Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden 2020/2021

CZECH REPUBLIC Your Trade Partner

2020/2021 Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden

UNITHERM, s.r.o.

Vedlejší 25, č. p. 88 | 466 04 Jablonec nad Nisou Czech Republic

Lenka Bienová Chief Commercial Officer bienova@unitherm.cz Mobile: +420 777 792 203 | Phone: +420 488 388 113

Future belongs to aluminium!

www.unitherm.cz

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

Deadline: 31 October 2020 The publisher is not responsible for the content of paid presentations.

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Published 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

CZECH REPUBLIC Your Trade Partner Published by the PP Agency s.r.o. 2000 – 2020

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Doing Business in the Czech Republic

2019

11. 7. 2019 9:34:58

Dear Readers, Relations between the Czech Republic and the Kingdom of Denmark are excellent at all levels. Last year we solemnly remembered a round anniversary of official diplomatic ties between Denmark and Czechoslovakia that were established in the year 1919. However, mutual political, cultural and scientific contacts between our countries date far back to the 13th century.

Integration of the Czech Republic into the European Union and Schengen Area, which were both supported by Denmark, opened up new opportunities for bilateral relations including in the area of trade and investment. Czech-Danish economic contacts can easily benefit from the fact that Denmark is the closest Nordic country to the Czech Republic well connected by all means of modern transportation including directs flights operated by Czech Airlines.

The Czech Republic was able to offer to Danish partners stable political environment, strong economic performance, favourable investment climate, competent labour force and skilled technical university graduates. Danish companies have been able also benefit from favourable location of the Czech Republic in the heart of Europe linked by means of convenient infrastructure with many countries of the Central, South East and Eastern Europe.

It all has resulted in steady growth of mutual trade volume, which increased 3.5 times in the period 2004 – 2019, and manifold presence of almost one hundred Danish investors, including LEGO, Maersk, Marius Pedersen, Rockwool International, Fibertex or Kompan, which further increases Danish competitiveness and boosts Czech exports. Danish companies have found Czech partners for common projects abroad in the energy sector, modernisation of the infrastructure, agriculture and the food industry.

The Czech Republic has become famous among Danish visitors also due to richness of its natural and cultural heritage. As tourists, the Danes continue in exploring Czech cultural sites, natural monuments, spa resorts and sports establishments. Travelling to the Czech Republic for camping, cycling, hiking, skiing and golfing has become increasingly obvious in Denmark.

Increasing mutual interest in further development of contacts between the Czech Republic and Danish autonomous territories of Greenland and the Faroes Islands creates an additional and unique possibility for long-term economic cooperation. Food processing, tourism, geological engineering and infrastructure modernisation being the most promising sectors.

Danish companies in the Czech Republic have traditionally succeeded developing their businesses in sectors like energy, pharmacy and design. Beyond it we can proudly mention also software and information technologies, artificial intelligence and robotics, nanotechnologies and smart infrastructure as the sectors offering sustainable opportunities for the future.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Copenhagen, as well as Czech Honorary consuls in Aarhus and Nuuk (Greenland), are standing ready to assist in supporting your plans and projects with regard to doing business in the Czech Republic.

Radek PECH Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Denmark

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 05

FOREWORD Dear Readers, Allow me to shortly sum up the long and excellent trade relationship between Denmark and the Czech Republic. First of all, I need to mention that Danish and Czech business cultures have shown to be a fine match thanks to a similar pragmatic approach and attitude towards both business and life philosophy. This has helped to create many fruitful collaborations between our two countries.

Many Danish companies have already established their business in Czechia thanks to great conditions, a highly skilled work force and a central location – I could name DSV, Velux, Rockwool, DHI, Bang & Olufsen and others. I cannot forget Danish Lego, which has one of their biggest production sites in the Czech city of Kladno. The concept of Danish design is also familiar to many Czechs. Therefore, you can find products from Jysk, Flying Tiger, BoConcept or Pandora and similar Danish design in many Czech homes.

Denmark is also the Nordic country closest to the Czech Republic, with multiple transport options between the countries. Another important aspect of this trade relationship is mutuality. An example from the pharmaceutical industry is the well-known Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which has its important place on the Czech market, while Czech Zentiva is operating on the Danish market. This mutual market benefits both countries. Danish Universal robots are also used on Czech production sites, resulting in higher productivity in Czech production. Such mutual exchange is essential for knowledge sharing, and I am pleased to see so many successful collaborations between Denmark and the Czech Republic which contribute to the constant market development.

Another relevant topic for both countries is sustainability and the implementation of important measures into production and company life. Danish solutions have been used for infrastructure modernisation, optimising agriculture and also in the food industry. That has provided energy efficient solutions along with higher productivity through industrial production. Collaboration across borders has been very beneficial for many sectors to become more sustainable.

We see many more business opportunities both in Denmark and the Czech Republic, especially in the leading industries where both countries can benefit from each other. The Trade Council at the Danish Embassy in Prague is ready to assist Danish companies in connecting them with Czech business partners. The Trade Council’s department ‘Invest in Denmark’ in Copenhagen can assist Czech companies in establishing themselves in Denmark, as well as connecting them with Danish universities to exchange knowledge and technology.

I sincerely hope that the trend of increasing business cooperation between the Czech Republic and Denmark will continue to rise, and I wish companies from both countries great success and happy customers.

Ole Frijs-Madsen Ambassador of Denmark to the Czech Republic Follow us: On Twitter @DKambCzechia On LinkedIn @Trade Council of Denmark in Czechia On Facebook and Instagram @DenmarkinCzechia

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

Dear Readers, We can say that Finland and the Czech Republic as members of the European Union are natural partners – countries who believe in free trade and want to develop the EU internal market further. Both countries value a rules-based and free trade policy. We understand each other and increasingly Finnish companies are either investing or operating in the Czech Republic, or Czech companies have established themselves up North. Here we can list only a couple of examples, like Nokia, Fiskars, TietoEVRY, Kone, YIT, Huld. On the Czech side, Transtech Company is an excellent example of a successful investment.

Nevertheless, every relationship needs to develop over time. Although both countries have developed their reputation within the European and global industrial community by focusing on their strengths e.g. in machinery, mechanical engineering and manufacturing – something new is needed. There is potential for further growth and trade can create a win-win situation for both countries.

We need to take the next steps: both Finns and Czechs are contemplating how to make the green transition, what kind of green deal would secure jobs and social well-being and what technologies will be real game-changers.

Digitalisation is the most important driver of the sustainable growth and competitiveness of the EU’s industry. Low-carbon roadmaps for industry and new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technology are among the key issues in enabling the green and digital transition.

Artificial Intelligence, together with Robotics, e-mobility combined with the latest battery technology, the Industry 4.0. Concept and circular economy solutions, and finally 5G in combination with the Internet of Things - all of the above are examples of winning combinations for Finnish and Czech companies. I believe that Finnish companies can provide all kinds of solutions for various needs and demands – from basic infrastructure to supercomputing.

However, it is important not merely to list trends. Therefore, the correct conditions and environment are equally essential - collaboration between companies, big and small, enabling regulation and policies, and finally, a vibrant civil society and academia are needed. I believe that in Finland and the Czech Republic these elements are in place, and in good use.

Today, the Finnish approach to finding business opportunities is that “Saving the planet is good business, and good business is saving the planet”. Business can be sustainable in many ways, certainly.

Success requires hard work and dedication. That is why a skilled labour force is one of the key requirements. A modern and well-functioning education system at all levels is the foundation from which to work. The Finnish education system is one of the best in the world and it is constantly being updated in order to meet future demands.

In this field, Finnish companies can offer high quality products and services for those who are willing to invest in the future.

I can see synergies and business possibilities between Finland and the Czech Republic. On the Finnish side, we can offer workable solutions to the Czech Republic, and Czech companies in various sectors – together we can succeed.

Jukka Uolevi PESOLA Ambassador of Finland to the Czech Republic

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 Dear Readers, I am thrilled to learn that you are interested in doing business in the Nordic countries!

Norway and its neighbours Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden have a number of features in common, ranging from a flair for technical innovations, an efficient state administration and a unique welfare system, to a highly skilled workforce and a widespread interest in green issues. In sum, I would dare to say that few regions can offer Czech investors and business people a more attractive environment than the Nordic countries.

As for my own nation, Norway, a number of surveys and statistics confirm that we are a safe and easy country for business. The World Bank ranks Norway in the top 10 of 189 countries on Ease of doing Business, a position we have held for several years. We are no. 3 on the Economist Intelligence Unit’s global ranking of quality-of-life index.

Our population of 5.4 million is modest in size, yet its purchasing power is comparable to much larger economies, due to a high standard of living and fairly evenly distributed wealth. In GDP per capita, the IMF last year ranked Norway as the world’s 4th richest country.

Our Government Pension Fund -- the “oil fund”, established to safeguard our wealth for future generations -- is the world’s largest sovereign investment fund, currently worth around USD 1 trillion.

In Norway, there is a highly developed system of industrial clusters with close cooperation between the industry and R&D institutions. The cost of setting up R&D activities is internationally competitive, with a well-developed system to protect intellectual property rights. Although Norway is not a member of the EU, we have full access to the internal market as a part of the European Economic Area (EEA); Norway participates fully in all EU research programmes and activities.

As a foreigner, you will discover that it is easy to work and live in the Nordic region. We appreciate a multi-cultural environment.

Most people are fluent in English, while French and German are frequently spoken as well. The Czechs and the Nordic peoples have very much in common. We are quite similar when it comes to mentality, sense of humour and interest in sports.

Our business culture is based on certain values that we regard as typically Nordic.

One of the main values is the focus on equality. We take gender equality very seriously also in business life. In addition to that, we prefer limited hierarchy and flat structures. There are relatively small differences in society, and that applies in the work place as well. Here at the Norwegian Embassy in Prague, my door is open all day and my subordinates come by whenever they need to solve anything. We see the flat structure and the openness in communication as a tool to achieve results, and not a threat.

Essentially, it all boils down to one thing: the level of trust is high in Nordic societies. This trust applies not only in the relationship between the authorities and the citizens, but also between employers and employees and between business partners. This has a very positive result also in the commercial sphere. You can do business in an easy and efficient way, without having to build too many structures.

Once more, thank you very much for your interest in doing business with us!

Robert Kvile The Kingdom of Norway’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic

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

Dear Readers, The Czech Republic and Sweden have a long and strong tradition of doing business together. This tradition stems not least from the fact that we have a similar industrial backbone, deeply rooted in innovative engineering.

On a more personal and cultural level, we often also understand each other - and like working together. To a large extent, we have the same business traditions and competences to match and complement each other. We also have the same structures of our economies as far as being medium-sized export dependent countries.

Mutual trade has been steadily growing in recent years, benefitting both sides, although Swedish exports to the Czech Republic only remain approximately half of the Czech export to Sweden.

On the other hand, we should not forget that the Swedish corporate footprint in the Czech Republic is visible in many very successful investments and companies. Sweden has almost 200 companies present, employing over 20 000 people.

What is especially interesting and promising for the future is that there has been a significant increase in R&D investments in recent years by Swedish companies. And this in several industry branches such as robotics, general industrial production, pharmaceutics and IT. This mix of well-established cooperation and a genuine interest and understanding for what the future will bring, makes me certain that our economic relations will grow even stronger. Both as far as Swedish investments in the Czech Republic go and vice versa.

I look forward to us maintaining and further developing our mutual business interests in the increasingly changing competitive landscape going into the future. Here we must never become complacent.

It is important that we remain on our toes together, bearing in mind that innovation is becoming increasingly important as companies compete for shares in the global market.

Several industries that link our countries, such as the automotive and transport, defence, life sciences, mechanical engineering, robotics and infrastructure and construction are going through major changes. There are great possibilities to intensify our collaboration and to co-create in these areas in order to stay relevant.

And this is where notions of sustainability, digitalization, clean and safe production, open trade vs. protectionism etc. come into play.

Here the Czech Republic and Sweden share many views.

To stay relevant as small and medium-sized countries, depending on export, increased cooperation and sharing experiences and ideas will be one of the keys to success. Not least in times that risks the need to navigate through disruptive value and supply chains.

This now brings me to the EU Green Deal. Our future approach to this immensely important process will decide how we keep growing sustainably together. The road to a carbon-neutral footprint will bring numerous business opportunities. And they need to be delivered based on a sound symbiosis between academia, industry and governments, i.e. what is referred to as the Triple Helix.

And let us not forget the importance of 5G and Industry 4.0 as major drivers for a successful green transformation. The opportunities, and responsibilities in this respect will be huge.

Let me also leave you with one of the most important enablers for sustainable growth; value-driven levers such as diversity and equality!

Throughout the years, we have increasingly seen the importance of an equal society in order to create long-term and stable growth. Not only because equality is the right way to go from a gender and social justice perspective, but also in order to optimise the best available workforce.

Fredrik JÜrgensen Ambassador of Sweden to the Czech Republic 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

www.ruml-gastrotech.eu

RGT s.r.o. is a company with two production halls with a long tradition and with 61 employees. For more than 25 years we are active in the European gastro market.

The production hall and business office are located 22 km from Prague in KRALUV DVUR. The primer focus of our business are stainless steel products such as dispensing systems, freezer and cooling units, serving islands, stainless steel equipment for fast food restaurant chains.

RGT s.r.o.

Director of Sales Daniel RUML, M.A. Mobile: +420 606 717 418

Email: daniel@ruml.cz

https://www.instagram.com/rumlgastrotech/ 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

Photo: CzechTourism (Michal Vitásek); Cover photo: the firms’ archives (Doosan Škoda Power s.r.o.; Kosmetika CAPRI spol. s r.o.; NEREZ CIDLINA s.r.o.; RAPETO a.s.; RGT s.r.o.; ŠKODA AUTO Česká republika; TOS VARNSDORF a.s.; UNITHERM, s.r.o.; VÍTKOVICE GEARWORKS a.s.; Works L & W group s.r.o. )

Prague

Contents FOREWORD

Foreword by Mr Radek PECH Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Denmark Foreword by Mr Ole Frijs-Madsen Ambassador of Denmark to the Czech Republic Foreword by Mr Jukka Uolevi PESOLA Ambassador of Finland to the Czech Republic Foreword by Mr Robert Kvile Ambassador of The Kingdom of Norway’s to the Czech Republic Foreword by Mr Fredrik Jörgensen Ambassador of Sweden to the Czech Republic Czech Exporters Useful Information

ECONOMICS

Trade and Economic Cooperation with Denmark Trade and Economic Cooperation with Finland Trade and Economic Cooperation with Norway Trade and Economic Cooperation with Sweden Development of Czech Economy in 2019

05 06 07 08 09 12 16

18 20 24 28 31

CZECH INDUSTRY IN BRIEF Selection of Some Key Sectors 32

KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Czech Engineering – Tradition and Future 40 Czech Agriculture Is among the Most Advanced in Europe 44 Nanotechnologies Entering into Big Business 51 Medical Equipment Made by Czech Companies

is Conquering the World The Czech Republic, Attractive Tourist Destination Tradition Seven Centuries Old

52 55 58

CZECH FOOTPRINTS UNITHERM, s.r.o.

TOS Varnsdorf OSC, a.s. Company Works with Energy

60 61 62

INSTITUTIONS PRESENT THEMSELVES

Confederation of Employers’ and Entrepreneurs’ Associations of the Czech Republic Czech Chamber of Commerce Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic International Chamber of Commerce in the CR / ICC Czech Centres CzechInvest – Business and Investment Development Agency Centre for Regional Development of the CR CzechTourism – Czech Tourism Authority

CONTACTS

Useful Contacts in the Czech Republic Useful Contacts in Denmark Useful Contacts in Finland Useful Contacts in Norway Useful Contacts in Sweden The Most Important Websites

64 64 67 67 69 71 71 72

74 74 75 75 75 76

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

FOREWORD

Czech Exporters Czech enterprises that present their products and services in this publication intend to expand their exports and seek trade partners in Denmark, Finland, Norway,and Sweden. The firms are listed according to the branch codes - NACE. 01.11 Growing of cereals (except rice), leguminous crops and oil seeds NOMINAL CZ OBCHODNÍ s.r.o.

49 10.61 Manufacture of grain mill products NOMINAL CZ OBCHODNÍ s.r.o.

49 10.86 Manufacture of homogenised food preparations and dietetic food RAPETO a.s.

47 10.89 Manufacture of other food products n.e.c.

RAPETO a.s.

47 10.89 Manufacture of other food products n.e.c.

NOMINAL CZ OBCHODNÍ s.r.o.

49 13.94 Manufacture of cordage, rope, twine and netting 56 Kv.Řezáč, s.r.o.

16.23 Manufacture of other builders’ carpentry and joinery CONTIMADE s.r.o.

50 20.42 Manufacture of perfumes and toilet preparations Kosmetika CAPRI spol. s r.o.

59 21.10 Manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products Cayman Pharma s.r.o.

54 21.20 Manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations RAPETO a.s.

47 22.23 Manufacture of builders’ ware of plastic Zelinger plast s.r.o.

34 22.29 Manufacture of other plastic products Zelinger plast s.r.o.

34 22.29 Manufacture of other plastic products ERILENS s.r.o.

53 24.50 Casting of metals UNITHERM, s.r.o.

02, 60 24.50 Casting of metals TOS VARNSDORF a.s.

61, 78 25.00 Manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment Works L & W group s.r.o.

25 25.11 Manufacture of metal structures and parts of structures 41 SEZAKO PŘEROV s.r.o.

25.11 Manufacture of metal structures and parts of structures BAEST Machines & Structures, a.s.

33 25.29 Manufacture of other tanks, reservoirs and containers of metal BAEST Machines & Structures, a.s.

33 25.50 Forging, pressing, stamping and roll-forming

66 25.60 Treatment and coating of metals; machining Works L & W group s.r.o.

25 25.60 Treatment and coating of metals; machining VÍTKOVICE GEARWORKS a.s.

22 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

25.62 Machining CONTIMADE s.r.o.

50 25.62 Machining Alubra s. r. o.

26 25.62 Machining SEZAKO PŘEROV s.r.o.

41 25.62 Machining

66 25.62 Machining RGT s.r.o.

10 25.62 Machining ZPA Pečky, a.s.

70 25.99 Manufacture of other fabricated metal products n.e.c.

KOVOS družstvo Teplice 21 25.99 Manufacture of other fabricated metal products n.e.c.

Smolík Cookie Cutters s.r.o.

45 25.99 Manufacture of other fabricated metal products n.e.c.

KOVOSREAL s.r.o.

37 25.99 Manufacture of other fabricated metal products n.e.c.

Alubra s. r. o.

26 25.99 Manufacture of other fabricated metal products n.e.c.

ERILENS s.r.o.

53 26.12 Manufacture of loaded electronic boards ILV s.r.o.

68 26.40 Manufacture of consumer electronics ILV s.r.o.

68 26.51 Manufacture of instruments and appliances for measuring, testing, and navigation ZPA Pečky, a.s.

70 27.11 Manufacture of electric motors, generators and transformers Vanad 2000 a.s.

65 27.32 Manufacture of other electronic and electric wires and cables KABELOVNA Děčín Podmokly, s.r.o.

77 27.33 Manufacture of wiring devices KABELOVNA Děčín Podmokly, s.r.o.

77 27.90 Manufacture of other electrical equipment OSC, a.s.

62, 63 28.11 Manufacture of engines and turbines, except aircraft, vehicle and cycle engines Doosan Škoda Power s.r.o.

13 28.15 Manufacture of bearings, gears, gearing and driving elements VÍTKOVICE GEARWORKS a.s.

22 28.25 Manufacture of non-domestic cooling and ventilation equipment ENERGO CHOCEŇ, s.r.o.

30 28.25 Manufacture of non-domestic cooling and ventilation equipment RGT s.r.o.

10

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

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

Today, every day

www.doosanskodapower.com

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

FOREWORD

UNICODE SYSTEMS, s.r.o.

Průmyslová zóna 161 | 674 01 Třebíč | Czech Republic Phone: +420 568 404 111 | +420 724 166 671

www.unicodesys.cz

Your Business Partner in the Oil & Gas Retail Sector Supplier of scalable site system platforms to enable current and future customers‘ proposals.

Unicode Systems has 30 years‘ international experience, and is active in 10 European countries in the CEE region.

Products & Solutions ECR systems - POS, BOS solutions Enterprise Central Solutions - WEB Office Fleet Card Payment Solutions Loyalty Solution Mobile payment applications Self-service payment terminals Control of forecourt technology

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

Photo: CzechTourism (Libor Sváček)

Žďár nad Sázavou - Church of St. Jan of Nepomuk on Zelená hora

28.40 Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c.

TOS VARNSDORF a.s.

61, 78 28.41 Manufacture of metal forming machinery

TOS VARNSDORF a.s.

61, 78 28.41 Manufacture of metal forming machinery

Vanad 2000 a.s.

65 28.90 Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery

Zelinger plast s.r.o.

34 28.92 Manufacture of machinery for mining, quarrying and construction

VÍTKOVICE GEARWORKS a.s.

22 28.93 Manufacture of machinery for food, beverage and tobacco processing

NEREZ CIDLINA s.r.o.

43 28.99 Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery n.e.c.

NEREZ CIDLINA s.r.o.

43 28.99 Manufacture of other special-purpose machinery n.e.c.

Alubra s. r. o.

26 31.09 Manufacture of other furniture

RGT s.r.o.

10 31.09 Manufacture of other furniture

KOVOS družstvo Teplice 21 31.09 Manufacture of other furniture

KOVOSREAL s.r.o.

37 32.50 Manufacture of medical and dental instruments and supplies

ERILENS s.r.o.

53 33.00 Repair and installation of machinery and equipment

Doosan Škoda Power s.r.o.

13 33.12 Repair of machinery

SEZAKO PŘEROV s.r.o.

41 33.20 Installation of industrial machinery and equipment

ZPA Pečky, a.s.

70

35.30 Steam and air conditioning supply

ENERGO CHOCEŇ, s.r.o.

30 41.20 Construction of residential and non-residential buildings

CONTIMADE s.r.o.

50 62.00 Computer programming, consultancy and related activities

UNICODE SYSTEMS, s.r.o.

14 62.01 Computer programming activities

UNICODE SYSTEMS, s.r.o.

14 62.02 Computer consultancy activities

OSC, a.s.

62, 63 71.12 Engineering activities and related technical consultancy

K.B.K. fire, s.r.o.

73 71.12 Engineering activities and related technical consultancy

BRENS EUROPE, a.s.

38, 39 71.21 Technical testing and analysis

OSC, a.s.

62, 63 72.00 Scientific research and development

BRENS EUROPE, a.s.

38, 39 72.19 Other research and experimental development on natural sciences and engineering

UNICODE SYSTEMS, s.r.o.

14 72.20 Research and experimental development on social sciences and humanities

ILV s.r.o.

68 74.00 Other professional, scientific and technical activities

Cayman Pharma s.r.o.

54 74.90 Other professional, scientific and technical activities n.e.c.

BRENS EUROPE, a.s.

38, 39 74.91 Advice on safety and health at work

K.B.K. fire, s.r.o.

73 74.92 Advice on fire protection

K.B.K. fire, s.r.o.

73 The publisher is not responsible for the content of paid presentations.

C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 15

FOREWORD

Useful Information State Symbols of the Czech Republic Coat of Arms

National Flag

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

BASIC DATA

Prague – Charles Bridge

Population 10 699 142 (as of October 2020) Area 78 864 sq. km Capital city Praha (Prague) Parliamentary system Parliamentary democracy Language Czech Highest peak Sněžka (1603 m.a.s.l.)

Time zone Central European Time GMT + 1, summer time GMT + 2 Currency Czech crown (Kč/CZK) = 100 hellers

For the most recent exchange rates, please see

https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter Internet domain .cz The President of the Czech Republic is Miloš Zeman

Karlovy Vary – the Colonnade

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

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.

NOTABLE PERSONS

Valtice – 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 world renowned 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 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

Photo: CzechTourism (Libor Sváček), ŽIVÝ KRAJ - DESTINAČNÍ AGENTURA PRO KARLOVARSKÝ KRAJ, Z.S.; Map source: Roads and Motorways Headquarters

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.

BERLIN HAMBURG HANNOVER DORTMUND KASSEL

SZCZECIN ZIELONA GÓRA

BERLIN

BERLIN

LEIPZIG

POZNAŃ WARSZAWA ŁÓDŹ

Legnica ROTTERDAM KÖLN ERFURT

Görlitz

DRESDEN Jena

WROCŁAW Jelenia Góra

Gera Zwickau

Świdnica

CHEMNITZ

Wałbrzych

GDAŃSK ŁÓDŹ

Opole

Plauen

Tarnowskie Góry Kędzierzyn-K.

Zabrze Bytom Dąbrowa G. GLIWICE Ch. SOSNOWIEC KATOWICE Ruda Ś.

Mysłowice Racibórz Rybnik Tychy Żory

BAMBERG

Bayreuth

Bielsko-Biała

FRANKFURT AM MAIN WÜRZBURG

Erlangen

WARSZAWA RADOM

KRAKÓW LVOV (UA) RZESZÓW

BANSKÁ BYSTRICA POPRAD

Fürth

NÜRNBERG MANNHEIM HEILBRONN

Žilina MÜNCHEN INGOLSTADT

Regensburg

KOŠICE POPRAD

Trenčín

MÜNCHEN

KOŠICE ZVOLEN

Passau Trnava

Linz MÜNCHEN

St. Pölten

Wels

WIEN

Nitra

BANSKÁ BYSTRICA ZVOLEN

BRATISLAVA

SALZBURG

GRAZ SOPRON GRAZ

BUDAPEST GYŐR

TRIESTE

Republic), Jiří Menzel, and Jan Svěrák. Other famous people of culture are the painters František Kupka and Alfons Mucha, and the photographer Jan Saudek.

Sportsmen who have gained international fame are, for example, Emil Zátopek – long-distance runner – best known for winning three gold medals at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki.

He won gold in the 5 000- metre and 10 000-metre races, but his final medal came when he decided at the last minute to compete in the first marathon of his life. He was nicknamed the “Czech Locomotive”.

Gymnast Věra Čáslavská won a total of 22 international titles between 1959 and 1968, including seven Olympic gold medals, four World titles and eleven European championships.

Martina Navrátilová is a former Czechoslovak and later American professional tennis player and coach. In 2005, Tennis magazine selected her as the greatest female tennis player for the years 1965 through to 2005. She is considered one of the best, if not the best, female tennis players of all time.

Jaromír Jágr is the most successful European hockey player who has ever played in the NHL and is considered one of the greatest professional hockey players of all time.

Petr Čech is considered one of the greatest and most respected football goalkeepers of his generation.

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

Petra Kvitová is a professional tennis player. She turned professional in 2006 and has won 23 career singles titles, which includes two Grand Slam titles at the Wimbledon Championships in 2011 and 2014.

Martina Sáblíková is a speed skater, specialising in long-distance races. She is an Olympic gold medal winner and a multiple European and World all-round champion. She became the first Czech to win two Olympic gold medals at one Winter Games in the 2010 Olympiad.

Ester Ledecká is a snowboarder and Alpine skier. At the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, Ledecká won gold medals in the super-G in Alpine skiing and in the parallel giant slalom in snowboarding. She is the first person to win two gold

medals at the same Winter Olympics, using two different types of equipment (skis and snowboard) and the first woman to do so in a single Winter Olympics.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Dialling code: +(420). More detailed information about telephone numbers can be found on the www.zlatestranky.cz website.

Licences for operating mobile networks on the territory of the Czech Republic have been awarded to the following companies: 02 Czech Republic a.s., T-Mobile Czech Republic a.s., Vodafone Czech Republic a.s., and Air Telecom a.s.

The most popular credit cards in the Czech Republic are Eurocard/Mastercard and Visa.

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

ECONOMICS

Trade and Economic Cooperation with Denmark Denmark is an important trade partner of the Czech Republic, not only on the European scale, but also worldwide. Denmark figures among the Czech Republic´s top 20 most important trade partners according to foreign trade statistics. The promotion of mutual trade is assisted by approximately 90 companies with Danish capital operating on the Czech market. All of these are manufacturing companies, mainly concerned with firms doing business in trade and services, as well as in technologies, in which Danish firms are global leaders.

In the 1990s, the penetration of Danish firms in central and eastern European countries was supported by several Danish government funds. Of special importance for the Czech Republic was the IOE (Investment in Office Equipment) Fund for Central and Eastern Europe. The Fund participated in the financing of 32 projects, in which Danish firms invested approximately DKK 383 million. Some of the firms which invested in the Czech Republic with the assistance of the Fund are today among the most important exporters (Dansk Eternit Holding, A.P. Moeller-Maersk, DISA, Norwood, Marius Pedersen). An important investor in the real estate business is TK Development, which participated in the construction of large shopping centres all over the Czech Republic. In addition to the aforementioned firms, other companies having their capital interest in the Czech Republic include, for example, LEGO A/S, Rockwool A/S, NKT Holding, Bang & Olufsen, Coloplast, Fibertex, Faerch Plast, Jysk, Kompan, and Novo Nordisk.

The latest significant investment has been the enlargement of the LEGO toy manufacturing factory.

BALANCE SHEET OF MUTUAL TRADE EXCHANGE FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS

According to statistics for 2019, mutual trade exchange continued to grow, especially on the part of Czech imports from Denmark, which increased by more than 40 % over the past five years. The value of Czech exports for the same period rose by 29 %, boosting the significant increase in the total trade turnover by more than 33 %. The total balance of trade continues to be strongly positive in favour of the Czech Republic, exceeding half of the value of Danish exports to the Czech Republic.

The most important Czech export items are motor cars, which in 2019 accounted for 16 % of total Czech exports, and pharmaceutical products, with a proportion of about 15 %.

According to De Danske Bilimimportoerer 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

Danish automobile association, 15 067 Škoda cars were sold on the Danish market in 2019, which represents a 6.7 % market share. Czech exports of Toyota, Peugeot, and Citroën cars from TPCA automobile works and Hyundai cars from the works in Nošovice are also increasing.

Development of trade between the CR and Denmark from 2015 to 2019 2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Change 2015-2019

Total turnover

2 136.4 2 196.6

2 347.6

2 576.8

2 842.6

+33.1%

Czech exports

1 380.2 1 467.4

1 553.4

1 568.7

1 780.9

+29.0% +40.4%

Czech imports

756.1

729.1

794.2

1 008.2

1 061.7

Balance CR – Denmark

+624.1

+738.3

+759.2

+560.5

+719.2

Source: Czech Statistical Office, www.czso.cz

TEN MOST IMPORTANT CZECH EXPORT AND IMPORT ITEMS

The structure of Czech exports to Denmark, similarly to the structure of Czech imports from that country, is strongly influenced by industrial products, which predominate in mutual trade on a long-term basis. The most important Czech export items are pharmaceuticals and motor cars, followed by iron and steel products and electrical and communication products.

The tables show the basic structure of exports and imports and give a detailed survey of the most tradable items classified according to SITC(4), illustrating the structure of the main traded commodities in great detail.

The following tables present the structure of mutual trade from the Czech point of view for 2019:

Exports (classified according to the basic groups of SITC) Name of goods

Stat. value in EUR (thous.)

Food and live animals

28 842

Beverages and tobacco

10 132

Crude materials, inedible

4 053

Mineral fuels, lubricants, etc.

6 818

Animal and vegetable oils

957

Chemicals and related products

450 811

Market products

190 075

Machinery and transport equipment

893 918

Industrial consumer goods

194 325

Commodities and transactions Source: Czech Statistical Office www. czso.cz

1 477

Imports (classification by basic SITC groups) Stat. value in EUR (thous.)

Name of goods Food and live animals

48 061

Beverages and tobacco

4 516

Crude materials, inedible

22 035

Mineral fuels, lubricants, etc.

1 538

Animal and vegetable oils

1 379

Chemicals and related products

430 564

Market products

103 696

Machinery and transport equipment

199 702

Industrial consumer goods

188 746

Commodities and transactions

998

Source: Czech Statistical Office www. czso.cz

Exports – 10 most important items (in EUR thous.)

Code of goods

Name of goods

2019

7812

Motor vehicles for the transport of persons

286 474

5429

Medicaments

264 762

7523

Other equipment for automatic data processing

221 398

8942

Tricycles, perambulators, toys, puzzles

46 537

7641

Telephone sets (incl. mobile phones)

38 735

7522

Automatic data processing equipment

32 358

8931

Plastic objects for the transport or packing of goods

25 027

6618

Construction material of asbestos-cement and fibre cement

24 990

5416

Glycosides and vaccines

24 337

7614

Other monitors

23 465

Source: Czech Statistical Office www.czso.cz

Imports – 10 most important items (in EUR thous.)

Photo: pixabay.com

Code of goods

Name of goods

2019

5429

Drugs

8942

Tricycles, perambulators, toys, puzzles

97 629

5416

Glycosides and vaccines

89 646

5422

Drugs containing hormones and their derivatives

79 064

8931

Plastic objects for the transport or packing of goods

25 392

7843

Other parts and accessories of motor vehicles

25 194

6842

Aluminium, aluminium alloys

23 343

6732

Iron/steel rods

19 021

5169

Organic chemicals

11 972

7728

Parts suitable for groups 772.4, 5 and 6

Source: Czech Statistical Office www.czso.cz

246 435

9 992

PROSPECTS FOR CZECH EXPORTS

Within the framework of Sectoral Opportunities Maps, the following opportunities for Czech exports have been analysed for Denmark: sectors with good prospects are the energy industry (vast modernisation of energy networks and products – power stations, heating plants, incinerating plants, etc.); railway transport (renovation of the carriage fleet and the infrastructure, construction of city light passenger rail transport systems); construction (Femern, Europe´s largest transport project, construction of bridges and airport terminals, developer and industrial zones, logistic centres, hospitals, etc.) and the agricultural and food industry (supply of agricultural machinery – tractors, sowing machines, ploughs, semitrailers, etc.)

CONTRACTUAL BASIS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

l Long-term programme of economic, industrial, and technical cooperation development between the ČSSR and the Danish Kingdom (Copenhagen 16 October 1984) l Agreement between the government of the ČSFR and the government of Denmark on visa waiver (exchange of notes, Copenhagen 5 June 1990) l Agreement on Cooperation in the area of the environment (Dobříš 23 June 1991) l Protocol to the Agreement between the government of the ČSSR and the government of the Danish Kingdom on the prevention of double taxation in the area of income and property tax (Prague 11 Sept. 1992) l Agreement on air transport between the government of the Czech Republic and the government of the Kingdom of Denmark (Stockholm, 4 June 1998) l Agreement between the Czech Republic and the Kingdom of Denmark on the prevention of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion in the area of income tax (Prague, 25 August 2011) (Note: Greenland and the Faroe Islands are not parties to the Agreement.)

For the complete survey of agreements between the two countries, see: https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/cz/encyklopedie_ statu/evropa/dansko/smlouvy/index.html www.businessinfo.cz, www.mpo.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

ECONOMICS

Trade and Economic Cooperation with Finland Czech-Finnish relations have a long tradition, in spite of the fact that both independent state formations came into being only about 100 years ago. Historically, the first contacts between them date back to the end of the 14th century, when Finns, with other Nordic students, started coming to Prague to study at the university.

After completing their studies, the former students returned home and worked in spiritual administration. Many of them also became engaged in politics. In 1578, the Collegium Nordicum institution, a special seminar for the education of Catholic missionaries, was established in Olomouc as part of the Jesuit College. Many of the students were Finns, who, after returning home worked as secret Catholics in spiritual functions. At the time of fierce persecution under the rule of Duke Charles, however, most of them were exposed, deposed from their positions and forced to leave the country.

A detailed history of Czech-Finnish relations can be found at: https://www.mzv.cz/helsinki/en/bilateral_ relations/czech_finnish_bilateral_relations.html

BALANCE OF MUTUAL TRADE EXCHANGE FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS

In the years 2014-2018, mutual trade with Finland grew at a relatively dynamic rate.

The value of Czech exports to that country in 2018 nearly reached the limit of EUR 1 billion (CZK 25 billion), an 8.8 % increase in comparison with 2017. Finland´s exports to the CR, too, were growing during the 2017-2018 period of stagnation (by nearly 11 %). In 2019, a period of economic cooling-down set in, which resulted in a 2.6 % decline in mutual trade turnover. This decline was caused mainly by lower exports of Czech Škoda cars to the local market (a decline by approx.

CZK 1.45 billion, i.e. 17 %).The balance in favour of the Czech Republic, however, is still very high (over CZK 12 billion), with Czech exports amounting to more than twice the value of this country´s imports from Finland.

TEN MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS OF CZECH EXPORTS/IMPORTS

The basis of Czech exports is goods grouped in class 7, i.e. machinery and transport equipment (71.5 % of the value of total exports). This group of products is characterised by a higher proportion of value added, which is a precondition of their competitiveness. Group 7 comprises Škoda cars, which 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

are very popular in Finland; according to their importer, the firm Helkama (in 2018 Škoda was the third best selling car brand on the local market). Other groups are lagging behind in value after Group 7. The second most important is Group 6 (industrial goods), with a 13.3 % share, and the third is Group 8 (miscellaneous finished products)

Czech Exports to Finland 2019 Code of goods

Name of goods

Stat. value in EUR (thous.)

0

Food and live animals

19 198

1

Beverages and tobacco

13 222

2

Crude materials, inedible, except fuels

2 045

3

Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials

3 253

4

Animal and vegetable oils, fats, and wax

5

Chemicals and related products, not elsewhere specified

37 542

6

Market products classified mainly by material

143 037

7

Machinery and transport vehicles

626 172

8

Industrial consumer goods

9

Commodities and objects of trade, not elsewhere specified

23

86 251 464

Source: www.czso.cz

Czech Imports from Finland 2019 Code of goods

Name of goods

Stat. value in EUR (thous.)

0

Food and live animals

9 909

1

Beverages and tobacco

4 513

2

Crude materials, inedible, except fuels

3

Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials

4

Animal and vegetable oils, fats, and wax

5

Chemicals and related products, not elsewhere specified

64 540

6

Market products classified mainly by material

175 410

7

Machinery and transport vehicles

146 546

8

Industrial consumer goods

9

Commodities and objects of trade, not elsewhere specified

Source: www.czso.cz

28 916 1 474 52

23 484 7 250

Are you looking for high-quality steel furniture for your school, workshop, factory or office?

Look no further. We are KOVOS located in the Czech Republic and we specialize in the manufacture of steel furniture for schools, workshops, factories and offices. Our product portfolio includes a variety of lockers, workshop tables, cupboards, containers, trolleys, perforated tool holders, office filing cabinets, card filing cabinets, post-box lockers, drawer cupboards, medical boxes and cabinets, as well as chemical storage cabinets, lockers for charging mobile devices, waste containers, composters and steel fence profiles. In addition to our standard product line, we have an in-house engineering division where we routinely make various kinds of changes to our products according to the special needs of our customers.

Why choose us?

100% Czech manufacturer

We have a long tradition in the manufacture of steel furniture

We offer turn-key solutions: customization, manufacturing and on-site installations

since 1951

KOVOS družstvo Teplice Okružní ulice 300 407 25 Verneřice Czech Republic

tel.: +420 412 559 010 mobile: +420 602 163 130 e-mail: prodej@kovos.cz

www.kovos.cz ● www.workbench-creator.com

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

ECONOMICS

VÍTKOVICE GEARWORKS a.s.

Ruská 83/24, 703 00 Ostrava Email: gearworks@gearworks.cz Tel.: +420 728 564 776

VÍTKOVICE GEARWORKS a.s. (“VGW”) is one of the leading suppliers of gearboxes, gear wheels, rims, gear couplings, complete drives, winches and various spare parts with over 90 years of tradition, an extensive know-how and a rich experience with complex projects. ¨

heat treatment, welding, grinding of gearing, overhauling and repair of gearboxes.

VGW is active in number of industries, including energy sector, mining, metallurgy, railway and marine transportation.

VGW also excels in related services, including de- VGW is also focusing on services and refurbishment sign and calculation of drawing documentation, of gearboxes and spare parts.

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

www.gear works.cz

with an approximately 8 % share. Those three groups (7, 6 and 8) comprise nearly 93 % of all Czech exports to Finland.

In imports from Finland, the dominant classes are Class 7 (machinery and transport equipment), Class 6 (industrial goods)

Ten Most Important Czech Export Items According to HS4 (2019) 8703

Motor cars and other motor vehicles principally designed for the transport of persons

8708

Parts and accessories of motor vehicles, tractors

8471

Automatic data processing machines

8517

Telephone sets, including telephones for cellular networks

7308

Structures and parts of structures

8431

Parts of crane trucks, etc., bulldozers, milling machines, etc.

9503

Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dolls’ prams; dolls, other toys

7326

Other articles of iron or steel

8413

Pumps for liquids, whether or not fitted with a measuring device; liquid elevators

8479

Machines and mechanical appliances having individual functions

Source: www.czso.cz

Photo: pixabay.com

Ten Most Important Czech Import Items According to HS4 (2019) 4810

Paper and paperboard, coated on one or both sides with kaolin (China clay)

4703

Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard

7901

Unwrought zinc

8436

Other agricultural and forestry machines, etc., poultry-keeping or bee-keeping machinery

4011

New pneumatic tyres, of rubber

7219

Flat-rolled products of stainless steel, of a width of = 600 mm

8536

Other apparatus for protecting electrical circuits

8504

Electrical transformers, static converters and inductors

3902

Polymers of propylene or of other olefins, in primary forms

7306

Tubes, pipes and hollow profiles

with a share of 37 % and 33 % respectively), and Class 5 (chemicals) accounting for 15 % of total imports from Finland.

According to a more detailed classification (HS2) the largest export item in 2019 was, traditionally, motor vehicles (Class 87), which accounted for more than 31 % of total Czech exports to Finland, followed by machinery and mechanical appliances (Class 84) with a nearly 21 % share, electronic devices (Class 85) with a share of approx. 15 % and products of iron and steel (Class 73) with approx. 7 %.

In imports, the list is headed by Class 84, comprising machinery and mechanical appliances with an approximately 14 % share.

Second place is held by group of paper and paperboard (Class 48), which accounts for more than 13% of total Czech imports from Finland.

CONTRACTUAL BASIS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

The following basic contracts and agreements are in force in the commercial area: l Agreement on the Accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union signed in Athens on 16 April 2003; entry into force on 1 May 2004 l Agreement between the government of the Czech and the Slovak Federative Republic and the government of the Republic of Finland on the support and protection of investments, signed on 6 November 1990, entry into force on 23 October 1991 (Act No. 478/91) l Agreement between the Czech Republic and the Republic of Finland on the prevention of double taxation and fiscal evasion with respect to tax on income, signed on 2 December 1994, entry into force on 12 December 1995 (Act No. 43/96).

Source: www.czso.cz, www.businessinfo.cz

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 23

ECONOMICS

Trade and Economic Cooperation with Norway Economic relations between the Czech Republic and Norway are regulated in the framework of the Agreement on EEA between EU and EFTA countries signed in 2004. The Czech Republic and the Kingdom of Norway have further signed an agreement on the support and protection of investments.

In terms of the value of goods and services exported by the Czech Republic to Norway, the latter ranks 27th among its leading trade partners, according to statistics for 2019. On the list of Czech imports, Norway occupies 44th position. In 2019, the goods exported by Norway to the Czech Republic were worth CZK 6.24 billion. In the opposite direction, the value of goods exported by the Czech Republic to Norway was CZK 18.86 billion.

In accordance with efforts to diversify the supply of strategic raw materials to the Czech Republic, a long-term contract of the Transgas Company was in place until 2017 for the import of up to 3 billion cu. m of natural gas from Norway. In January 2009, the firms of Česká plynárenská and Statoi-Hydro signed an agreement, according to which natural gas supplies from Norway were increased by 1 million cu. m per day.

Until 2013, the mutual balance of trade between the Czech Republic and Norway was unfavourable because of the large volumes of imported natural gas, which amounted to more than three-quarters of all imports from Norway. After subtracting the value of this item, the trade exchange between the Czech Republic and Norway in traditional commodities remained positive. In 2014, Norwegian gas imports began to decline, transforming the Czech Republic into the position of a strongly active exporter. Since then, the value of Czech exports to Norway has been showing a steadily rising trend.

Between 2017 and 2016, the surplus on the Czech side doubled.

TEN MOST IMPORTANT CZECH EXPORT/IMPORT ITEMS

Main Czech Export Commodities:

l Cars, trailers and semi-trailers, motorised bicycles, tyres l Iron and steel products (bars, tubes, rods, wire) l Prefabricated buildings, furniture, construction joinery products l Plastic and ceramic construction components (boards, foils, packing, tubs; bricks, tiles) l Electrical control panels and switches l Machines for automatic data processing 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

(office, recording) lT extiles and fabrics from natural and artificial fibres, clothing and clothing accessories lC onstruction machines (cranes, carts, excavators, graders), agricultural machines (mowing, cutting, grading machines) lS porting equipment lN appies and toys

Main Czech Import Commodities: l Fish, crustaceans and fish meat (chilled, frozen) l Ferro alloys, aluminium, copper, zinc and products thereof l Medical instruments, drugs and pharmaceuticals l Agricultural, forestry, and gardening machines and tools l Hydrogen, acyclic alcohols, chemical isotopes, radioactive mixtures l Transformers, electrical switchboards, cables and conductors l Food preparations, starches l Mineral chemical fertilisers l Newsprint paper and cardboard l Stoves, boilers and accessories

Czech exports to Norway in 2019 Code of goodsí

Stat. value EUR (thous.)

Name of goods

0

Food and live animals

15 088

1

Beverages and tobacco

2

Crude materials, inedible, except fuels

3

Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials

180

4

Animal and vegetable oils, fats, and wax

159

5

Chemicals and related products not elsewhere mentioned

15 145

6

Market products classified mainly by material

146 132

7

Machinery and transport vehicles

498 794

8

Industrial consumer goods

847 3 853

90 845

Source: www.czso.cz

Balance of mutual trade exchange between the Czech Republic and Norway 2015-2019 (CZK billion) 2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Imports

8.4

11.7

6.2

6.2

8.4

Exports

17.1

17.6

18.2

18.8

19.8

Turnover

25.5

29.3

24.4

25.0

28.2

Balance

+8.7

+5.9

+12.0

+12.6

+11.4

Source: www.businessinfo.cz

ASSEMBLY – PROFESSIONALITY, QUALITY, SAFETY Works L&W Group s.r.o., established in 2011 is a successfully developing Czech company without foreign ownership participation, specialising in the area of production-assembly works for customers at home and abroad (e.g. Hungary, France, Norway, Great Britain, the Faroe Islands, Slovenia, Spain, etc.). Its services are used in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical and other industries.

The company has acquired new premises, which have been reconstructed with financial assistance from EU funds. The compound comprises 2 000 m2 of production space, new headquarters and 6 500 m2 of storage space.

On average, 60 – 80 people are employed. The company collaborates with Czech and foreign subcontractors.

Apart from its own employees, the company also engages self-employed persons.

The company´s business programme includes: delivery and assembly of investment units, with all the required related works manufacture and assembly of skid units delivery and assembly of piping systems from carbon and stainless steel (especially for the pharmaceutical and food industries) assembly of technological equipment and movement of large-capacity equipment disassembly, production, delivery and assembly of stainless-steel structures, mainly for the food industry

“We do work we like, work that has clearly visible results and work which demands thought.”

The company provides quality services. It holds a number of certifications and meets the requirements of e.g. the 2014/68/EU directive module A2 and the WPQR certificate etc.

It is needless to emphasise that the strict observance of safety, health and environmental protection rules is a priority in all company activities.

Our customers are: Nestlé (CZ), Stock Pilzen (CZ), Saint-Gobain Construction Products CZ (CZ), CS Cabot (CZ), Unipetrol-RPA (CZ), ASC Process Systems Ltd. (GB), ZVU Engineernig a. s. (CZ), Steap Stailor (FR), Izotechnik SP z.o.o. (PL), among others.

www.wlwgroup.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 25

ECONOMICS

ALUMINUM AND METAL

We give aluminum a face

FINISHING Turning Milling

ABOUT US

Cutting Welding Grinding Locksmithing

We are an important Czech company in the field of aluminum and non-ferrous metal finishing.

We cooperated with a wide range of important Czech and foreign companies, such as:

Another important area is finishing of steel and steel alloys.

We also offer turning and milling on three or five axes on CNC machines.

We provide high-performance cutting of aluminum and non-ferrous metals on special automatic circular saws.

Our operation also includes locksmith and welding workshops, which provide additional services to our customers.

We meet the strictest ČSN standards The company has implemented a quality management system as per ČSN EN ISO 9001:2008, which is based on the specified targets.

Our number one priority is the customer’s satisfaction, which may lead to long-term cooperation.

Alubra s.r.o. Čsl. armády 941/56 794 01 Krnov, Czech republic Phone:

+420 554 625 414

Mobile:

+420 603 293 661

E-mail:

gloncak@alubra.cz

www.alubra.cz 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

THE MOST PROMISING CZECH EXPORT ITEMS, SECTORS FOR INVESTMENT, PRIVATISATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Possibilities of production and trade collaboration with Norwegian partners in all sectors of the manufacturing industry are open to Czech businessmen and entrepreneurs, whose advantages are lower wage costs, competitive quality of their production and reliability. In this respect, collaboration in the manufacture of sub-deliveries for final Norwegian production is especially desirable.

Large Czech enterprises are particularly interested in participation in sub-deliveries for off-shore projects connected with oil and natural gas extraction and transport (project designing, technical solutions, sub-delivery of construction, welding and assembly work). The firms can also supply parts for fish processing and agricultural machines. In connection with the high pace of construction in the private and communal sectors, good prospects are opening up for the export of pressed components (plastic boards, pipes, tubs), construction materials (bricks, tiles, sleepers) and interior objects (furniture, lining, joinery products).

There are also possibilities of participation in modernisation projects and the construction of a new transport infrastructure, which is a government priority (roads, railways, tunnels). This is followed by tendering for contracts for the delivery of rail vehicles and the operation of passenger transport on privatised railway lines. The stipulation is to succeed in public tendering and to meet the demanding conditions of classification, quality and delivery terms.

Photo: pixabay.com

FOREIGN DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

The Czech Republic and Norway do not provide any development or technical assistance to each other.

Between 2004 and 2014, Czech recipients drew a total of EUR 242.7 million from EEA and Norwegian funds. The money was used for the protection of the country´s cultural heritage, the environment, healthcare and childcare, strengthening of the non-profit sector, collaboration within the framework of the Schengen programme and in Education, Science and Research.

For the period 2014-2021, the amount allotted to the Czech Republic from EEA funds is EUR 95.5 million, and from Norwegian funds EUR 89 million. The main programme areas are Research and Education, the support of young entrepreneurship, support of civil society, non-discrimination and social inclusion, health education, environmental protection, care for the cultural herit-

age and bilateral projects of cooperation between the Police Corps and Prison Services.

CONTRACTUAL BASIS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

The contractual basis regulating mutual trade relations between the Czech Republic and Norway is the EEA Enlargement Agreement, which entered into force on 6 December 2005.

Currently, the following main contractual documents concerning the economic sphere are in force: l Agreement between the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic and the Kingdom of Norway on the mutual support and protection of investments, valid as from 6 August 1992 l Agreement between the government of the Czech Republic and the government of the Kingdom of Norway on mutual assistance in customs matters, valid as from 8 November 1999 l Agreement between the government of the Czech Republic and the government of the Kingdom of Norway on the Prevention of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion in the area of income tax, valid as from 9 September 2005 l Memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the EEA 2009-2014 financial mechanism between the Czech Republic and Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein and the Kingdom of Norway, valid as from 18 June 2011 l Memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the financial mechanism between the Czech Republic and the Kingdom of Norway, valid as from 18 June 2011 For more information on mutual contracts between the Czech Republic and Norway, see: https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/cz/encyklopedie_ statu/evropa/norsko/smlouvy/index.html Source: www.businessinfo.cz, 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 27

ECONOMICS

Trade and Economic Cooperation with Sweden The relations between the Czech Republic and Sweden are very good at all levels.

The Czech Republic is a reliable partner of the Kingdom of Sweden, in trade as well as in other spheres. Czech-Swedish economic relations have a long tradition and the development of mutual trade and economic relations between these two countries has been showing a rising trend over the past five years. Sweden is the largest trading partner of the Czech Republic among the Scandinavian countries.

In 2019, Czech exports to Sweden were worth CZK 74.3 billion, 1.6 % of total Czech exports, according to preliminary data of the Czech Statistical Office.

Sweden thus occupies 14th position among the leading Czech export territories.

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

COMMODITY STRUCTURE

The structure of Czech exports to Sweden remains without any major changes. The dominant item, according to SITC classification, is “Machinery and transport equipment” with a 64.1 % share, followed by “Industrial consumer goods” with a share of 15.4 %. In HS4 codes, the dominant item is the export of cars (12.9 %), followed by automobile parts (12.2 %) and computers, which account for 8.1 % of total Czech exports to Sweden.

THE MOST FORWARD-LOOKING ITEMS FOR CZECH EXPORTS AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

Power Industry

The trend towards the construction of wind power stations has provoked a tremendous need for the modernisation of the transmission network and for raising its capacity. This opens up a great opportu-

Balance of mutual trade exchange in 2015-2019 (Czech statistics) in CZK million 2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Exports to Sweden

59 335

59 514

66 566

76 334

74 288

Imports from Sweden

29 283

27 097

30 904

33 129

33 036

Turnover

88 618

86 611

97 470

109 462 107 325

+30 052

+32 417

+35 662

+43 205 +41 252

Balance as seen by the CR Source: SCB

Balance of mutual trade exchange in 2015-2019 (Swedish statistics) in SEK millions 2015 Exports from the CR

2016

2017

2018

2019

17 042

17 726

19 146

23 224

24 505

8 884

9 726

10 993

12 293

12 816

Turnover

25 926

27 452

30 139

35 517

37 321

Balance as seen by the CR

+8 158

+8 000

+10 931

Imports to the CR

Source: SCB

+10 931 +11 689

Photo : www.skoda-auto.com

The relations between the Czech Republic and Sweden are very good at all levels. The Czech Republic is a reliable partner of the Kingdom of Sweden, in trade as well as in other spheres.

Czech-Swedish economic relations have a long tradition and the development of mutual trade and economic relations between these two countries has been showing a rising trend over the past five years. Sweden is the largest trading partner of the Czech Republic among the Scandinavian countries. In 2019, Czech exports to Sweden were worth CZK 74.3 billion, 1.6 % of total Czech exports, according to preliminary data of the Czech Statistical Office.

Sweden thus occupies 14th position among the leading Czech export territories.

In comparison with 2018, the volume of Czech exports to Sweden declined slightly, specifically by 2 %. This decline is due to the fact that, between 2016 and 2018, Czech exports in their current structure exceeded all historical records, reaching their all-time maximum. The mutual balance of trade continues to be highly positive in favour of the Czech Republic. In 2019 it amounted to CZK 41.2 billion and, seen from the Czech side, this has become the 9th most efficient relationship. The following survey (in CZK million) best shows the dynamic development of the mutual trade exchange.

In 2019, imports from Sweden declined by 0.3 % in comparison with 2018, to CZK 33.0 billion; Swedish exports to the Czech Republic were thus slightly lagging behind the 2018 record.

As a matter of interest, we add the fact that despite the usual differences when comparing data of the Czech and the Swedish statistical offices caused by using different methods and the specifics of mutual trade, and by the re-export factor, the basic data concerning the Swedish-Czech balance of trade shown by the Swedish statistical office (SCB) are relatively similar to those presented by Czech statistics.

According to preliminary data from SCB, the turnover of the mutual Swedish and Czech trade

exchange in 2019 was worth SEK 12.8 billion (approx. CZK 32 billion), with Swedish exports to the CR amounting to SEK 12.8 billion (approx. CZK 32 billion) and Swedish imports from the CR SEK 2.5 billion (approx. CZK 61.3 billion). Therefore the Swedish own statistical data are showing Sweden´s unfavourable balance of trade with the Czech Republic, totalling SEK 11.7 billion (approx. CZK 29.3 billion). For Swedish exporters, the Czech Republic occupies 22nd position among their most important destinations, while their imports from the CR rank 14th, which is a very good position.

Czech Imports to Sweden 2019 Code of goods

Name of goods

Stat. value in EUR (thous.)

ration include electrification, automation and digitalisation of the railway system and the supply of transport vehicles, e.g. tram cars.

0

Food and live animals

9 909

Engineering Industry

1

Beverages and tobacco

4 513

2

Crude materials, inedible, except fuels

3

Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials

4

Animal and vegetable oils, fats, and wax

5

Chemicals and related products, not elsewhere specified

The most important sector where Czech firms have the opportunity of becoming sub-suppliers is, unequivocally, engineering. In this sector, Czech firms could offer sub-deliveries for the Swedish machinery industry, especially as regards metallurgical products, welded constructions, precision machined parts and assembly.

6

Market products classified mainly by material

175 410

7

Machinery and transport vehicles

146 546

8

Industrial consumer goods

9

Commodities and objects of trade, not elsewhere specified

28 916 1 474 52 64 540

23 484 7 250

Source: www.czso.cz

nity for Czech firms, which could supply components and services for those projects. Another opportunity would be Czech participation in the envisaged development of Sweden´s nuclear power industry, a programme still to be decided this year.

Building Industry Possibilities of economic cooperation are also opening up in connection with the development of Swedish infrastructure, housing construction and the construction of new administrative centres.

A number of Czech firms are interested in participating in the envisaged construction projects.

Czech suppliers, with their vast experience, can execute building work and provide building materials for all kinds of projects, including facades and wiring.

The National Plan for the Development of Transport Infrastructure for 2014-2025 passed by the Swedish parliament is also an opportunity for Czech-Swedish collaboration. Areas suitable for collabo-

Railway and Rail Transport Supplier opportunities in this sector are opening up for Czech firms operating in the areas of railway construction, signalling, automation, electrification and rolling stock manufacture.

Other products with good prospects for Czech manufacturers on the Swedish market are, for example, machine tools, fittings, medical equipment, cables and parts and materials for furniture production, instruments and tools.

Security and Defence An important element figuring in Czech-Swedish relations is the long-term trading and production collaboration in connection with the use of Swedish Jas-39 Gripen supersonic aircraft by the Czech Airforce.

Representatives of the Czech and Swedish Ministries of Defence signed an Amendment to the Contract on the lease of Swedish Jas-39 Gripen aircraft, extending its validity. The Czech Republic will now have 14 Swedish supersonic fighters rented until 2027, with an option for another 2 years.

Under the new Lease Contract, the fighter planes will be modernised and the Czech Republic will be receiving additional services. For example, the modernisation will involve the installation of data transfer information systems in NATO format, encrypted voice communication systems, night vision and systems of action against ground targets using unguided and guided munitions.

The further training of ground and flight personnel of the Czech Airforce and the provision of the necessary ammunition are also envisaged.

Under the 12-year Contract, the Swedish side will train 25 Czech pilots and 90 technicians.

CONTRACTUAL BASIS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

For the list of valid international contracts between the CR and Sweden, please see: https://www.mzv.cz/inp/cz/encyklopedie_ statu/evropa/svedsko/smlouvy/index.html Sources: www.businessinfo.cz, www.idnes.cz, www.mzv.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 29

ECONOMICS

Member of

Contact person: Robert Baborak | Sales Manager Address: Nadrazni 631 | 565 01 Chocen | Czech Republic Phone: +420 605 842 252 E-mail: robert.baborak@energochocen.cz Web: https://www.energochocen.cz/en https://www.3hinvest.cz/

Manufacturer and specialist of pressure vessels: Heat Exchangers Separators Filters Pulsation device Material Carbon steel Stainless steel Pressure Max. 20 Mpa Inside temperature -60 ºC / + 450 ºC Volume Max. 200 m3 Surface finish W and W/O painting Industrial application Refrigeration Gas compression

Packager Compressor units Refrigeration units

PRESSURE VESSELS ARE DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO: TP TC 032/2013 TP TC 010/2011 EN ISO 9001:2009

PED 2014/68/EU AD 2000-Merkblatt HP-0 EN 13445-4 DIN EN ISO 3834-2

American Bureau of Shipping

AD 2000-Merkblatt | EN 13445 | GOST R 52630-2012 | DNV GL | BV | CSN 690010 | ASME VIII Div. |

QUALITY MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE EN ISO 9001:2016 | EN 3834-2 | EN 1090-2 |

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

Development of Czech Economy in 2019 The Czech economy continued growing at a faster rate also in 2019. This was affirmed by the growth of both gross domestic product and gross added value in all quarters. Greatly responsible for this is the growth of final household consumption expenditure. This development was accompanied by growing wages and pensions and a continuing low unemployment rate.

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

In 2019, gross domestic product increased by 2.4 per cent, as forecast. Its growth was supported primarily by household consumption and foreign demand, and also a moderate growth of investments. The growth was spread over all four quarters. The growth of gross added value was favourably influenced by the sectors of trade, transport, accommodation and catering, and the information and communication sector.

INDUSTRY

In 2019, industrial production remained at approximately the level of the previous year (Index 99.6 %). A year-on-year increase was shown by only a small group of sectors – manufacture of basic pharmaceutical products and preparations (by 19.3 %), manufacture of electrical equipment (by 5.9 %), manufacture of paper and paper products (by 3.0 %), and motor vehicle manufacture (by 0.8 %). In all other sectors, production remained slightly below the previous year´s level.

FOREIGN TRADE (SEE NOTE)

In foreign trade, in 2019 exports increased by 2 % and imports by 0.6 % in comparison with 2018, according to preliminary data.

The foreign trade surplus was CZK 149 billion, CZK 50.5 billion more year on year. In cross-border terms, the movement of goods across the national border on the side of exports increased by 3.6 % and on the side of imports by 1.0 % year on year.

PRICES

In 2019, the average annual inflation rate measured by the consumer price index was 2.8 %, 0.7 percentage point more than in 2018. This was the second highest increase over the past 11 years. In all, the prices of goods increased by 2.3 % and the prices of services by 3.7 %.

WAGE DEVELOPMENT

The average gross monthly wage of employees (full-time equivalent) in the 1st to 3rd quarters of 2019 was CZK 33 429. In a year-on-year comparison, this increase was CZK 2 233 (7.2 %). Real wages rose by 4.3 % (consumer prices in the period under review were 2.8 % higher). The highest absolute wage increase was shown by finance and insurance (CZK 4 564), education (CZK 3 237), and information and communication activities (CZK 3 027). Percentage growth was the highest in education (10.8 %) and cultural activities (19.7 %).

Note: The Czech Statistical Office has changed the terminology and the way of presenting the data concerning foreign trade, in force as from the year 2020. The term “foreign trade” presents data based on the change of ownership between residents and non-residents, formerly denoted as the “national concept of foreign trade”. At present, the formerly used term of “foreign trade” in the cross-border concept is termed as “movement of goods across the border”.

Macroeconomic Indicators of the Czech Republic 2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Gross Domestic Product (current prices)1)

CZK billion

4 097.05

4 312.55

4 597.85

4 765.79

5 053.94

5 329.54

Gross Domestic Product1)

%, real, y/y

-0.5

2.7

5.3

2.5

4.4

2.8

2.4

%, y/y

-0.1

5

4.3

3.4

6.5

3

-0.4

%

8.2

7.5

6.35

5.28

3.83

3.17

2.93

%

7

6.1

5

4

2.9

2.2

%, y/y

1.4

0.4

0.3

0.7

2.5

2.1

2.8

%, average

1.4

0.4

0.3

0.6

2.4

2

2.6

122 186

131 805

142 369

147 004

161 283

171 716

177 748

-0.1

7.9

3.3

3.3

9.7

6.5

3.5

108 622

116 209

127 486

129 271

144 491

156 852

158 229

1

6.9

9.7

1.4

11.8

8.5

0.9

Industrial Production Registered Unemployment

2)

General Unemployment Rate According to Selective Labour Force Examination3) Inflation Rate Inflation (HICP)

4)

Exports

5)

EUR mil.

Exports

5)

%, y/y

Imports

5)

Imports

5)

EUR mil. %, y/y

Balance of Trade

5)

USD mil.

13 564

15 597

14 883

17 732

16 793

14,864

19 519

CZK/EUR

6)

average

25.974

27.533

27.283

27.033

26.330

25.643

25.672

CZK/USD

6)

average

19.565

20.746

24.600

24.432

23.382

21.735

22.934

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 System of Accounts), year 2018 and 2019 preliminary data 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

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

CZECH INDUSTRY IN BRIEF

Selection of Some Key Sectors AEROSPACE

The Czech Republic has a long aviation tradition dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, since when this sector has always been strongly represented as an important branch of industry. Over the years, the country has made a name for itself based on outstanding quality, reliability, and innovation in aviation. From basic production to final aircraft assembly and cutting-edge R&D programmes, the local aerospace industry has progressed significantly and simply cannot be overlooked.

The aerospace industry is now largely based on sharing knowledge and experience with partners at the national and international levels. Unique research teams work within the industry and in the academic sphere. Public-private collaboration has been a key activity in the R&D area, thanks to which specialised university centres have become involved in high value-added projects. Knowledge and innovation are among the most important factors for remaining competitive at the global level and being able to advance further.

Do you know that: more than 32 000 aircraft and 37 000 engines have been manufactured in the Czech Republic? l the L-410 commuter turboprop aircraft made by Aircraft Industries is the most successful aircraft in its category worldwide? l the GE H80 turboprop engine is the first engine in the history of GE Aviation to be designed and manufactured outside the US? l the European Global Navigation Satellite System Agency, operator of the Galileo system, is the first EU regulatory body located in the Czech Republic? l the Czech Republic operates a state-of-the-art testing laboratory for turboprop engines, which ranks among the best in the world?

centres for automotive-related design and R&D activities. The country’s century-long engineering tradition, intensive collaboration with Czech universities on cutting-edge technologies and government support make the Czech Republic an ideal destination for future mobility.

THE CZECH AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AT A GLANCE

Interesting facts this country can boast: l 122-year history of car manufacture l car manufacture as the largest industry accounting for more than 9 % of GDP l approximately 800 companies involved in the industry l more than 160 000 direct automotive-sector employees l an industry accounting for 26 % of the country´s total manufacturing output and 24 % of total Czech exports l 80 % of production being exported (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Slovakia) l 1 459 998 cars produced in 2019 l 55 of the global top 100 tier-one suppliers having at least one production facility in the Czech Republic l 5 000 R&D employees and 33 % of all investments made in R&D in the Czech Republic l world-class automotive R&D centres of OEMs and tier-one suppliers (e.g. EATON, Škoda Auto, ZF, Robert Bosch, Varroc Lighting) l 9 technical universities with more than 20 000 graduates every year l top research institutes (CIIRC, CEITEC) l government supportive initiatives (e.g. AI Hub, testing ground for AVs)

BUSINESS SERVICES

As the Czech Republic has become an important location for business shared services, the sector is now one of the fastest growing industries in the country. Its role in the labour market is very significant, as it currently employs over 75 000 people, with that figure projected to reach 100 000 by 2020. Companies already established here are expanding their presence in the Czech Republic as the portfolio of their activities becomes more complex and advanced.

The country offers several attractive locations for business shared services – besides Prague and Brno, an increasing number of companies are focusing on cities such as Ostrava and Olomouc.

The Czech Republic has an advanced educational system, focused on meeting the needs of a competitive economy. The country’s 169 Finance, Economics, Law and ICT university faculties turn out more

AUTOMOTIVE

With its unique location, good infrastructure and skilled workforce, the Czech Republic plays a significant role in the automotive industry. In per-capita terms, it is a leading producer of buses and ranks second in the world in passenger car production. While the country has the capacity and resources to accommodate three major car makers – Škoda Auto (Volkswagen Group), TPCA (Toyota/ Groupe PSA joint venture) and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech – and holds excellent business opportunities for suppliers, the Czech Republic is poised to consolidate its position as one of the leading European 32 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

The first Czech-made car rolled off the assembly line 122 years ago The first serially-made car manufactured in the Czech Lands (part of Austria-Hungary at that time) was named Präsident. This is one of the oldest motor vehicles in the world. One hundred and twenty two years ago, on 21 May 1898, shortly after its completion, it rolled off the gates of the factory in Kopřivnice on its maiden journey to Vienna, where it arrived one day later.

The Präsident covered the route of 328 kilometres in 24 hours and 15 minutes; the actual driving time was 14.5 hours. The car carried a four-member crew, with bicycles as a vanguard. Coming across a motor car on the road at that time was an absolutely exceptional sight, about the same as seeing a flying car would be today.

BAEST Machines & Structures, a.s.

Major engineering and manufacturing company with an extensive production programme

Traditional Czech manufacturer of steel vessels & structures: carbon / stainless steel tanks pressure vessels, accumulation tanks equipment for energy, hydroelectric, ecology and environmental projects (filtration – anex, katex, sand filters, components for turbines) structures and weldments technological units and components autoclaves, cyclones, heat exchangers, drums offshore, onshore (weldments, components, technological units) cranes, portal cranes and components, crane girders components and complete units for bituminous mixing plants silos and hoppers silos for dry material (salt, etc.), complete storage systems incl. conveyer systems

30 years 300 accumulation tanks 400 silos 600 bitumen units 10 000 tanks

Oil & Gas Offshore

Petrochemical

Hydropower & Energy

BAEST Machines & Structures, a.s.

Construction

Food & Agriculture

Mining

www.baest.cz

Černoleská 1930, 256 01 Benešov, Czech Republic Phone: + 420 317 753 211, info@baest.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 33

CZECH INDUSTRY IN BRIEF

A Passion for Plastics Zelinger plast is a purely Czech company with almost 30 years of tradition in the production of plastic parts.

The company provides its customers with a complete service, from the development and production of moulds to the production of mouldings by the plastic injection moulding process. Assembly and packaging are also provided, according to the client’s requirements.

The main focus is on the large-scale production of small and medium-sized plastic components for furniture, automotive, electrical, household, healthcare, amongst others. The company holds ISO: 9001 certification and is currently preparing for IATF: 16949 certification.

Zelinger plast has been a reliable supplier of plastic components for the Swedish brand IKEA for more than 20 years and is now one of the largest manufacturers of plastic components for this brand. Thanks to this, it

ranks among the IKEA priority suppliers.

Vast experience, expertise, enthusiasm for the field and a strong team, together with the new modern hall and new technologies, guarantee a strong partnership even in demanding and complex projects.

The motto of the founder and owner of the company, Mr Zelinger, is still the same and valid not only in his business but also in everyday life: “ We have to keep in mind that nothing stays the same. Everything is in constant motion – we, our environment, our relationships, health, thoughts, our products and work, everything is changing. Things get better or worse. There is nothing in between.

Stagnation means worsening. Every moment not utilised for improvement works against us. We are working so as to make things better.”

www.zelinger.cz

Zelinger plast – your partner for injection moulding Serial production of plastic parts Mould production 2K technology High quality Vast experience Tradition Contact: Zelinger plast s.r.o.

Tečovice 421 763 02 Czech Republic Tel.: +420 777 714 721 E-mail: zelinger@zelinger.cz www.zelinger.cz 34 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

l a ccording to Eurostat, the Czech Republic is the most industrialised country in the EU, where manufacturing accounts for more than 27 % of total industrial production, with industry generating nearly 40 % of the country´s GDP (Eurostat, 2019) l t he Czech Republic = The Land of Robotics. The word ROBOT was first used by the Czech writer Karel Čapek in his famous play “R.U.R.” (Rozum´s Universal Robots). With its 135 robots per 10 000 manufacturing workers, the Czech Republic greatly surpasses the global average of 99 units. (International Federation of Robotics, 2019)

than 37 000 graduates every year. All university students are required to study at least one foreign language and, at some universities, the requirement is two foreign languages. English is the most popular foreign language, followed by German and French.

ADVANCED ENGINEERING

Since the early 20th century, the engineering industry has been one of the cornerstones of the Czech economy. A stable economic environment, high manufacturing and technological skills and advanced R&D programmes help to create an optimal climate for business and further progress. The Czech engineering sector employs over 126 000 workers, with approximately 85 % of manufactured products being exported.

More than 5 200 machinery companies manufacture even the most sophisticated components, ranking the Czech Republic among the most advanced industrialised countries in the world. The engineering sector is one of the three most important industries in the Czech Republic.

According to EU statistics, the Czech Republic can offer from 40 % to 60 % labour cost savings in comparison with Western Europe and the United States, at comparable labour productivity. More than 3 500 Mechanical Engineering graduates are turned out each year, helping to meet the growing demand on the part of the engineering sector.

ICT AND DATA CENTRES

There are many ICT companies with Czech roots that are renowned worldwide for their products, such as Avast, GoodData, Y Soft, Seznam.cz, Socialbakers and STRV, to name just a few. The Czech Republic is also home to several noteworthy research centres that have achieved outstanding results and have won awards in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (Artificial Intelligence Centre, Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics and Cybernetics, IT4Innovations, Research Centre for Informatics, National Cyber Security Centre). Every year, Czech universities turn out almost 6 000 creative, innovative and highly skilled ICT graduates.

ADVANCED ENGINEERING AT A GLANCE

The following are some of the facts confirming the high standards of Czech industry and technological know-how: 300 years of academic engineering education in the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic is the only country among Central and East European countries which is a member of CECIMO – the prestigious European Association of Machine Tool Industries l the Czech Republic ranks among the top 15 countries worldwide in machine tool production (CECIMO, 2019)

Commodity structure of foreign trade of the CR - January-December 2019 (2019 - preliminary data as at 30 January 2020) SITC

Export 1-12/2018 CZK million

Total foreign trade of the CR

4 403 847

Import

1-12/2019 %

CZK million

%

100.0 4 563 293 100.0

index 19/18

1-12/2019

1-12/2018 CZK million

103.6 4 023 171

index 19/18

%

CZK million

100.0

4 061 954

100.0

101.0

%

of which 0 Food and live animals

134 809

3.1

139 909

3.1

103.8

175 489

4.4

187 228

4.6

106.7

1 Beverages and tobacco

32 740

0.7

35 895

0.8

109.6

29 383

0.7

31 762

0.8

108.1

2 Crude materials, inedible

94 805

2.2

96 320

2.1

101.6

81 997

2.0

80 097

2.0

97.7

3M ineral fuels, lubricants, etc.

90 386

2.1

84 170

1.8

93.1

247 013

6.1

223 572

5.5

90.5

8 052

0.2

8 813

0.2

109.4

5 883

0.1

6 633

0.2

112.7

5C hemicals and related products

272 968

6.2

297 477

6.5

109.0

440 040

10.9

461 164

11.4

104.8

6 Market products

655 521

14.9

647 063

14.2

98.7

659 360

16.4

642 956

15.8

97.5

2 560 658

58.1

2 691 375

59.0

105.1 1 901 799

47.3

1 933 873

47.6

101.7

8 Industrial consumer goods

542 671

12.3

547 427

12.0

100.9

470 595

11.7

479 238

11.8

101.8

9C ommodities and market objects

11 238

0.3

14 845

0.3

132.1

11 611

0.3

15 431

0.4

132.9

4 Animal and vegetable oils

7M achinery and transport vehicles

Note:“6“ - mainly leather and leather products, products from rubber, wood, paper and products thereof, textile products except clothing, cement, glass, porcelain, ceramics, iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, metal products „8“ - mainly pre-fabricated buildings, medical, installation equipment, furniture, haberdashery, clothing, footware, instruments, weapons and ammunition, sports equipment and toys MPO - Ministry of Industry and Trade - Export Strategy Management Department Average exchange rate 2019 1 EUR = 25.672 CZK

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

CZECH INDUSTRY IN BRIEF

GAME DEVELOPMENT

The beginnings of Czech computer games’ development date back to the 1980s, when the first 8-Bit games were created by Czech developers. Since then, many Czech gaming companies have achieved international success with games like Hidden & Dangerous, Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven (Illusion Softworks, nowadays 2K Czech), ARMA: Armed Assault (Bohemia Interactive), Euro Truck Simulator (SCS Software), Kingdom Come: Deliverance (Warhorse Studios), Samorost (Amanita Design), Beat Saber (Beat Games), and many others.

CZECH GAMING INDUSTRY AT A GLANCE

The following is a brief overview of the achievements of this new industry in the Czech Republic: l 70+ game development studios l CZK 2.2 billion in annual turnover l 1 500+ people working in the industry l International environment – many studios employ people from the EU and other countries l Multiple industrial organisations: Successful international events: Game Developers Session (GDS), Game Access Conference l Computer Graphics & Computer Games study programmes at Charles University, Czech Technical University, Masaryk University

LIFE SCIENCES

The Czech Republic is a country whose scientists are known for their discoveries in the area of heredity, the invention of the contact lens, and the development of anti-HIV drugs.

The inventions are covered by patents. The 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

NANOTECHNOLOGY & ADVANCED MATERIALS

Following its long tradition in Chemistry, Electronics, Textile Manufacture and Material Science, the Czech Republic has transformed its economy to become one of the leaders in applied Nanotechnology. As a global supplier in nanofiber production devices, electron microscopes and monocrystalline materials, innovative Czech solutions in Nanomedicine and new types of batteries have found their way on to today‘s market. The growing number of students and a high-quality R&D infrastructure support new developments in the industry.

Since the first breakthroughs in the field of Microscopy in the 1950s, the country has progressed to gradually becoming a global hub. In 2014, Czech R&D skills and the abilities of the country‘s workforce persuaded FEI Company (a subsidiary of Thermo Fisher Scientific) to open its microscope factory, the world´s largest, in the Czech Republic.

A breakthrough in the production of nanofibers came in 2003 at the Technical University in Liberec, when an entire nanofiber supply chain was created, based on the original Czech-developed highyield, reliable production technology.

The Czech Republic has come up with innovative nanofiber applications in areas such as water & air treatment, functional textiles and bedding, as well as other applications using nanostructures or nanoparticles, offering the highest standard of anti-counterfeiting protection and air purification.

Do you know that: l one-third of global electron microscope production comes from the Czech Republic? l the first reliable method of spinning 200 nm nanofibers was developed in the Czech Republic? l modern, highly specialised R&D facilities (CEITEC, CxI TUL, ELI Beamlines, HiLASE, RCATM) operate in the Czech Republic? l i ndustrial clusters introducing unique technologies are developing? l c lose academic & industrial collaboration is on the rise?

Other remarkable fields in which Czech companies are highly competitive on the global scale include the production of monocrystalline materials, electron lithography for holography applications, wound healing and tissue regeneration, research of nanostructured and cross-linked polymeric materials, and the production of nanoparticles for special purposes.

Source: CzechInvest

Photo: pixabay.com

Thanks to investment in the infrastructure in different parts of the country, not only in Prague, many Czech regions have become attractive for their well-developed ICT sector.

Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic, for example, is considered as an ICT hub, with R&D facilities and institutions, an advanced ICT infrastructure and qualified professionals. Ostrava, thanks to its IT4 Innovations, has gained international recognition for its new projects.

observance of GMP, GLP, and GCP standards is a matter of course. The Czech government supports the development of new pharmaceutical methods of treatment and diagnostics as one of their top priorities. Over the past decade, it has allocated more than EUR 2.5 billion to research in the sector. New research institutions have been completed in Prague, Brno, Olomouc, and Plzeň, to complement the existing institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences and the universities.

Czech research teams are internationally recognised for their quality research in Molecular Genetics, Immunology, Analytical and Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Cardiology, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases and, more recently, medical applications in the area of Nanotechnologies.

The success of companies and research institutes operating in the Czech Republic in the life-sciences sector has its roots in the country´s advanced R&D and high-quality educational system. According to the Ministry of Education statistics, more than 50 000 students are enrolled in Natural Science study programmes at universities, including Charles University in Prague, which was established in 1348 and thus ranks among the oldest universities in Europe.

KEY SECTORS

GREEN TRAM TRACK = CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND ADAPTATION TO THE CLIMATE = BRENS TRACK NOISE ABSORBER WITH THE FUNCTION OF WATER RETENTION ENTRY OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY INTO GREEN TRACK BRENS track noise absorber with the function of water retention is made exclusively of processed production residue of automotive industry. The material basis is formed by processed synthetic textiles, used e.g. in the seats of vehicles, carpets, filters, etc., which thanks to the STERED technology of processing protected by patent acquire new functional characteristics. The other material basis consists of processed rubber waste coming from tyres and other products made from technical rubber. These input materials are compressed into individual sandwich-arranged sections of absorbers.

For the vegetation suface made of plants of the SEDUM family, a minimum amount of soil substrates incorporated in the growing textile is used. The BRENS patent-protected track noise absorber with the function of water retention is so far the only known technical solution which is fully based on the principles of circular economy using only synthetic textiles and ground rubber; following the end of the absorbers’ lifetime, after about 20 – 25 years, the material bases will be technologically separated and ready for another pressing.

ADAPTATION TO EUROPEAN CLIMATE The current climatic changes and the requirements for the environment in settlement units and large industrial agglomerations lead to necessary re-evaluation of the contemporary technologies of the classic green tracks with natural lawns and soils.

It is apparent that the increasing areas of tracks constructed in this manner increase the need of sources of hygienic, non-toxic water for irrigation and likewise increase the financial costs for the maintenance of surfaces and vegetation cover. The con38 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

temporary deficit of rainwater, showing in all of Europe, further increases the sufficient amount of irrigation water necessary. In the case of a longer draught and hot days in a very short time occurs a total drying of the growing humus layer. Its thickness is small and it is conditioned by the construction of the railway; therefore, it is usually not larger than 16 – 18 cm. The subsequent dehydration of the lawn cover leads to its dying and irreversible loss of growth. The over-heated and dried-up soil in the track likewise loses the ability of immediate water retention and becomes vulnerable in heavy or torrential rains; its washing away or erosion occurs. Performed experimental measurements and operating conditions have shown that the track noise absorber with the function of water retention with vegetation cover consisting of SEDUM plants or with an artificial lawn is always capable of holding torrential rain and slowing down the drainage of water into canalisation system, that is providing a delay until the saturation of the absorber.

Detail of rubber parts for the attentuation of noise coming from the track – Košice – February 2018 Assembling of parts of absorbers in Košice – February 2018 creases the size of the torrential wave in the given canalisation network. Water retention provided by the absorbers enables the decrease of the design profiles of new canalisation systems or a decrease of the coefficients of the drainage of surface water into the existing canalisation. The overall retention and the possible evaporation of rainwater by the tram tracks with BRENS STERED absorbers in the length of 1 km represents 41,800,000 litres of water in the course of 20 years, that is e.g. the volume of water sufficient to fill 18.61 swimming pools of Olympic dimen-

sions. The yearly potential of the rainwater retention per 1 m of double-rail tram track is as much as 3,350 litres.

DECREASE OF NOISE AND VIBRATIONS, DECREASE OF THE TEMPERATURE OF SURFACES AND HEAT ACCUMULATION The material itself that forms the basis of the STERED synthetic recyclate displays a very high sound absorption. The measurements of the sound and vibrations attenuation carried out on absorbers built in an operated track have displayed the decrease of noise emissions by 5 to 9 dB. Concrete panels or cobbles placed around the rails of the existing tracks are storages of heat from the sunshine, with one metre of double-rail track accumulating heat in the amount of about 2,500 kJ. Compared to that, one metre of doublerail track with BRENS STERED absorbents accumulates only about 173 kJ and a natural lawn with soil about 210 kJ. It is thus obvious that the accumulation of heat in the BRENS STERED noise absorbers is about 15x lower and dramatically decreases the temperature of air, especially at night.

CONCLUSION The BRENS track noise absorber with the water retention function was named “The Best Product of Secondary Raw Materials 2018” by the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic in the competition Waste to Resources Conversion. This new and progressive technical solution will certainly find application in other European cities in the solution of the environment, humanisation of public spaces and adaptation to the climatic changes.

Office: www.brens.cz Email: brens@brens.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

KEY SECTORS

Czech Engineering – Tradition and Future Engineering is indisputably one of the most important sectors of the Czech economy. It is of key importance for both GDP creation and the balance of trade, and employment. Competitiveness of engineering is the object of interest of foreign investors and therefore support of research and development is essential for maintaining and raising its standards.

Czech engineering firms manufacture a wide range of machinery, including parts and accessories, usable in most sectors of the manufacturing industry and other sectors, such as agriculture, transport, forestry, metalworking, metallurgy, mining, the textile and the paper industries, the food industry, and construction.

HISTORY

Industry in the Czech Lands has a very long and diversified history. Its beginnings can be traced back to the 16th century, to the time of the rule of Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor and Czech King. A lover of Science and the Arts, the King invited to the country masters of different arts and crafts, such as chemists, glassmakers, jewellers, and builders. During his rule, the first blast furnace was built and used in the Czech Lands already in 1595.

Partly due to its continuous operation, iron production could be significantly increased in the country.

Real industrial development, however, started only in the 18th and the first half of the 19th century, and soon after that the Industrial and Technical Revolution broke out in full. The

steam engine, symbol of the Industrial Revolution, appeared in the Czech Lands in 1803. This and other inventions provided immense opportunities and possibilities of increasing production at an unprecedented rate. Heavy industry was developing rapidly. This was the beginning of the development of probably the most important sector of Czech industry – engineering. The very first modern engineering works came into being at Šlapanice near Brno in 1821.

This gave an impetus to the rapid development of industry in the whole City of Brno. The rapid development of industry also continued in the second half of the 19th century. A great invention of that time was electric energy. Electricity was opening up unforeseen possibilities, which were waiting to be used. The most important period for what is today the Czech Republic was the close of the 19th century, when the first motorcars began to appear. The first Czech-made motorcar with an internal combustion engine was made in Kopřivnice in 1897 bearing the trademark “President”.

Between the two World Wars, Czechoslovakia was one of the ten countries with the most advanced engineering industry worldwide! The rapid development of industry after the Second World War was influenced by both the international and internal domestic situations. Engineering became the core sector, assisting the less industrialised areas to industrialise.

CURRENT SITUATION

The engineering industry in the Czech Republic can boast not only a rich history, but also, thanks to its strong representation across the whole country, the position of one of the pillars of Czech industry.

General engineering – the manufacture of machinery and equipment – employs nearly 11 000 highly skilled workers, who are the most valuable asset of the entire sector. Within the framework of

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

40 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

SEZAKO PŘEROV s.r.o.

Kojetínská 888/48 750 00 Přerov Czech Republic Tel.: +420 581 839 011 E-mail: info@sezakoprerov.cz

SEZAKO PŘEROV s.r.o. – manufacturer of steel structures and equipment for all sectors of industry Our specialisations are: purchase of material cutting burning machining welding locksmith work blasting painting final assembly

SEZAKO PŘEROV s.r.o was founded in 1996. We are a mediumsize engineering company employing 90 people and occupying a surface area of 1 500 sq m.

One of the company´s core activities is technological line construction. For this specialised activity we also carry out repairs of machines, such as vibrating screens and cone and jaw crushers.

Our company also offers full-range production of medium and heavy steel structures and equipment, made according to the customer´s requirements, all within the company premises.

For machining, we use the most up-to-date CNC Machinery, but also conventional machine tools.

Seventy percent of production is exported to EU countries.

The company holds the following certificates: Quality Management System BS EN 9001:2015 Certificate Qualification of Producer 1090-2 Certification Welding Process according to EN ISO 3834-2:2005

www.sezakoprerov.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 41

KEY SECTORS

EXPORT

Czech engineering is a traditionally important export-oriented sector. Up to 80 to 90 per cent 42 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 its output are exported. In exports, engineering products are the source of the highest proportion of value added and its products are among the best-selling in foreign markets. As regards the territorial structure of Czech foreign trade, its traditionally largest trade partner is Germany, followed by the UK, France, Slovakia, Poland, and Spain. The Czech Republic is the only state in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) which is a member of the prestigious European Committee for Cooperation in the Machine Tool Industry (CECIMO).

Export of machinery and transport vehicles (SITC 7) 2019 Stat. Value EURO (thous.)

Commodity

Country

Netto (kg)

Machinery and transport vehicles

Denmark

52 074 777

893 123

Machinery and transport vehicles

Finland

53 990 166

626 172

Machinery and transport vehicles

Norway

29 950 911

498 794

Machinery and transport vehicles

Sweden

215 103 554

1 845 061

Source: www.businessinfo.cz, www.mpo.cz. Czech Statistical Office

THE FUTURE

A new challenge for future years, not only as regards employment and education, is the “Industry 4.0 Initiative”. The world changed with the discovery of steam and electricity. Today it is being changed by technologies, not only those concerning ICT. That is why the Czech government will be striving for the creation of a suitable environment in which it will be possible to develop industrial enterprises and the social environment in such a way as to ensure that they stand the test in the digital world. This means in particular the need to build the data and communication infrastructure, restructure the education system, introduce new labour market instruments, adapt the social environment, and provide fiscal aid to firms to enable them to cope with the necessity for investment in new technologies and know-how.

For example, what will a lathe operator´s work be like in 15 years?

Will they be working manually in the workshop, dressed in protective clothing? Or will they control the machine remotely by computer, which will be able to give accurate instructions and optimise the consumption of materials and energy, thus raising the effectiveness of production? The Industry 4.0 philosophy is opening up unforeseen possibilities and those who will be able to use them will be prepared to stand the test in the new era.

Source: www.businessinfo.cz, www.mpo.cz. Czech Statistical Office

Photo : Siemens

Czech industry, general engineering is one of the most important employers. Its production base, which is a guarantee of continuous improvement and enlargement of the product portfolio, is formed by more than 6 700 companies whose production comprises a very wide range of engineering products.

The engineering industry is spread nationwide.

It is often linked with the metallurgical industry, for example, in Ostrava and environments, where heavy engineering predominates. Heavy engineering is particularly concerned with the production of large-size and extra-heavy products, such as parts of ships, large aircraft and mining and metallurgical machinery. On the other hand, light engineering focuses on the manufacture of machine tools, transport equipment, e.g. cars and smaller vessels, as well as a number of other smaller machines used e.g. in the textile industry.

The Czech Republic has always been one of the leading manufacturers of transport vehicles, and, due to its car-making tradition and favourable geographic position, it has become an attractive country for investment. In addition, it is showing a steady growth of revenue and labour productivity in this sector. Car production, followed by the production of buses and lorries, holds an unequivocally dominant position in the manufacture of vehicles.

An important engineering sector is the production of rail vehicles, their repair and modernisation. All kinds of rail vehicles, underground railway trains, tramcars and trolley buses are made in the Czech Republic.

Aircraft production is one of the top engineering production sectors using new materials and it has initiated technical progress in a number of other sectors. An important position is held by the production of training jet aircraft and light combat aeroplanes, regional aircraft, training and sports aeroplanes, gliders, aircraft components and, last but not least, the production of ultralight planes.

Another engineering sector faring well in the Czech Republic is the manufacture of river and river-seagoing cargo vessels, sports boats, yachts, motorcycles, and bicycles. Hot air balloons are also made in the Czech Republic, and mention should also be made of the Czech Space Programme. A very important part of the engineering sector is the manufacture of equipment for industry and construction, the production and repair of steam and water turbines, pumps, and compressors. The Czech Republic is also a manufacturer of machine tools and forming machines and electric hand tools, whose quality competes well with the top world standards.

NEREZ CIDLINA s.r.o. was founded in 2004. We manufacture stainless steel machines and equipment for the food industry and the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Currently our core product is the complete delivery of equipment for small breweries. Most of our deliveries are complete machines and equipment supplied on the turnkey basis. These include documentation concerning the technological project with details of the manufacture of the machines and equipment. We offer our clients full-ranging care – installation on the spot, putting the machine into operation, a barren batch, the brewer´s service, warranty and post-warranty service, guaranteed spare parts’ delivery and the supply of raw materials, etc. The presssure vessels are made in accordance with valid PED/ČSN standards and regulations and are provided with a TÜV certificate.

Our references include Chyše Castle Brewery, Frýdlant Castle Brewery, Salens Fjällbryggeri in Sweden and McFleshman´s Brewing Co., USA.

NEREZ CIDLINA s.r.o. č.p. 221 50353 Sloupno Czech Republic Jaroslav Homola Tel.: +420 495 490 128 Mobile: +420 776 131 319 E-mail: info@nerez-cidlina.cz

www.nerez-cidlina.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 43

KEY SECTORS

Czech Agriculture Is among the Most Advanced in Europe In recent years, technical progress has been greatly responsible for changes in agricultural production. What other changes are to be expected in the near future? Answers to this question are given by Antonín Machálek, Director of the Research Institute of Agricultural Engineering, and his Deputy, Jiří Souček.

Technical development is historically one of the main reasons why agriculture is steadily becoming increasingly efficient. At the outset of our interview, it must be said that more than one hundred years ago the absolute majority of the population in Europe worked in agriculture, while today their share is at the level of units of per cent. In the Czech Republic, the number of people working in agriculture is 2.9 %, according to statistics. This, of course, is not just due to technical development. Its role is played, for example, by the breeding of new crops and the improvement in the breeds of farm animals, not to mention the more sophisticated fertilisation system, animal feeding and more efficient plant protection and veterinary care. On the other hand, it should be pointed out that progress in other areas, too, is made possible thanks to the development of technical equipment used in research, breeding, and the analysis of raw materials (soil, plants, feeds), etc.

It is indisputable that such a dynamic development of new technologies in agriculture as that we have witnessed in recent years has no parallel in history. In addition, great progress is also being made at the level of research and in agricultural practice. In the near future, the spread of robotised technologies and technologies for precision and environmentally friendly agriculture is to be expected.

Which are the greatest achievements accomplished in the Czech Republic in Precision Agriculture 4.0 in recent years?

Precision Agriculture and the term Agriculture 4.0 are medially rewarding themes. It is important to distinguish between these two terms and to define what they actually mean. Industry 4.0, or its rather artificially created sub-classification Agriculture 4.0, is a term used for the current trend towards digitalisation, comprising automation of production and changes in the labour market. Sometimes it is defined as a new industrial revolution, and as such it should also be perceived from the philosophical point of view. This ensues from a document presented at the fair in Hannover in 2013.

On the other hand, Precision Agriculture is a 44 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

way towards technological solutions in agricultural production, which places emphasis on the variability of conditions resulting from the natural character of agriculture. The basic elements of Precision Agriculture are the specification and follow-up evaluation of data (relating to the soil, plants, animals, etc.), which are later used in the realisation of agrotechnical interventions. It is true that the dynamic development of sensor and computer technology and easier access to financial backing facilitate the development of these technologies, but the idea of the “precision” approach to agricultural production is definitely not new. The conclusion is that it would be wrong to use one partial application or a single machine as proof of success. In my opinion, the greatest achievement is that the awareness of modern technologies has been gaining momentum among farmers in recent years and that their interest in using new, modern technologies in farming is growing.

Is it useful to introduce new technologies in agriculture? Is it advantageous economically? How can the farmer assess the investment in advance?

As I have said before, agriculture is linked with variable conditions given by the natural character of production. Among other things, this means that it is often very difficult to state unequivocally what pays off and what does not. In general, it can be said that in agriculture, just as in other sectors of the national economy, smart projects exist. However, sometimes we come across projects using absurd technologies and processes doomed to failure from the outset. Fortunately, I dare say that in most cases Czech farmers are reasonable, and maybe slightly conservative, so that before investing in anything new, they will examine how it works and find out whether they already have something similar. Moreover, sectoral research institutes, including ours, have a vast information base and, in addition, they can rely on a consulting network that in most cases will supply farmers with the information they need. Farmers can find general information about operating costs of technologies used in agriculture from the comfort of their homes, by using the expert systems available free on our website www.vuzt.cz.

This naturally also has its negative aspects. For example, the loss of working opportunities. Who is the most vulnerable in agriculture, in this respect?

At the moment, the problem in agriculture is exactly the opposite.

There are jobs for which no manpower can be found and, to solve the situation, farmers must buy more efficient machinery requiring less manual work. We must realise that farming is a continuous process.

Especially in livestock production, for example, work cannot be stopped for even a couple of days. In addition, the work is usually physically demanding and time consuming, and very often it culminates at a time when the rest of the population is on holiday, while farm workers must be operating the combine harvester or sowing rape late into the night. Here, it has to be remembered that farmers are not merely carrying out their business of working their fields and cultivating the countryside, but also that they play an important social role by giving employment to people who would find it difficult

The company Smolík was founded in September 1990

We manufacture: Cookie cutters for gingerbread and sweets Material: tin coated, or stainless baking sheet Moulds for filling Material: tin coated, or teflon coated baking sheet Baking utensils: tubes, canapes, sugar shakers, graters Smolík Cookie Cutters s.r.o.

539 42 Svratouch 372 | Czech Republic | smolik@vykrajovacky.cz Phone: En +420 724 251 830 | Cz 724 260 208

cookiecutters.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 45

KEY SECTORS

Where are Czech farmers doing best as regards modernisation?

The answer links up with the previous paragraph. Currently, farmers primarily modernise the most demanding labour-intensive operations.

In livestock production, robots are used mainly for milking, but are increasingly being installed in stables for feeding and cleaning slatted floors.

In crop production, an increasingly popular method used is guiding machines in the field by autopilots, for example, in soil preparation, sowing, fertilising and other agro-technical operations. In providing new technologies, considerable emphasis is placed on the elimination of their negative effects on the environment. Modern technological processes are focused on the reduction of soil erosion and pollutant emission, and the application of fertilisers and pesticides.

Will the time come when the work of tractor drivers and drivers of other machines, the work of milkmaids, feeders and other farm workers is substituted by robots, monitoring drones and self-driving machines? How does the Czech Republic stand in this respect?

These professions are already now being substituted. Sometimes in part, sometimes in full. In this respect, Czech agriculture ranks among the most advanced. But although it has been shown that sophisticated machines and 46 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

systems can save work and eliminate mistakes caused by the human factor, it is practically certain that they will not be able to fully substitute man in the nearest future. In addition, in the conditions of this country, known for its relatively high building density, the use of a number of systems is restricted by legislation. For example, the fully autonomous operation of machines on the road is not permitted and neither is the uncontrolled use of drones.

What use will drones find in agro-industry?

Currently, the operation of drones is restricted by legislation: the need to register with the Civil Aviation Office, have an aviation work permit and a pilot’s licence, etc. From the legislative point of view, the drone is an aircraft, regardless of whether the pilot is inside the cabin or whether he controls the machine from the ground. This is severely restrictive as regards their wider use in agriculture. On the other hand, it is understandable that the operation of drones in the air must have rules, just as vehicles have on the roads.

Currently drones are used mainly for vegetation and soil monitoring.

With their aid, agronomists can obtain a large amount of data quickly and operatively and use them as a basis for making agrotechnical interventions and defining, for example, the correct doses of fertiliser for specific parts of the plot. Drones fitted with a thermal camera can be used for saving young deer during haymaking, for technical revisions of hard-to-access places, heat loss visualisation, etc. The possibilities of using drones are inexhaustible and, with the development of electronics, will be even more plentiful.

Approximately how many Czech farms use milking robots and automatic feeding devices? What other functions do robots perform?

To date, approximately over 360 milking stalls have been robotised on Czech farms. This means about 290 milking robots, because some of them have multiple milking devices. The robots used on Czech farms are mostly products of the six most significant international firms. Most of the milking robots are supplied by Lely. The number of feed-pushing devices used on Czech farms reaches the hundreds; robotic feeding devices to the order of units, and grate floor cleaners in stables to the order of dozens.

Photo: www.freeimages.com

to obtain work anywhere else. This is where opportunities are offered to the free labour force, for example, in processing agricultural production and producing regional foods right on the farms. Nevertheless, even so, the truth is that agriculture is facing a labour shortage.

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 47

KEY SECTORS

Do Czech farmers know how to use modern technical equipment efficiently and to work with the data obtained?

I think they still have a lot to learn. On the other hand, it is a question whether the current system can supply farmers with data in a usable form. In addition, definitely not all farmers have the skills to make use of such data. However, in livestock production, livestock specialists do work with data which they use practically every day, for example, when deciding about the admission of animals, determining feeding doses, carrying out veterinary interventions, or evaluating the quality of production, etc. All these decisions greatly influence breeding efficiency.

What difficulties face farmers when using new technologies? Are they interested in them at all, or are they instead rather more traditional?

The basic prerequisite for introducing new technologies in agriculture is their user-friendliness and simplicity. Technologies must be reliable and their operation must be reasonably practicable economically. I think that Czech farmers have no problem with such technologies.

48 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

How difficult is it for farmers to use new technologies and are there any opportunities for IT professions in this field?

Essentially, the main role for IT specialists should be in the development and application of new technologies, at most in the case of maintenance if necessary. The actual operation of the technology should be problem-free, even without any special knowledge in the area of IT. We must realise that the farmer´s primary task is to ensure the operation of the enterprise. The need for prompt reaction to changes in the performance of agrotechnical operations often causes stress to the farmer because of a lack of time. Under such conditions, the farmer can not be expected to be learning how to process complicated data and to operate systems requiring IT skills. Under our conditions, such technologies would hardly be accepted on a large scale. As an example, I would like to make a comparison: for example, we expect to be able to drive a car, without first having to re-program the control unit of the engine.

In your opinion, which agro-enterprises in the Czech Republic are the most innovative as regards technology? In which area of agriculture are the most up-to-date and most successful technologies used?

There are a large number of enterprises in the Czech Republic that are introducing the most advanced technologies. This applies especially to animal production and precision guidance of agricultural machines in the fields. Owing to financial support from the Ministry of Agriculture, there are several demonstration farms in the Czech Republic operating the most up-to-date technologies, which make it possible for farmers to become acquainted in practice how the technologies work and to gain practical experience in operating them. Some farmers gain information and experience in other countries and often take advantage of possibilities to collaborate with foreign research institutions.

Photo: pixabay.com

In which sector of agriculture is there any real technological breakthrough in the offing?

Here, it has to be realised that agriculture is a continuous cycle of activities, which are intertwined. This means that it is not possible to take just one operation or one step out of context.

Therefore the greatest breakthrough is to be expected in the development of comprehensive systems designed for the monitoring and control of production processes in both crop and animal production. Specifically, I have in mind systems for automated stable management. On the basis of temperature and humidity values, air composition, etc., such systems will themselves ensure that the environment in the stable best suits the welfare of the animals. Similarly, it will determine the correct time of feeding and will compose the feeding dose automatically at the right time, according to current needs. In crop production, such comprehensive solutions particularly concern online monitoring of the state of the vegetation in connection with current meteorological data and the weather forecast.

For example, such a system can predict the outbreak of fungal diseases and recommend the correct agrotechnical intervention even before their onset. The current dynamic development of sensor technology and elements for data processing is undoubtedly playing into the hands of such systems.

NOMINAL – We are a family firm from the Vysočina Region in the Czech Republic We specialise in the manufacture of nutritional health products and are among the pioneers in gluten-free food production in our country. Our focus is on the quality of the raw materials we use, some of which we grow ourselves.

www.nominal.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 49

KEY SECTORS

CONTIMADE s. r. o.

Kaňovice 104 | 763 41 | Czech Republic Tel.: +420 576 779 111 E-mail: info@contimade.cz

www.contimade.cz

We are a traditional and purely Czech company specialising in the manufacture of residential, sanitary and technological modules.

180 employees, 27 years in the market, customised production We manufacture modular building systems completely fitted out for civic, social, building and industrial needs.

Residential containers – non-traditional architectural and design solutions of administration or residential spaces, nursery schools and other buildings Sanitary containers – permanent buildings or temporary solutions of toilets, shower facilities, cloakrooms and bathrooms Technological containers – modules for specific purposes and uses, such as storage spaces, electrical substations, compressor rooms and hospitals Our products find use not only across Europe, but also, as part of our strategy of seeking new business opportunities, across other continents, including Africa and Asia.

50 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

Nanotechnologies Entering into Big Business In the past few years, the Czech industrial tradition has acquired a new dimension with the addition of nanotechnologies to its conventional practice. Nanotechnology based on the combination of organic and inorganic components gives rise to new materials that have a variety of uses, for example in medicine, the textile industry, air and water cleaning, and the manufacture of electrical batteries.

Since the moment in 2004, when the Technical University in Liberec, in collaboration with Elmarco company, developed, as the first workplace in the world, an industrially usable nanofibre, this new technology has witnessed a dynamic development. Thanks to the physical properties of nano microscopic particles a thousand times thinner than the human hair, this technology has found its way into a number of Czech manufacturing firms. The absolute majority of firms whose core business is the use of nanotechnologies in their operations are born global companies, which operate on the international scale and seek trade partners in other countries.

INVESTORS AND THEIR NEED TO EXPORT

Photo: pixabay.com

Currently, more than 15 private research companies and some 70 manufacturers in the Czech Republic use nanotechnologies in their operations. In addition, there are specialised centres in this country to which firms come for consultation to become acquainted with new scientific developments. Twenty-six workplaces of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 37 university faculties, and 9 research organisations financed by the state in the Czech Republic concern themselves with basic research in different nanotechnology areas. Despite being the cradle of nanotechnology research and its practical application, the important thing for the Czech Republic in future is to arouse the interest of investors from neighbouring states, to which Czech firms could export their nano products. All the more so, as firms in as many as 70 regions of the European Union are focusing on nanotechnology research and nanotechnologies are becoming an important instrument of the national economies in their efforts to gain a competitive edge.

WHAT HAVE CZECH FIRMS MANAGED TO ACHIEVE?

According to the Nanotechnology Industry Association of the Czech Republic, this technology does not mean just innovation.

In actual fact it signifies a technological change, whereby man can manipulate matter at the molecular level, across all sectors.

The portfolio of Czech nanotechnology firms is quite broad. Among other areas, it includes the manufacture of photocatalytic paints with titanium oxide nano particles. This practically transparent paint has an extraordinary ability – to clean the ambient air and remove viruses, bacteria, toxins, and cigarette smoke from it.

This principle can be used to reduce air pollution in cities and industrial agglomerations.

Recently, a Czech firm filed a patent application for an electrically conductive nanofibre. When electrical current is passed through it, the fibre acquires the capacity to kill viruses and bacteria in contaminated water. The material can be used for different purposes and in different areas, including the military environment and healthcare, and can be useful in third-world countries, where clean water is scarce.

NANOTECHNOLOGY TRIGGERS OFF A REVOLUTION IN MEDICINE

A real breakthrough is the use of nanotechnologies in medicine, where thus far unheard of possibilities are opening up. They can be used in diagnostics, drug distribution within the body, or the treatment of patients with the aid of special nano instruments. And moreover, nano medicine ranges in sizes in the order of billionths of a metre, and this is the size of the particles of which the human body is composed – molecules, the DNA helix, and also a large number of dangerous viruses. By enabling a detailed view of the biological processes, nanotechnology offers a new set of instruments for understanding the sources and mechanisms of diseases.

Czech firms are keeping pace in this area and there are good prospects that, together with research laboratories, they will be in a position to offer many more products that will find their way into the world, despite the competition from nanotechnology development in the USA, Japan, and China.

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KEY SECTORS

Medical Equipment Made by Czech Companies Is Conquering the World One of the fastest growing export commodities in the Czech Republic is the export of a wide spectrum of medical supplies and devices for equipping hospitals. The presentation of Czech producers abroad owes much to the fact that the Czech Republic is a country with a strong healthcare system covering all the fields of modern medicine.

On the territory of the Czech Republic, healthcare offers a wide range of outpatient facilities, hospitals, and medical institutions under the patronage of not just the state, but various private entities as well. Czech companies rank among the best in the field of the manufacture and supply of medical materials, devices, and equipment for hospitals.

Every year, their products travel to a number of countries worldwide. Outside of European Union countries, they find their way to the Russian Federation, the Commonwealth of Independent States, territories in southeastern Asia, the USA, and recently also to Africa, among others. Czech companies are finding an increasingly solid foothold by supplying products and devices with added value, meaning with a high contribution from research, electronics, and information technologies.

Czech exporters focusing on medical supplies of all kinds have experienced rapid growth in the last ten years. They are successful in acquiring lucrative contracts for providing not just individual goods and services, but for equipping entire hospitals, health centres and healthcare chains, including the construction of such facilities. Examples of these can be found in Ghana, Gabon, Laos, Algeria, Trinidad and Tobago, Papua-New Guinea, Columbia, and even Russia and Kazakhstan.

For instance, they had a hand in building three hospitals in Gabon and ten health centres in Ghana alone.

ALL-ROUND EQUIPMENT

A number of Czech suppliers of medical equipment have entrenched themselves in highly competitive foreign markets in recent years. These companies put emphasis primarily on three key factors: Research, leading to reaching high technical parameters; Design, aiding in selling the product; and Quality, 52 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

resulting in the products‘ reliability.

A combination of all these criteria can be found, for instance, in medical instruments and traumatological implants, rehabilitation and transport equipment, medicinal and technical gas distribution systems, stabilisers, cobalt radiators, anaesthesiological equipment, and adjustable hospital beds.

The value of the export of medical equipment abroad is estimated at 25 billion crowns (approximately USD 1.3 bil.). The majority of this is equipment for operating theatres and inpatient wards.

The world leader in this segment is the Linet Group, supplier of medical and nursing beds, furniture, anti-pressure-sore mattresses and more. The company has expanded its range of products with birthing, gynaecological, and dialysis chairs.

Of course, Linet is not the only Czech company to find success on foreign markets. The majority of such companies believe strongly in running their own development, indicating that this is the way to beating the competition.

EMPHASIS ON QUALITY

Many successful Czech exporters are members of the Association of Producers and Suppliers of Medical Devices (AVDZP). The Association unites over 100 leading Czech companies from the field that achieve a turnover of approximately 17 billion crowns a year.

Their share of export constitutes 35 %. Members of the Association cooperate with a number of research departments of universities, such as the Czech Technical University in Prague, Brno University of Technology, Tomáš Baťa University in Zlín, and Masaryk University in Brno. This serves as further evidence of the attention Czech producers pay to the quality, competitiveness, and technical advancement of their medical equipment.

Some of the unique products they export abroad are, among others, degradable stents for the digestive tract, a wide range of steam, hot-air and chemical sterilisers, lab dryers, and incubators.

The companies are not only limited to those, however, as they also supply a variety of physical therapy equipment, e.g. electrotherapy devices, sonography devices, lasers and devices for lymphatic drainage therapy. They also export complex systems for biological protection, logistics, and decontamination systems and equipment for urgent and long-term care medicine.

The majority of Czech manufacturers of medical equipment export most of their core production. This indicates that they are succeeding on the world market. Many Czech companies are following suit, managing to develop and continuously successfully export unique products and patented goods worldwide.

Source: Association of Producers and Suppliers of Medical Devices (AVDZP), Businessinfo.cz

ERILENS s.r.o.

Papírenská 114/5 160 00 Prague 6 CZECH REPUBLIC

Jana Dupalová

Export Manager e-mail: jdupalova@erilens.cz phone: +420 777 336 912

ERILENS s.r.o. Company has been assisting people with reduced mobility to integrate into normal life since 1992.

We deal with the production of mobility aids such as forearm crutches, underarm crutches, walking sticks and other medical equipment. In our products, we emphasise quality, functional properties and design. Therefore, our experienced development and production team follows the current trends and the needs of our customers.

Our company is the only producer of mobility aids in the Czech Republic and is currently one of the biggest distributors on the domestic market. A significant percentage of our sales also comes from export.

Mobility aids: • • • • •

forearm crutches underarm crutches child crutches walking sticks accessories (anti-skid extensions, overshoes, loops, holders...)

Other medical equipment: • • •

finger splints irrigators anti-decubitus pads

www.erilens.com 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 53

KEY SECTORS ISO 9001-certified, FDA-approved facility

CGMP (+)-Cloprostenol (sodium salt)

CGMP Epoprostenol (sodium salt)

CGMP (±)-Cloprostenol (sodium salt)

CGMP Travoprost CGMP Latanoprost CGMP Bimatoprost CGMP Tauprost

www.caymanpharma.com 54 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

Karlovy Vary

The Czech Republic, Attractive Tourist Destination The Czech Republic is one of the countries with a thriving tourism industry. The land with a population of 10 million is a peaceful and safe destination, boasting historical monuments, picturesque scenery, world-famous spas, a network of luxury hotels, as well as facilities for leisure activities. In recent years, the Czech Republic has also gained a reputation for congress tourism, for which capacities have been adapted especially in big cities.

Currently, tourism accounts for about 3 % of the Czech gross domestic product and employs more than 230 000 people.

Photo: CzechTourism (Ladislav Renner)

2019 DEVELOPMENTS

The number of guests accommodated in collective accommodation establishments in 2019 was nearly 22 million, 737 000 or 3.5 % more than in 2018. The number of guests has increased for seven years running. The number of local guests accommodated was 218 000 higher than that of foreign guests. The number of local guests accommodated increased by 4.4 % year on year, in comparison with that of foreign guests, which grew by 2.6 %. The number of overnight stays last year exceeded 57 million, with local residents prevailing.

The number of foreign visitors last year was 272 000 higher than the previous year. In 2019, most foreign visitors – a total of 2 million – came from Germany (+2.2 %), followed by guests from Slovakia with 750 000 arrivals (+2.6 %) and Poland with 673 000 overnight stays (+8.4 %). On the other hand, last year the number of visitors coming from China and South Korea declined.

CONGRESS CAPITAL

The Czech Republic has been ranked among the 30 most suitable countries for congress tourism over the long term, with the Czech

capital, Prague, even being one of the 15 most favoured cities. Among others, this evaluation is due to the successful organisation of several conferences of global importance that have been hosted

by Prague in recent years. A stable economy, strategic location, favourable climate, various tourist attractions, as well as the high quality of services provided in the congress facilities are factors that make Prague an attractive destination. The city provides modern hotels with an extensive choice of conference premises, including state-of-the-art facilities. The Prague Congress Centre has been extensively modernised. Capacities and services are also being extended at Václav Havel International Airport, the destination for numerous international flights operated by renowned airlines, as well as a number of low-cost air carriers.

SPA SELECTION

Another important segment of tourism is the spa industry. The Bohemian and Moravian regions are especially rich in mineral water sources, which in the past gave rise to the existence of famous spa localities ranked among the best in the world. The combined work of Man and Nature has achieved world renown and become the country´s important health and economic commodity. The use of natural healing sources, baths, mineral waters and spa 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 55

KEY SECTORS

w w w. k v re z a c . c z

Manufacturer of nets for all kinds of sports: goal nets and protection nets for football, handball, volleyball, basketball, badminton, tennis, floorball, hockey, golf, baseball, skiing.

Manufacturer and supplier of rope products for children’s play and sports grounds: gymnastic and jute skipping ropes, climbing ropes, climbing nets, climbing ladders and pyramids, hammocks.

Manufacturer and supplier of nets for industry, construction and garden: nets for containers, nets for rail wagons, rope safety ladders, safety nets to protect against falling of persons and objects, nets for plant growing, decorative nets, aviaries, etc.

Manufacturer of tailor made protection nets for outdoor use in accordance with special requirements.

Fast, efficient and quality supply of goods.

The company supplies its products to international competitions of the highest level in volleyball, beach volleyball and tennis (Davis Cup, European Volleyball Championships, Beach Volleyball World Cup,…)The nets for ice hockey were used at World Championship in Slovakia last year.

The Profi volleyball net has received the DVV 1 quality certification of the German Volleyball Association.

Sports nets are manufactured in accordance with international rules and regulations.

Products for children’s playgrounds comply with all relevant safety standards.

Kv. Řezáč, s.r.o.

U Svratky 780, 666 01 Tišnov Czech Republic Phone/Fax: +420 549 410 084-5 +420 549 410 350 R e p u bkvrezac@kvrezac.cz l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r 56 C z e c hE-mail:

Fall arrest safety nets meet the EN 1263-1 international safety standard.

The company exports 30% of its products to most European countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Slovakia, Romania…).

Photo: CzechTourism (Libor Sváček, Radomír Režný)

Karlštejn Castle

treatments has a long-standing tradition. Although spa facilities can be found in all the regions of the Czech Republic, the most significant medicinal resources are in the regions of Karlovy Vary, Ústí nad Labem, South Bohemia, Hradec Králové, and Olomouc.

IN PURSUIT OF HEALTH AND RELAXATION

With the change of lifestyle in recent years, Czech spas have extended their standard offer of curative treatments with new forms of relaxation, regeneration and anti-stress programmes suitable for overworked entrepreneurs and managers. These special extended programmes, combined with a range of accompanying recreational activities (golf, tennis, fitness, cycling, etc.), are offered by about 40

spa localities in the Czech Republic.

Notably, the aforementioned golf is increasingly reflected in the favourable tourism statistics. So much so that numerous quality courses are situated close to natural beauty and heritage sites.

More than 130 golf clubs operate in the Czech Republic and lovers of this game can use more than 70 golf courses. Those of the best quality, with the highest standard of services, have been set up around the capital city of Prague, in what is known as the West Bohemian Spa Triangle near Karlovy Vary, and in Northern Moravia.

PRAGUE Prague is ranked among the world´s ten greenest cities, according to a study by the Dutch TravelBird Company. In terms of square metres of greenery per head of the population, Prague ranks 6th, but in the percentage of the total surface area of the city, it is placed 1st.

Prague

Ranking 1st in terms of square metres of greenery per head is Reykjavik with 410.84 sq. metres. In next place is Auckland in New Zeeland with 357.2 sq. metres, followed by Bratislava with 332.99 sq. metres and Prague with 220.54 sq. metres of greenery per capita. Greenery occupies 56.74 per cent of Prague´s total surface area, ranking it 1st, with Hamburg coming 2nd with 45.42 per cent and Madrid 3rd with 44.85 per cent.

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KEY SECTORS

Tradition Seven Centuries Old On the territory of the Czech state, and before that, in what was the Kingdom of Bohemia, glassworks or their modest forerunners always started their existence in places where there was an adequate supply of fuel, which was found in the forests. Even today, most of the glassworks are located in the sites of their historical predecessors. The best known are the glassworks in the Liberec Region, where mainly utility glassware and costume jewellery are manufactured.

The valleys of the Jizerské and Lužické hory Mountains, where the glassworks are situated, are poetically called “Crystal Valleys”. There are some glassworks which were founded as far back as the 16th century, and beside them there are now also glasswork schools, a university running design specialisation courses and a unique Museum of Glass and Costume Jewellery. Such a concentration of glassmakers can be found nowhere else in the world. Other glass industry localities, however, can also be found in the Ore Mountains, the Giant Mountains, the Jeseníky and Šumava Mountains and in Moravia in the vicinity of Zlín, where mainly packing glass is made. Currently the glass industry employs about 17 500 people.

Czech glassmaking families always played an important role in development, which influenced the use of the new technologies 58 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

in the entire Central Europe. The art of glass melting was a secret which the father passed on to the oldest son. The most important achievements in glassmaking going to the credit of Czech glassmakers are blue cobalt glass melting by the Schürer family in North Bohemia in the 16th century, the discovery of Bohemia crystal in the Müller glassworks in the Šumava mountains in the 17th century and the discovery of glazing and hyaline glass B by Egermann in the first half of the 19th century.

Currently, the Czech glassmaking industry comprises the following production sectors: flat glass, packing glass, glass fibre and products thereof, utility glass (which includes beverage glass, decorative glass and art glass) and other special glassware, such as glass apparatus, laboratory glass, glass parts for screens, glass technical apparatus, protective welding glass, optical glass, jewellery semi-finished products, and glass blocks for construction.

Currently, the largest glass manufacturing sector is flat glass for construction and transport, followed by packing glass for the food and chemical industries. Another important glass sector, besides ordinary glassware, is the manufacture of luxury hollow glass, decorative glass, and modern lighting fixtures.

Bohemian glass for everyday usage is an important export article in the household utility glass category and, in the category of lead crystal, there are cut lead crystal, decorated with paint, drip pen drawing, glazing, high enamelling and engraving, and glass figures.

Handmade utility glass and historical replicas are also exported.

These glass products, exported to dozens of countries worldwide, go under the name of Bohemia Glass. Luxury goods include, for example, iconic crystal chandeliers, which can be seen in Versailles, St. Petersburg, London, Dubai, Macao, and New York.

Source: Czech Radio, Association of the Glass and Ceramic Industry

Photo: pixabay.com

Glassmaking has a very old tradition in the Czech Lands. Its roots are to be found in the mountainous areas, where the needed raw materials were in sufficient supply. The first glassworks emerged in the latter half of the 13th and the first half of the 14th century.

KOSMETIKA CAPRI

Manufacturer of Original Czech Goat´s Milk Cosmetics Brands Kosmetika Capri has been in the Czech market for 25 years.

The firm provides its clients with the highest quality in the form of cosmetic products with a high content of goat´s milk, butter, whey and colostrum.

Photo: pixabay.com

Owing to its original formulas, the firm is a unique manufacturer of these products worldwide. Today we know that Kosmetika Capri products are an aid not only to beauty, but also to health.

Kosmetika CAPRI s.r.o. Čím 97 | 262 03 Nový Knín | Czech Republic | Tel.: +420 800 191 999 | E-mail: lachevre@kosmetikacapri.cz | www.kosmetikacapri.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 59

CZECH FOOTPRINTS

UNITHERM, s.r.o.

UNITHERM, s.r.o. has been in foreign markets since 1991, when it became an important Czech company in the field of heating. In 1999 the company made a strategic decision to expand its business activities to include the construction of a foundry and an aluminium casting machining shop.

UNITHERM, s.r.o. is predominantly an export company with customers in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Norway, the USA and Slovakia, and a supplier for important Czech firms. Its products include gearboxes, engines and pumps, insulator flanges, pistons, parts of wind power plants and covers and lids.

The foundry uses two technologies – sand casting and casting into metal moulds. The mode

are used in grey cast-iron and steel foundries and in construction. Using them in the aluminium foundry made it necessary to considerably change the forming mixture regeneration technology. This foundry is an ecological variant of the widely used toxic, highly inflammable and carcinogenic furan mixtures, which this foundry, situated in a protected landscape area, is not allowed to use. This unique foundry, built on the basis of its own research and development, can form more complicated shapes while making it possible to produce larger sections with the minimum occurrence of casting flaws, because additional water is no longer part of the sand mixture. The complete line comprises continuous mixers, a compaction table, slewing cranes with endless rotation, a portal crane, smelting furnaces, a hammering grate and forming mixture regeneration.

We are persuaded that aluminium, now already widely used, is a

of casting depends on the client´s requirements, the quantity required, complexity of the casting and, last but not least, quality requirements.

The Engineering Department designs the castings and the casting equipment using the SOLIDWORKS 3D program, with the support of the MAGMASOFT(R) program, which verifies the correctness of the construction of the casting and the casting technology and, at the same time, predicts the occurrence of potential defects in the casting.

The foundry has nearly 1 350 different types of castings in its portfolio. It has its own machining shop with CNC machining centres and lathes and offers clients the possibility of machining the castings.

In 2014 the company built a completely new foundry on its premises, where the technology of mould and core production utilises the self-hardening binder system based on geopolymers. Mixtures based on these binders

metal that will play an increasingly greater role in the composition of components and will become indispensable in industrial production and technology. That is why we use the most up-to-date technologies in the manufacture of components, which are at the same time environmentally friendly, and why we invest in the development of the company for it to be able to provide all-round services, from drawing documentation to surface finishing and control, which are needed for the correct functioning of the product.

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TOS Varnsdorf TOS VARNSDORF is a leading international engineering company, specialising in the development, manufacture, sale and servicing of machine tools.

The company has its own construction team for the continuous development of machines and its own production base. TOS VARNSDORF also provides services under cooperation contracts, including custom metalworking, measuring and chemical-thermal metal processing. Its speciality is the manufacture of horizontal boring and milling machines and machining centres.

The company was founded as far back as in 1903. Its products, serving in all industrial countries worldwide, reflect the years of experience of several generations of technicians and workers and the firm´s current high technical standards. Its products are scoring success even in the most exacting world markets. Currently its largest customers are EU states, especially Germany, Poland and Italy, but also the Russian Federation, the USA and other countries. The company’s sales to China are on the rise.

The company is continuously working on the improvement of its services in its export territories. Its customers value most of all the prompt delivery of spare parts, the presence of service technicians in the region and the expert assistance of the dealers. To fulfil all these services to complete satisfaction, TOS VARNSDORF is building spare parts warehouses and service facilities for its technicians, and sees to the continuous upgrading of the technical skills of its salesmen. The company is pursuing these activities to promote its exports, knowing that the key to success is the total reliability of the machines it sells.

TOS VARNSDORF participates regularly in the largest global trade fairs, such as EMO in Europe (Hannover and Milan), IMTS on the American continent (Chicago), and CIMT in China (alternately in Peking and Shanghai).

Representatives of TOS VARNSDORF can be met at the Metalloobrabotka exhibition in Moscow and the International Engineering Fair in Brno, the Czech Republic. Each year the company organises international conferences in Varnsdorf for its sales representatives, where some 50 representatives from more than 25 countries meet regularly to become acquainted with what is new in the company’s production programme. At this forum, they discuss the current customer requirements and the situation in different markets.

TOS VARNSDORF has been selling its products in Sweden for more than 50 years. Since 1973, it has supplied its satisfied Swedish customers with a number of its most popular WHN 13 boring and milling machines in all their versions. Its largest customers on the Swedish market are, for example, SAAB (Linköping), ABS Pump AB (Mölndal) and Alco Propeller AB (Örebro).

TOS VARNSDORF is known as a company which regularly presents new products to the market that surprise technicians with their parameters and astonishing performance.

The company’s latest achievements in the area of research and development are a new series of WHT 110/130 machining centres and the WVM 2600/3600 portal machining centres.

More details about these and other products can be found at www.tosvarnsdorf.com.

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CZECH FOOTPRINTS

OSC, a.s. Company Works with Energy As a rule, the key issue in making an investment decision is the profitability of the project. In renewable electricity production, the inputs are not easily influenced – the water, the wind and the sun are controlled by Nature. What, however, can be influenced, is production efficiency. This of course requires specific “know-how”, equipment and, most importantly, years of experience.

HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY

At the takeover of new production equipment, it is very important for the investor to verify the contractually declared parameters as an indicator of the correctness of the investment.

A very important requirement, therefore, is the guarantee measurement, where an independent expert company evaluates, by measuring, whether the efficiency requirements and other parameters of the machine are met. It is also important to ensure comprehensive technical support during commissioning of units, which includes the setting of sensors, analysis of problems occurring when putting the machine into operation, recording the operating behaviour of the machine, and

regulation and verification of all the required parameters. In the course of its operation, the machine wears out and the operating conditions may also change. It is therefore very important to verify regularly the actual condition of the machine and to take diagnostic measurements of still other important operating parameters (pressure pulsations, vibration, cavitation, noise), in addition to the machine´s efficiency. On the basis of the results, the optimum operational diagram of the machine is determined. The results may serve to assist the operator in deciding whether the machine needs repair or overhaul. An important task is on-cam verification of Kaplan turbines, which can easily uncover potential reserves in energy 62 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

production and use these to advantage.

Besides testing the status of the machines themselves, it is also recommended that their controllers are tested and adjusted.

However, specialists of OSC, a.s., a Czech engineering company, do much more than just carrying out the above-mentioned activities. In the area of hydropower, the company provides expert services not only for turbines in hydroelectric power plants and pumps of all types, but also for fossil fuel and nuclear power stations. Its clients include both small and large operators and manufacturers (EDF, ČEZ, Andritz, VOITH CKD Blansko, Litostroj Power, Sigma, etc.).

OSC, a.s. participates in projects in Europe, Asia, and America. In 2007, it set foot in Scandinavia, where it collaborates successfully with firms like Fortum, E.ON/Uniper, Statkraft, Norconsult, Bilfinger, SWECO, AFRY, ONE Nordic, etc. Its most interesting projects there are putting Francis turbines into operation, with 45-metre-long shafts (HPP Noppikoski and Vassinkoski) and 60 MW poly-jet valve functionality verification (HPP Trollheim).

OSC specialists publicise their vast experience regularly at international professional conferences, such as Hydro and IGHEM, and participate in the creation of international standards.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

OSC, a.s. is a specialised joint-stock company founded in 1994, operating in the area of power production and control. Over the years, following successful development, it has become established on markets in and outside the Czech Republic. Hydroelectric energy services are only a part of its offer.

The company provides quality engineering services and products focused on the specific needs of customers. The principal areas of its activities are: l Measurement and regulation of technological processes in power plants, and optimisation of control systems. l Development and supply of modern training simulators, especially for nuclear power plants.

Training Simulators for Nuclear Power Plants

Engineering Services for Electric Power Industry ▪

Distributed data acquisition and control systems

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Development

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Delivery

Design of collaboration of power plant units or heating stations with new technologies such as gas engines, electric boilers or BESS for balancing services

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Modifications

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Upgrades

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Maintenance

Preparation of power plant units for balancing services for TSO, electricity balancing market and TERRE, MARI, PICASSO European platforms

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Technical Support

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Design, commissioning and optimisation of power plant control circuits to increase efficiency and reduce emissions

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Emergency states of electric power systems (solution design for island operation and black-start operation)

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Guarantee and efficiency measurements on all types of hydropower turbines and pumps

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Engineering services and commissioning for hydropower

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Cyber security in the energy sector

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GPS time units and time servers, development and manufacture of special electronic modules

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Collaboration with TSO in the process of creation of a new Grid Code

OSC, a.s.

Czech Republic

osc@osc.cz

www.osc.cz

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INSTITUTIONS

Institutions Present Themselves CONFEDERATION OF EMPLOYERS’ AND ENTREPRENEURS’ ASSOCIATIONS OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC The Confederation of Employers’ and Entrepreneurs’ Associations of the Czech Republic (Konfederace zaměstnavatelských a podnikatelských svazů ČR – KZPS ČR) is an open, independent, special-interest association. l i t unites eight representatives of employer unions in the fields of construction industry, textile industry, small and medium-sized businesses, production and consumer cooperatives, agriculture, mining and oil industry, wood processing industry, education, healthcare, culture, and social services; l i t represents 22 000 bodies with over 1 300 000 employees; l i t supports the promotion of specific interests of its members in the legislative field and in other areas; l i t formulates common business and employer interests of its members and promotes them in cooperation with relevant state authorities, other employers’ organisations and trade unions and especially in various forms by consulting the government; l i t is one of the social partners representing the side of entrepreneurs in the Council of Economic and Social Agreement (Tripartite).

KZPS ČR’s members: lA ssociation of Textile, Leather, and Clothing Industry lU nion of Czech and Moravian Producer Cooperatives l S yndicate of Businesspeople and Tradespeople of the Czech Republic lA ssociation of Entrepreneurs in Building Industries in the Czech Republic lU nion of Employers’ Associations of the Czech Republic l E mployers’ Association of Mining and Oil Industry lA gricultural Association of the Czech Republic lU nion of Czech and Moravian Consumer Co-operatives

Konfederace zaměstnavatelských a podnikatelských svazů ČR Václavské náměstí 21, 113 60 Praha 1 Phone: +420 222 324 985 Fax: +420 224 109 374 E-mail: kzps@kzps.cz l More information at: www.kzps.cz l

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 thousand 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 lO rganisation of business missions targeting particular territory or sector lO rganisation of business missions accompanying state and government officials on their visits abroad lO rganisation of business forums, seminars, round tables etc., targeting particular country or territory lO rganisation 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

Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic Václavské náměstí 51, 110 00 Praha 1 Phone: +420 774 123 370 E-mail: info@nordicchamber.cz www.nordicchamber.cz l More information at www.komora.cz l

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VANAD… Your Vision – Our Machines Founded in 1994, Vanad is a fully family-owned, traditional Czech manufacturer specialised in the development and manufacture of affordable high-performance CNC cutting machines.

Customised solutions Export to more than 30 countries 1 500 delivered machines

VANAD PORTFOLIO The Vanad portfolio covers machines for precise oxy-fuel cutting, state-of-the-art plasma technologies, and fiber lasers for small, medium, and large-sized businesses.

NO SINGLE VANAD MACHINE IS THE SAME Vanad provides comprehensive, cutting-edge solutions, flexibility, and variability to enable the adaptation of standard cutting machines to individual customer requirements and to propose tailor-made solutions.

THERMAL CUTTING SHOWROOM Long-term collaboration with leading suppliers of technologies for thermal cutting allows Vanad to run one of the largest demonstration centres for thermal cutting in the Czech Republic, with 8 permanent cutting stations.

VANAD CUSTOMERS ACROSS THE SECTORS Users of Vanad machines are firms specialising in Engineering Electrotechnical industry Food industry Agriculture Chemical and Mining industries Art and Advertising Vocational schools Civil Engineering Transport

VANAD IN SCANDINAVIA To name a few: Höre Industri AB, Sweden (running the Vanad PROXIMA since 2003), B Göransson Produktion AB, Sweden (running the Vanad PROXIMA since 2003).

“The Vanad PROXIMA has convinced us and completely fulfilled our long-term requirements.”

Västerviks Gymnasium is one of the schools to have been using the Vanad KOMPAKT Light machine since 2015.

LOCAL PRESENCE Vanad is represented by its agents, who service major installations in the EU, Russia, the UAE, Australia, Canada, Africa, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

For further information, please visit www.vanad.com 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

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INSTITUTIONS

TRIANGOLO spol. s r.o. is a stable and continuously developing industrial forge located in Hulín, Czech Republic. We specialise in custom production and the forging of small and medium-size production series. We have a wealth of experience, excellent references and know-how, enabling us to process steel of all quality grades in our production facilities for use in different industrial sectors.

Our product portfolio can be divided into two main parts: delivery of forged products for the engineering industry (manufacturers of building machinery, power generation equipment, production machinery, bearings, etc.) and delivery of forged products for rail transport (wheel tyres for trams, trains and the subway, pressed rings, axles, etc.)

As regards the technology used, the company manufactures rotary-shaped die forgings (rings, flanges, etc.), open die forgings (strips, shafts, rings, discs, perforated discs, connecting rods, draw rods, spindles, blocks, etc.), and now especially seamless rolled rings (smooth rings, shaped rings, flanges, etc.). We own the entire production process, which means that we oversee the production of orders per client specifications and documentation from material delivery and preparation to heat treatment, machining, and quality control in our own production facilities.

round cross-sections, cubes – blocks, mounted and bevelled shafts, full and perforated discs (wheels, couplings, flanges), die forgings, forgings with forged heads (carriers, axles), shaped and smooth rolled rings, open die rings, hollow bodies.

Machining – maximum external ring diameter 2,500 mm, minimum internal ring diameter 300 mm, maximum thickness of the ring wall 150 mm, minimum height of the divided ring 30 mm, maximum weight of the divided piece 1300 kg.

Testing of Materials Mechanical tests (static – tensile test, dynamic – bend impact test, hardness test – Brinell) Structural evaluation (macrostructure tests – Braumann method, microstructure testing – grain size, micro-purity, evaluation of carbide phases) Dimension control (internal defects – ultrasound test, surface defects – capillary test, magnetic test) Chemical composition (spectrometric test) We make 5000 wheel tyres a year. We process 7,225 tons of steel a year. We have 63 years of experience. www.triangolo.cz info@triangolo.cz

www.facebook.com/triangolohulin

As part of output control, we check all dimensions and hardness and carry out ultrasound tests in accordance with ČSN, EN, ISO, DIN, SEP, SEL, and other standards, as required by the customer. Since 1998, the company has been regularly certified according to ISO standards and holds the TÜV Management Service quality certificate. Since 2017, we have also held a certificate of technical qualification as a supplier for Czech Railways.

Triangolo spol. s r.o. is a member of Anacot Capital investment group, which also comprises the following companies:

Production possibilities:

Overall performance of Anacot Capital Group in 2019: CZK 1.9 billion Number of employees in the whole Anacot Capital Group in 2019: 800 Return on investment of Anacot Capital Group in 2019: 10.7 %

Heat treatment – annealing, quenching and tempering Forging – longitudinal forgings in square, rectangular, and

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ANACOT Services s.r.o. (www.anacot.cz) based in Ostrava, CR V-NASS, a.s. (www.v-nass.cz) based in Ostrava-Vítkovice, CR ELFE, s.r.o. (www.elfe.cz) based in Krnov, Czech Republic TRESTLES, a.s. (www.trestles.cz) based in Dětmarovice, CR

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 2 industry federations and associations from key areas of the Czech economy lO ver 135 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 6.5 million companies and associations in more than 130 countries and transmits their interests to high official representatives including the UN, EU, WTO, OECD, and G20, where ICC has been granted the highest level 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 Florentinum, Na Florenci 2116/15, 110 00 Praha 1 Phone: +420 257 217 744 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 67

INSTITUTIONS

The complete electronics from one source

www.ilv.eu Czech’s most reliable electronic manufactory services (EMS) provider:

 More than 25 years in business  ISO certificated (9001, 14001, 18001)  State of the art technology  Steady process improvement  Fast response and flexibility  Beneficial infrastructure  Excellent price/performance ratio

We accelerate your business…

ILV s.r.o. | Příchovice 234 | 334 01 Přeštice | Czech Republic | Phone: +420 371 122 711 | info@ilv.cz 68 C z e c h R e p u b l i c – Yo u r Tr a d e Pa r t n e r

CZECH CENTRES WHO WE ARE AND OUR AMBITIONS The Czech Centres is an agency established for the promotion of the Czech Republic internationally and managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. Our organisation provides a global network throughout three continents and 24 cities and we are active members of EUNIC, the European Union National Institutes for Culture.

Our primary aim is the development of enduring international cultural and economic links between the Czech Republic and other nations. We create and support partnerships for Czech industries and culture on a local and global level through both public and private bodies.

WHERE WE ARE Locations of our global network: Athens - Berlin - Bratislava - Brussels - Budapest - Bucharest – Jerusalem - Kiev - London - Madrid - Milan - Munich - Moscow - New York - Paris – Rome - Rotterdam - Sofia - Seoul - Stockholm - Tel Aviv - Tokyo - Warsaw - Vienna.

Česká centra – ústředí (Centre) Václavské nám. 816/49, 110 00 Praha 1 Phone: +420 234 668 211 E-mail: info@czech.cz

Czech Centre Stockholm OUR WORK, YOUR OPPORTUNITIES We accomplish these aims by fostering cooperation between foreign cultural institutions, experts, and individual artists with Czech entities through highly successful international events, projects, and schemes.

These are successful because of our connections to the best Czech institutions of education, science, and culture and by providing access to research and innovation and identifying and exporting the most dynamic driving forces of science and creativity of the Czech Republic. We support the development of institutions, such as universities, start-ups and professional bodies, through mutual international cooperation to promote their success and in doing so, provide unique opportunities to anyone interested in working with and investing in the Czech Republic.

In addition, our organisation provides practical skills and knowledge. We are renowned and trusted in our support for those teaching and using the Czech language, enrolling over 2 800 students in Czech language courses worldwide in last year.

The Centres present the Czech Republic in cooperation with regional partners abroad. Having many professional partners, we act as a focal contact point for information sought by general public, media and others.

Slottsbacken 8, Stockholm, 111 30, Sweden Phone: +46 70 234 42 55 E-mail: ccstockholm@czech.cz Web: http://stockholm.czechcentres.cz/ l More information at: www.czechcentres.cz l

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INSTITUTIONS

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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 acqusition targets as well as aftercare services. The Agency contributes to attracting foreign investors operating in the manufacturing industry, business support services and technology centres, and also supports Czech enterprises in their expansion efforts.

To simplify communication between the state, business, and the European Union, CzechInvest acts as an umbrella business-promotion organisation for companies using both EU and national funding.

CzechInvest is exclusively authorised to file applications for investment incentives at the competent governing bodies and prepares draft offers to grant investment incentives. Its task is also to provide potential investors with current data and information on 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: +420 296 342 579 E-mail: fdi@czechinvest.org

CENTRE FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC – ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK Centre for Regional Development of the Czech Republic (the Centre) has been founded by the Ministry for Regional Development of the Czech Republic and is the implementing agency for European funding programmes.

The Centre hosts one of the offices of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), the largest international network (with more than 600 partners worldwide) set up and run by the European Commission with the purpose of supporting businesses. Its consortium based in the Czech Republic (CR) consists of six partners in four cities – Praha, Brno, Plzeň, and Ostrava. The mission of the EEN is to help especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) with entering the EU and foreign markets and doing business there. Its experts provide comprehensive advisory services to businesses with the aim of broadening the international cooperation of companies, raising the innovative potential of enterprises in the EU and helping SMEs to become integrated more widely in the EU framework programmes.

To foreign clients, the Centre – EEN Praha office offers: information about the CR, about the business environment in the CR, Czech legislation, about how to find Czech partners for cooperation, information about starting a business in the CR, sources of financing from Structural Funds and other information.

Services of the Enterprise Europe Network are funded from the European Union’s COSME Programme (2014-2020) under the grant agreement No. 831241 and by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.

Centrum pro regionální rozvoj ČR – Enterprise Europe Network CzechInvest Scandinavia E-mail: scandinavia@czechinvest.org l More information at: www.czechinvest.org l

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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INSTITUTIONS

CZECH TOURISM AUTHORITY – CZECHTOURISM The Czech Tourism Authority - CzechTourism is an allowance organisation of the Ministry for 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 Authority 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

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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 Vinohradská 46, P.O.Box 32, 120 41 Praha 2 Phone: +420 221 580 111 E-mail: Info@czechtourism.cz

Czech Tourism Authority – CzechTourism for Scandinavia and Finland Villagatan 21, 114 32 Stockholm Phone: +468 44 04 221 E-mail: stockholm@czechtourism.com www.czechtourism.com l More information at: www.czechtourism.com l

TESTING FUNCTIONALITY OF TUNNEL FIRE VENTILATION NON-DESTRUCTIVE METHOD OF TESTS OF FIRE VENTILATION WITH THE USE OF AEROSOL GENERATORS WITH REAL ENERGY SOURCE Our company has developed a completely revolutionary non-destructive method of smoke from aerosol generators with a real energy source. This methodology

METHOD DESCRIPTION:

Produced visualization smoke - aerosol is non-toxic

Aerosol generators may generate smoke, as required by a customer and project

move in it without major problems during the test.

lorry (150 m3 / s of smoke) for any period of time be installed on a vehicle, it is within our

equipment and after the test it is possible to commence normal operation immediately.

Tests are suitable both for tunnels newly put into operation and also for tunnels already in operation, where it is necessary to verify design parameters of

moving vehicle.

Part of the tests is to arrange all necessary matters from creating a scenario through evaluation of tests, video footage taken from tests using mobile cameras and ensure temperatures in various distances from thermocouples. All data are sent into a control system while the entire test can be controlled outbreak (wireless).

These tests were successfully implemented at a wide range of tunnels in the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic and Switzerland.

ventilation in underground garages, warehouses and multi-storey atriums in buildings.

Preparation of this methodology "Verifying functionality and Trade of the Czech Republic.

K.B.K. fi re, s.r.o.

Heydukova 1093/26 702 00 Ostrava-Přívoz tel.: +420 553 810 560 obchod@kbkfire.cz

www.kbkfire.cz

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CO N TAC TS

Useful Contacts USEFUL CONTACTS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark Maltézské náměstí 5, 118 01 Praha 1 - Malá Strana Phone: +420 257 111 900 E-mail: prgamb@um.dk www.tjekkiet.um.dk Embassy of the Republic of Finland Hellichova 1, 118 00 Praha 1 Phone: +420 251 177 251 E-mail: sanomat.pra@formin.fi www.finland.cz Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Finland Botanická 834/56, 602 00 Brno Phone: +420 602 720 194 E-mail: Finsky.Konzulat@aquatis.cz Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway Hellichova 1/458, 118 00 Praha 1 - Malá Strana Phone: +420 257 111 500 Fax: +420 257 111 501 E-mail: emb.prague@mfa.no www.noramb.cz, www.norway.no Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden Úvoz 13, Prague 1, (for visitors) P.O.Box 35, 160 12 Praha 612 – (postal address) Phone: +420 220 313 200 E-mail: ambassaden.prag@gov.se www.swedenabroad.com/prag Nordic Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic Václavské náměstí 51, 110 00 Praha 1 Phone: +420 774 123 370 E-mail: info@nordicchamber.cz www.nordicchamber.cz CzechInvest Scandinavia E-mail: scandinavia@czechinvest.org

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 Ministry of Culture Ministerstvo kultury www.mkcr.cz Ministry of Justice Ministerstvo spravedlnosti www.justice.cz Ministry of Defence Ministerstvo obrany www.army.cz

MINISTRIES

Ministry of the Interior Ministerstvo vnitra www.mvcr.cz

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

USEFUL CONTACTS IN DENMARK

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

Embassy of the Czech Republic Ryvangs Allé 14-16, 2100 København Phone: +45 3910 1810 E-mail: copenhagen@embassy.mzv.cz www.mzv.cz/copenhagen

Ministry of Agriculture Ministerstvo zemědělství www.eagri.cz 74 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

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic Sofienlystvej 6-8, 8340 Malling,Aarhus

Pravčická brána - Hřensko, Bohemian Switzerland

Phone: +45 88 80 82 40 E-mail: aarhus@honorary.mzv.cz www.mzv.cz/copenhagen

USEFUL CONTACTS IN FINLAND

USEFUL CONTACTS IN SWEDEN

Embassy of the Czech Republic Armfeltintie 14, 00150 Helsinki Phone: +358 9 6120 880 E-mail: helsinki@embassy.mzv.cz, Commerce_Helsinki@ mzv.cz www.mzv.cz/helsinki

Embassy of the Czech Republic Villagatan 21, 114 32 Stockholm Phone: +468 4404 210, +468 4404 225 E-mail: stockholm@embassy.mzv.cz www.mzv.cz/stockholm

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic Rinnekatu 16, 33250 Tampere Phone: +358-503449993 E-mail: tampere@honorary.mzv.cz

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic World Trade Center, Jungmansgatan 12, 21121 Malmö Phone: +46 7323 32199 E-mail: malmo@honorary.mzv.cz

USEFUL CONTACTS IN NORWAY

CzechTrade Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland) Villagatan 21, 114 32 Stockholm Phone: +46 707 640 353 E-mail: info@czechtrade.se www.czechtrade.se

Embassy of the Czech Republic Fritzners gate 14, 0264 Oslo Phone: +47 22 12 10 31 E-mail: oslo@embassy.mzv.cz www.mzv.cz/oslo

Photo: CzechTourism (Zdeněk Patzelt)

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic - Bergen Skanselien 14, 5031 Bergen Phone: +47 91750395 E-mail: bergen@honorary.mzv.cz

Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic - Trondheim Tungaveien 38, Trondheim, Postboks 1862 Lade, 7440 Trondheim Phone: +47 9323 3100 E-mail: trondheim@honorary.mzv.cz Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic - Sjøvegan St. Hansveien 36, Sjøvegan Phone: +47 9097 5599 E-mail: sjovegan@honorary.mzv.cz

Czech Centre Stockholm Slottsbacken 8, Stockholm, 111 30, Sweden Phone: +46 70 234 42 55 E-mail: ccstockholm@czech.cz Web: http://stockholm.czechcentres.cz/ Czech Tourist Authority – CzechTourism for Scandinavia and Finland Villagatan 21, 114 32 Stockholm Phone: +468 44 04 221 E-mail: stockholm@czechtourism.com www.czechtourism.com 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 75

CO N TAC TS

The Most Important Websites General information on the Czech Republic

www.czech.cz

Official site for the CR

Businessinfo

www.businessinfo.cz

Doing Business in the Czech Republic

www.doingbusiness.cz

Portal of the Public Administration

www.vlada.cz

Official site for business and exports General information on business climate, structure, and development of the Czech economy The 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/Trade Fairs Brno Miscellaneous

www.bvv.cz

List of exhibitions and fairs in the CR and relevant information

The Industrial Property Office

www.upv.cz

The Czech Science Foundation

www.gacr.cz

The Register of Advertising Agencies

www.registrra.cz/rra

Česká pošta (the Czech Post)

www.ceskaposta.cz

Residence of Foreigners in the CR

www.domavcr.cz

Patents, trade marks, utility models, and industrial designs Awards grants to the best projects of basic research in all branches of science Expert assistance in choosing and working with advertising and communication agencies in the CR Incl. postcodes of municipalities and its districts (PSC), philately etc.

Advice for living in the CR

Association for Foreign Investment

www.afi.cz

Support for entry of foreign investors

Cadastre of Real Estate

www.cuzk.cz

Information system, contains data on real estate in the CR

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

www.mytocz.eu

www.risy.cz

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

www.ahrcr.cz

Directory of hotels in the CR

Czech exporting companies

Company-Catalogue Czech Exporters Directory

Legislation

Finance

Statistics

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www.narodni-kvalifikace.cz

World connecting cables

Manufacturer of optical and copper cables, cable assemblies and heating systems KABELOVNA Děčín Podmokly, s.r.o. Ústecká 840/33 I 405 33 Děčín, Czech Republic E-mail: sales@kabelovna.cz www.kabelovna.cz

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