukavice was built. In 1778, this factory started production of sulphuric acid by the thermal decomposition of alum slates. But it was not until the late 19th century that the chemical industry underwent rapid development. This era is associated with names like Jaroslav Brauner. In 1902, he expressed an assumption about the existence of the as yet unknown element with the atomic number 61. His assumption was confirmed in 1974 and the element was named promethium.

Polarography and electroanalytical chemistry are associated with the name of Jaroslav Heyrovský, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1959. In the 1960s, Otto Wichterle invented soft contact lenses, which became popular worldwide. In the 1980s, an important player in the development of antiviral drugs most effective against HIV was Antonín Holý, another great Czech scientist.

It is forecast that, in the next decades, significant growth will occur in two key sectors of the Czech chemical industry, namely in the plastics and automotive industries. In addition, the outlook of the emerging nanotechnological industry is similarly promising. With a growing specialisation of the global chemical industry, with more specialised products, top chemicals, and customised chemistry, the Czech Republic is prepared for a great future.

An important role in the Czech chemical industry is played by the

OUTLOOK

Prague University of Chemistry and Technology, which is the biggest educational institution of its kind in Central Europe. With its almost 200-year-long tradition and vast research projects, it supplies highly professional scientists and researchers to the Czech market. Involved in the development of new trends in the chemical industry, it enhances the image and reputation of Czech chemistry abroad.

The Association of Chemical Industry of the CR is the most important tool for the support of the Czech chemical business, associating manufacturing, trading, designing, research and advisory enterprises with relationships to the chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and rubber and plastics industries, including the Association of Paint Manufacturers, the Association of Chemical Traders and Distributors and the Czech Association of Tank Cleaning Stations. The Association closely collaborates with other organisations, associating the

enterprises operating in various segments of the chemical industry, such as the Association of Plastics Industry of the CR, the Association of Czech Pharmaceutical Industry, the Czech Association of Petroleum Industry and Trade, the Czech Association for Soaps and Detergents, and the Trade Union of Workers in the Chemical Industry ofthe Czech Republic.

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KEY SECTORS

The glass industry has a very long tradition in Bohemia. It was developed especially in its mountain regions, due to the abundance of raw materials available there. The first glass factories were set up in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. On the territory of Bohemia, glass factories or rudiments of glass factories have always occurred in localities with sufficient fuel, i.e. in or near forests. Most of today´s glass factories are still in sites of the former historical ones. The best-known glass factories are in the Liberec Region, where they predominantly produce utility glass and jewellery.

The area of the Jizerské hory Mountains and the Lužické hory Mountains is also called “Crystal Valley“. Some of the glass factories there date back to the 16th century. There are also glass schools, universities with design specialisations, and the unique Museum of Glass and Jewellery. Nowhere else in the world is there such a concentration of glassmakers. Other localities of the glass industry are, in particular, the Ore Mountains, the Giant Mountains, Jeseníky Mountains, the Šumava, and the area around Zlín in Moravia, where mostly container glass is manufactured.

At present, the glass industry employs about 17 500 people.

An important role in the development has always been played by Bohemian glass dynasties, which influenced technological development in the whole of Central Europe.

The art of melting glass used to be a family secret, which was passed on from father to oldest son. The most important feats of Czech glassmakers include the manufacture of the deep-blue coloured glass, known as “smalt”, prepared by including a cobalt compound, invented by the Schürer family in Northern Bohemia in the 16th century, and the invention of Bohemian crystal in the Müller glass factory in the Šumava in the 17th century. The invention of lasure and hyalite glass is credited to B. Egermann in the early 19th century.

At present, the production range of the glass industry covers the following manufacturing branches: flat glass, container glass, glass fibres and products made of them, utility glass, (including e.g. beverage glass, decorative glass, and artistic glass), and other special glass, such as glass apparatuses, laboratory glassware, glass components for screens, technical glassware, protective glass for welding, optical glass, semi-products for jewellery, and cement and glass blocks called “Luxfer” used in the construction sector.

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In the Czech Republic, there are about 40 - 50 independent firms manufacturing and supplying furnaces, machinery and equipment, glass moulds and devices, which serve for the manufacture of glass and ceramics. In addition, there are providers for servicing, designing, expertise and advising for this sector.

The long-standing tradition and development of the manufacture of glass, porcelain and ceramics are also conditioned, besides other factors, by a sufficient quantity of basic raw materials, including sand, kaolin, feldspar, and silica. High-quality glass sands with an extremely high content of SiO are excellent for the glass industry and for various kinds of applications in other sectors, too. The sands are delivered wet or dried.

The highest volume of production is currently achieved by flat glass for the construction and transport sectors, followed by container glass for the food and chemical industries. Nevertheless, also the manufacture of hollow glass, standard and luxury decorative glass and modern lighting is doing very well in the Czech Republic.

Important export articles include Bohemian glass in the category of “household glass”– which is relatively ordinary, and intended for normal use. In addition, lead crystal, cut lead crystal, decorated with painting, pen-and-ink drawing, lasure, high enamel, or engraving, is an important export item. This category also includes glass figurines. Exported articles also include hand-made utility glass and historical replicas. Czech products are mostly exported to the EU countries and to a total of more than 180 countries worldwide.

Glass articles that are exported to numerous countries worldwide are in general called “BOHEMIAN GLASS“. Luxury goods include e.g. iconic crystal chandeliers, which can be seen in Versailles, London, Dubai, Macau and New York.

Source: Czech Radio, Association of Glass and Ceramics Industry

Photo: © CzechTourism

Seven-Centuries-Old Tradition – This is the Czech Glass Industry

Vibrant Tourism and World-Famous Spas A TOURIST DESTINATION THAT WON´T DISAPPOINT

The Czech Republic is one of the countries offering vibrant tourism.

The country with its population of 10 million is a peaceful and safe destination, with plenty of historical monuments, picturesque landscape, world-famous spas, a network of luxurious hotels and facilities for leisure activities. Czechia is also becoming popular as a venue for congress tourism, the capacities for which are especially adapted in big cities.

CONGRESS METROPOLIS

In general, the Czech Republic is one of 30 countries worldwide regarded as the most suitable for congress tourism; the Czech metropolis of Prague even ranks among the 15 most popular cities.

This ranking is also supported by the successful organisation of several conferences of global importance, which have been hosted

by Prague in recent years. A stable economy, strategic position, favourable climate, various points of interest and a high quality of services provided in congress facilities are the factors making Prague an attractive congress venue. Prague has modern hotel facilities with a wide range of conference rooms and state-of-theart technology. The Prague Congress Centre has undergone vast modernisation. In addition, Václav Havel International Airport, where a multitude of international flights of renowned airlines and numerous low-cost carriers arrive every day, is extending its capacities and services.

TRADITION OF CZECH SPA INDUSTRY

The history of the Czech spa industry dates back hundreds of years. In the course of time, spas have been places of healing and relaxation, visited by many important personalities in the social, cultural and political life, from J. W. Goethe to F. Kafka, F. Chopin and former presidents T. G. Masaryk and Václav Havel.

Even King Charles IV regularly enjoyed the beneficial effects of spa stays. In the late 19th century, Czech spas were so famous that they were referred to as the “salons of Europe”. Today, the Czech Republic is one of the global spa empires, with high-quality spa facilities actually scattered throughout all regions of our republic.

TOP QUALITY AND PROFESSIONALISM

Czech spas are famous for high-quality medical care and progressive therapeutic and rehabilitation methods. Credit for the excellent performance of the Czech spa industry can be given especially to the highly qualified staff (medical doctors, physiotherapists, nurses), which is one of its main strengths. It is not by chance that in 2006 a spa in the Czech Republic was actually

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

KEY SECTORS

HUGE POTENTIAL

The Czech Republic has hundreds of natural healing springs and rich deposits of peloids (mud/peat), sources of mineral spring gases and locations with a favourable climate. In combination with medical science, this has given rise to more than 30 Czech spas treating a wide range of illnesses.

HEALING WITHOUT CHEMICALS

Experts constantly warn that overuse of drugs may have plenty of adverse side effects. Fortunately, today´s society is starting to return to well-proven natural procedures and to try the healing effect of centuries-proven natural sources, whereby treatment significantly less invasive than treatment with drugs or radical irreversible surgery is available.

LONG-TERM EFFECT

A spa cure has a provable revitalising influence and heals numerous illnesses. Positive effects appear not only during the spa stay, but also continue for several months thereafter. This is also the reason why people attend spas regularly.

CULTURE AND SPORT

Besides therapeutic and wellness procedures, our spas provide numerous other opportunities for sport, social and cultural entertainment. Magnificent scenery surrounding most of our spas lures visitors to go walking and trekking, clients have swimming pools, fitness centres, tennis courts, bicycle rental services, and numerous other sporting facilities at their disposal. Culture fans can also enjoy themselves. There is a wide variety of concerts, theatrical performances and other cultural events held in the spas to choose from. Many spas also boast of a rich history and interesting architecture.

VARIOUS KINDS OF STAYS

Besides traditional therapeutic stays, each spa offers some preventive, relaxation and wellness stays, anti-stress programmes for executives, beauty programmes for women and stays focused on weight loss. The length of stay can be selected according to one’s time possibilities – the most popular are one- or two-week stays, weekends and long weekends.

Source: www.lecebnelazne.cz

The Spa Triangle - Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, and Františkovy Lázně – together with another eight famous European spas – was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, upon the international series nomination of “Great Spas of Europe“.

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Photo: © Živý kraj - Karlovy Vary Region Turisztikai Hivatal; © CzechTourism, Photo Authors: Ladislav Renner Photo: © CzechTourism, Photo Author: David Marvan

the first in Europe to be awarded the certificate of EUROPESPA med© – the prestigious acknowledgement of quality from the European Spas Association in Brussels, given to selected European spas after demanding examination and auditing of their operations. At present, Czechia is a country with the highest number of successfully issued certifications within the EU.

In 2023, mass accommodation facilities in the Czech Republic hosted almost 22 million guests, who spent there, on aggregate, almost 56 million nights. In comparison with the previous year, the number of guests who used the services of hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation facilities went up by 13.1 % and the average number of nights during which these guests stayed there went up by 10.4 %. As usual, accommodation was in most demand in the summer season.

One-quarter of the total number of guests accommodated in one of the mass accommodation facilities stayed there in July or August. The total of 9.5 million foreign guests included almost 5.9 million guests accommodated in Prague, who spent there, on average, 14.2 million nights. The average length of stay in the capital city was 2.4 nights.

The second-most visited region was the Region of Karlovy Vary with more than 700 000 tourists.

Preliminary data for the first months of 2024 indicate that this year could also be favourable for the tourism business. In March 2024, the number of arrivals in mass accommodation facilities in the CR went up by 13.7 % in the year-on-year comparison, and the number of overnights was 10.7 % higher in comparison with the previous year.

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 WHO WE ARE l I ndependent public institution of entrepreneurial self-governance l L argest and most representative business association in the Czech Republic, including small, medium, and large companies, self-employed entrepreneurs, associations, unions, and craftsmen organisations lN etwork – regional (regional and district chambers) and professional (unions, associations, etc.) lP latform for 15 000 members representing more than 60 % of GDP of the country and 66 % of employable population in the Czech Republic in non-compulsory membership scheme lM ember of European and international organisations WHAT WE DO l S upport of International Trade l Organisation of business missions targeting particular territory or sector l Organisation of business missions accompanying state and government officials on their visits abroad l Organisation of business forums, seminars, round tables etc., targeting particular country or territory l Organisation of bilateral meetings between Czech entrepreneurs and foreign business delegations l Involvement in various European Commission’s programmes l Support to foreign companies in finding suitable business partners in the Czech Republic l Publishing foreign demands, offers or tenders on Chamber website l Czech Business Representation in Brussels (CEBRE) lC onsultancy & advisory services (subsidies, projects, export & foreign trade, legal issues, etc.) lC ZECHPoints (registers, documents, certificates, services, etc.) over 50 one-stop-shops throughout the country lP rofessional Education – national certification programmes (recognised occupation), skill competitions, l T hematic courses & seminars, etc. lO bligatory commenting point for new business legislation l L obbying at local, national, European & international level l I ssuing own monthly KOMORA.cz magazine and weekly electronic news distributed directly to members

Hospodářská komora České republiky Florentinum, Na Florenci 2116/15, 110 00 Praha1 Phone: +420 266 721 300 E-mail: foreigndpt@komora.cz l More information at www.komora.cz l

CENTRE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC – ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) assists businesses to innovate and grow on an international scale. It is the world’s largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions.

The Network is active worldwide. It brings together experts from member organisations that are renowned for their excellence in business support.

Member organisations include: l chambers of commerce and industry l regional development organisations l universities and research institutes l innovation agencies The Network activities include expert counselling for entrepreneurs and information on the Single Market, assistance with transnational technology transfer, searching for contacts and project partners for international co-operation in research and development. The Network also offers advice on protecting intellectual property.

Enterprise Europe Network operates in more than 60 countries.

The Czech Republic is represented by a consortium of six partners coordinated by the Technology Centre Prague and is funded by the European Union (Single Market Programme (SMP)) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. This ensures that all its services are provided free of charge.

If you want your business to go international, the Enterprise Europe Network is here for you.

Our support will allow you to scale in Europe and fast-growing markets in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

If you are looking for new business partners for joint research & development, we can help you market and find innovative technologies.

We can also assist you in securing your supply chains and finding new suppliers worldwide.

Our business advisers can help you to take advantage of free trade agreements and benefit from reduced tariffs and regulatory alignment.

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, www.een.cz l

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CONFEDERATION OF INDUSTRY OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC We unite the leading companies and industry associations in the Czech Republic. We advocate the common interests of our members. We influence the economic, social, and environmental policies in the Czech Republic. We improve business conditions.

We promote international trade and investment.

WE ARE l T he largest and most influential independent organisation of employers and entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic lA representative of the Czech Republic’s leading companies, representing a crucial part of the industry – especially the automotive, electronics, chemical, and mechanical engineering sectors, the power industry, transportation, ICT sectors and many others lA volunteer organisation, independent of the government, political parties, and trade unions lA respected social partner and a participant in the European social dialogue WE REPRESENT l 1 1 000+ companies – our members employ more than 1.3 million people l 3 0 industry federations and associations from key areas of the Czech economy lO ver 140 significant individual member companies OUR PRIORITIES l S upporting industry as the main pillar of the Czech economy l S trengthening the significance of research, development and innovation in industry lC ontinuing development in technical education and expanding the technically skilled labour force lC reating a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs and international investors lA dvancing international trade and exports l I mproving the transport infrastructure l F urthering the digitalisation of the economy and e-Government lW riting and agreeing on a stable, enforceable and predictable legislative framework INTERNATIONAL TRADE PROMOTION lW e organise international conferences attended by heads of states and governments lW e organise international business and trade missions lW e cooperate with partner confederations and business chambers worldwide lW e coordinate incoming business and trade missions lW e represent our members at international trade fairs lW e organise conferences, seminars, and workshops promoting exports

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

INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / ICC 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 also for global living standards and for peace.

ICC was founded in 1919 in Paris. Today, ICC represents 45 million companies and associations in more than 170 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 consultative status.

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 have become one of the most important pillars of international trade.

PARTNERSHIP ICC provides a large portfolio of services fundamental for 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 world organisation.

TERRITORIAL WORKSHOPS The main aim of these workshops is to support the efficiency of Czech economic diplomacy under the presence of Czech ambassadors to introduce trade and investment opportunities to Czech exporters, to help diversify Czech exports to perspective markets and to help establish useful business contacts. In the period of 2017/ 2018, these workshops were focused on e.g.: Greece, Thailand, Nigeria, Albania, Belarus, Latvia, Ukraine, Iceland, the USA, Cuba, Kuwait and Qatar, Macedonia, Romania, Ireland and many others.

SEMINARS, PROFESSIONAL COURSES Our extensive range of educational programmes is targeted at specific topics associated with conducting international trade.

Lecturers include experts and professionals with long-time experience or managers working in the given field – Incoterms 2010, Bank guarantees and experience with URDG 758, Documentary Credits and Standbys – International Standard Banking Practice and Practices in the USA, Terms of international sale contract in foreign trade.

Národní výbor Mezinárodní obchodní komory v České republice Václavské náměstí 796/42 (Entrance from Štěpánská Str.) 110 00 Praha 1 Mailing address: Štěpánská 42, P.O. Box 839, 114 07 Praha 1 Phone: +420 724 613 084 E-mail: icc@icc-cr.cz l More information at: www.icc-cr.cz l

l More information at: www.spcr.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

CZECH TOURISM AUTHORITY – CZECHTOURISM The Czech Tourism Authority - CzechTourism is an allowance organisation of the Ministry of Regional Development and its goal is the successful presentation of the Czech Republic on the domestic and foreign markets. It uses its central office in the Czech Republic for that, as well as its network of foreign offices both in other European countries, including Germany, the UK and Spain and in non-European countries, such as China, Brazil, and the United States.

The basic objective of the network of foreign CzechTourism representative agencies is to promote the Czech Republic in the respective markets, build brand awareness of destinations and stimulate the volume of arrivals of foreign visitors to the Czech Republic. CzechTourism agency branches offer a wide range of promotional activities. Their basic tools include campaigns (on-line, print and outdoor), press and excursion tours, road shows, participation in trade fairs, promotional events, organising presentations and workshops, collaboration with foreign and Czech entities and establishing and developing contacts with strategic partners.

The main vision of the CzechTourism agency is shaping a new perception of the Czech Republic. It is precisely a change in the perception of tourism by the residents themselves and increasing their brand loyalty to the “Czech Republic” in the context of domestic and incoming tourism that is one of the fundamental objectives of the agency for the coming period.

CzechTourism promotes the Czech Republic brand on the domestic and foreign market on several levels. It participates in dozens of domestic and foreign tourism fairs and publishes sets of publications, brochures and maps in several languages attracting visitors to the Czech regions. An important element of promoting the Czech Republic abroad is to introduce tourism potential through press and excursion tours, i.e. trips to the Czech Republic designated for foreign journalists and tour operators.

Another agenda is to support major domestic events of both a local and international character.

The promotion of the Czech Republic in the field of congress and incentive tourism on the domestic and foreign market is the mission of the Czech Convention Bureau, closely cooperating with the various regional offices, covering the work of the regions, thus contributing to maximising the utilisation of all the congress potential that the Czech Republic has to offer.

Česká centrála cestovního ruchu – CzechTourism Štěpánská 567/15, 120 00 Praha 2 Nové Město Phone: +420 777 702 761 E-mail: Info@czechtourism.cz l More information at: www.czechtourism.com l

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CZECHINVEST, BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AGENCY CzechInvest: 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 businesspromotion 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 with current data and information on the business climate,, investment environment and investment opportunities in the Czech Republic All services are provided free of charge.

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

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CO N TAC TS

Useful Contacts USEFUL CONTACTS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC United Arab Emirates – EMBASSY OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Sibiřské náměstí 730/1, 160 00 Praha 6 Phone: (+420) 221 517 777 E-mail: pragueemb@mofaic.gov.ae Web: www.mofaic.gov.ae The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – EMBASSY OF THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA Na Zátorce 622/23, 160 00 Praha 6 – Bubeneč Phone: (+420) 246 004 144 Fax: (+420) 257 316 593 E-mail: czemb@mofa.gov.sa

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

MINISTRIES

USEFUL CONTACTS IN UAE

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ministerstvo zahraničních věcí www.mzv.cz

DIPLOMATIC MISSION OF THE CZECH REPUBIC – United Arab Emirates Diplomatic, consular, and visa competences for: United Arab Emirates Address: Embassy of the Czech Republic Marina Village, Villa A09, Breakwater Area P.O.Box 27009 Abu Dhabi Phone: +971 2 6782800 Fax: +971 2 679 5716, +971 2 676 7558 (consular section) E-mail: abudhabi@embassy.mzv.cz Consular section: consulate_abudhabi@mzv.cz Economic section: commerce_abudhabi@mzv.cz Website: www.mzv.cz/abudhabi

Ministry of Industry and Trade Ministerstvo průmyslu a obchodu www.mpo.cz Ministry of Agriculture Ministerstvo zemědělství www.mze.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 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

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

CzechTrade - United Arab Emirates Czech Trade Promotion Agency (DMCC Branch), 18th floor, Office: 1801-3, Mazaya Business Avenue - BB1 Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers DUBAI Phone: +971 4 369 9053 Mobile: +971 504 509 941 www.czechtrade.ae

USEFUL CONTACTS IN SAUDI ARABIA EMBASSY OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC – RIJAD, SA Saad Bin Gharir Street, Al-Nuzha District, 11693 Rijád P.O. Box 94305 Phone: +966 114 503 617, +966 114 503 618 Fax: +966 114 509 879 E-mail: Riyadh@mzv.gov.cz Website: www.mzv.gov.cz/riyadh CzechTrade – Saudi Arabia Embassy of the Czech Republic, Saad Bin Gharir Street, Al-Nuzha District, 11693 Rijád Phone: +966 597 294 035 Website: www.czechtradeoffices.com/sa

Karlovy Vary Region

Improve your health in the spas of the Karlovy Vary Region The world-famous spa towns of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Jáchymov offer centuries of proven spa care, unique natural healing resources including ideal climatic conditions. Drinking cure of thermal springs in Karlovy Vary, mineral springs in Mariánské Lázně and baths in radon water in Jáchymov are an essential part of spa treatment.

See for yourself the miraculous effects of spa treatment.

www.visitvaryregion.com www.laznezdravi.cz/en 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

Public Administration Portal

www.vlada.cz

Official site for business and exports General information on business climate, structure, and development of the Czech economy Electronic gateway for the public to administration and government services

Company Contact Information ARES

www.info.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

Kompass

www.kompass.com

Czech Company Catalogue

European Databank

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

Information operator

Iuridika

http://iuridica.eunet.cz

Directory of legal services and official bodies

Portal of Czech judiciary

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/ Brno Trade Fairs Miscellaneous

www.bvv.cz

List of exhibitions and fairs in the CR

The Industrial Property Office

www.upv.cz

The Czech Science Foundation

www.gacr.cz

Česká pošta (the Czech Post)

www.ceskaposta.cz

Association for Foreign Investment State Administration of Surveying and Cadastre

www.afi.cz

Electronic Toll System in the CR

www.mytocz.eu

Information on road toll and charges

www.narodni-kvalifikace.cz

Register of nationally recognised vocational qualifications

www.ahrcr.cz

Directory of gastro industry in the CR

Czech exporting companies

Company Catalogue Czech Exporters Directory

Legislation

Finance

Statistics

National Register of Vocational Qualifications The Czech Association of Hotels and Restaurants

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.cuzk.cz

Patents, trade marks, utility models, and industrial designs Awards and grants to the best projects of basic research in all branches of science Incl. postcodes of municipalities and their districts (PSC), philately, etc Support for entry of foreign investors Information system, contains data on real estate in the CR

TRADITION

AND PROGRESS AGADOS, spol. s r.o. the traditional Czech manufacturer of a wide range of trailers of total weight from 300 to 18 000 kg for both civilian and military use.

AGADOS, spol. s r.o.

Průmyslová 2081 | 594 01 Velké Meziříčí | Czech Republic Phone: +420 566 653 301 | Fax: +420 566 653 368 E-mail: ostry@agados.cz | www.agados.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 39

Family of innovative steel grades to increase wheel life-time and safety. In line with requirements of main norms/standards (TSI/EN, AAR, NTSN etc.).

Up to 30% higher mileage Higher resistance against thermo-mechanical stresses and rolling contact fatigue Lower life-cycle cost Higher safety Lower carbon footprint

www.ghh-bonatrans.com

Family of noise-absorbing systems to reduce noise emissions from wheel-rail contact.

High damping effect – up to 8 dB(A) rolling noise, up to 30 dB(A) squealing noise Lifespan not limited by the wheel service life = lower LCC & carbon footprint Maintenance-free and easy to install Low weight and 100% recyclable Applicable for all types of rail-bound vehicles