V4 2024

Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group 2024

w w w. p p a g e n c y. c z

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Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

Prague

CZECH REPUBLIC, A MEMBER OF THE VISEGRAD GROUP 2024 Editor-in-Chief: Pavla Podskalská

Editor: Marie Ciganeková

Graphic design: Graphic designer: Stanislava Podaná Production: Stanislava Podaná, Renáta Rudlofová

Cover: pixabay.com

Translation: Lenka Lebedová

Proofreading:

Photo: © CzechTourism archives, Author: Petr Šálek

Ivana Kadlecová, Pearl Harris

Issued by: PP Agency s.r.o.

Myslíkova 25, 110 00 Praha 1, Czech Republic www.ppagency.cz, e-mail: journal@ppagency.cz

Deadline: March 15, 2024

Copyright: PP Agency s.r.o.

It is not allowed to reproduce any part of the contents of this book without prior consent from the Editor.

The Publisher is not responsible for the contents of paid presentations.

The data mentioned in the publication are up-to-date as at the date of its release.

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CONTENTS INTRODUCTION Foreword by Editorial Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Useful Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

I. ECONOMICS Development of the Czech Economy in 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 How We Trade with Each Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

II. THE BEST OF CZECH Important Czech Discoveries of the Past 100 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 The Best of Czech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

III. KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Dates of Milestones in Czech Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Czech Energy Sector – among the Top Global Exporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Czech Mechanical Engineering – Both the Tradition and the Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Czech Chemical Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Seven Centuries-Old Tradition – This is the Czech Glass Industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Vibrant Tourism and World-Famous Spas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

IV. INSTITUTIONS PRESENT THEMSELVES Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Centre for Regional Development of the Czech Republic– Enterprise Europe Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 CzechInvest, Business and Investment Development Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Czech Tourism Authority – CzechTourism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Czech Centres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Czech Chamber of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 International Chamber of Commerce / ICC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

V. USEFUL ADDRESSES Useful Addresses in the Czech Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Useful Contacts in Hungary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Useful Contacts in Poland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Useful Contacts in the Slovak Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 The Most Important Websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

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Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

INTRODUCTION

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Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

2024

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Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

INTRODUCTION

CZECH PRESIDENCY OF VISEGRAD GROUP 1.7.2023 – 30.6.2024 Czechia took over its seventh Presidency of the Visegrad Group (V4) from Slovakia within the dramatic geopolitical context of Russia’s assault on Ukraine.

The symbolic handover of the Presidency occurred at the Summit of Prime Ministers of the governments of the Visegrad Group member states on 26 June 2023 in Bratislava.

Czechia keeps perceiving the Visegrad format as a traditional Central European platform for cultivating good neighbourly relationships through dialogue and practical human-centred cooperation, with concrete benefits for citizens of V4 countries.

This principle is also reflected in the Programme of our Presidency under the motto “V4 Citizens.”

JAN LIPAVSKÝ Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

V4. “The Group must coordinate the tactics in areas such as migration, infrastructure, agriculture and the power sector,” for example said Radoslaw Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland. Péter Szijjártó, the Hungarian Foreign Minister, declared the V4 to be of Hungarian national interest. “No matter how different our approaches to some issues may be, for example, how to build peace in Ukraine, we want to keep working together. There is the common will to maintain the V4 further on, which is, I think, the best news,” he said. In his opinion, the V4 takes care of the maintenance of sovereignty and enhances the weight of the countries at negotiations within the EU. According to the Slovak Minister, Juraj Blanár, it is necessary to respect different opinions within the V4.

Although the Visegrad Group members have different opinions on some issues, the Group still serves its purpose.

JAN LIPAVSKÝ

Czech diplomacy has identified three basic pillars for its Presidency: 1.Safe and advanced society: People-to-people and civil society contacts in areas of culture, education, science and research and sport. The International Visegrad Fund will play an important role. The first pillar will also include established V4 collaboration in internal and external security, civil protection, public administration and healthcare.

2.Innovative and interconnected economy: Sectoral projects and initiatives related in particular to improving connectivity in the transport and energy sectors, supporting resilience by upgrading energy and raw materials’ security and diversification, and to pushing forward the transition to an innovative, digital and green economy and clean technologies in industry and trade.

3. Support to Ukraine and its citizens on different levels and in different sectors. The Czech Presidency will pay special attention to the discussion on the future of the Eastern Partnership.

During the Presidency, numerous expert ministerial-level meetings, seminars and conferences on the aforementioned topics have taken place. Despite different approaches to some issues, representatives of the countries have agreed on the importance of the

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

So the Visegrad Group still has a future and the potential for collaboration in the areas on which its members agree, such as trade and cultural exchange, enhancement of tourism, and collaboration of universities. And, of course, the V4 countries will still be united by the topic of migration to the EU.

The meeting also discussed the role of the International Visegrad Fund, which is going to be increased by 10 % upon agreement of the Ministers. At present, it amounts to EUR 10 million per annum. The Fund was set up in 2000 and is focused on support for the collaboration of non-governmental organisations and civil society in V4 countries and also in the partner regions of the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans. From August, the Fund will be headed by the Slovakian diplomat, Linda Kapustová.

EDITORIAL STAFF

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USEFUL INFORMATION 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 Population 10 882 235 (January 2024) Surface area 78 864 sq. km Capital city 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 Petr Pavel

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

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE The UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List comprises the following cities and sites: Prague, Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, Litomyšl Chateau, Telč, Lednice-Valtice area,

Other practical information concerning travel conditions to visit or reside in the Czech Republic is to be found at www.czech.cz

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Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

Zelená Hora (Green Mountain – St. Jan of Nepomuk Church, Holašovice, Kroměříž (chateau and gardens), Holy Trinity Column in Olomouc, Tugendhat Villa in Brno (architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe), St. Procopius Basilica and the Jewish Quarter in Třebíč. In 2005, the Moravian-Slovakian Verbuňk recruitment dance was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. In 2010 another entry on the List was the Shrovetide Carnival and Falconry and, in 2011, the Moravian-Slovakian Ride of the Kings. Czech puppetry was listed in 2016, and in November 2018 the textile printing technique called blueprint was also included.

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

NOTABLE PERSONS Czechs are considered a very cultured nation, which has given the world a number of significant persons.

The most important rulers and heads of state are Emperor Charles IV and the Presidents T.G. Masaryk and Václav Havel. World renowned 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 the shoe empire between the two World Wars, and Madeleine Albright, former US Secretary of State.

In the field of culture, great names are those of the composers Bedřich Smetana, Leoš Janáček, Antonín Dvořák, and Bohuslav Martinů, the writers Franz Kafka, Karel Čapek, Jaroslav Seifert (holder of the Nobel Prize), Jaroslav Hašek, Bohumil Hrabal, and Milan Kundera. Oscars have been awarded to film directors Miloš Forman (born in the Czech Republic), Jiří Menzel, and Jan Svěrák. Other famous people of culture are the painters František Kupka and Alfons Mucha, and the photographer Jan Saudek.

Sportsmen who have gained international fame are, for example, Emil Zátopek – long-distance runner – best known for winning three gold medals at the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. He won gold in the 5 000- metre and 10 000-metre races, but his final medal came when he decided at the last minute to compete in the first marathon of his life. He was nicknamed the “Czech Locomotive”.

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

Martina Navrátilová is a former Czechoslovak and later American professional tennis player and coach.

In 2005, Tennis Magazine selected her as the greatest female tennis player for the years 1965 through to 2005. She is considered one of the best, if not the best, female tennis players of all time.

Jaromír Jágr is the most successful European hockey

Photo: © pixabay.com

STATE SYMBOLS OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

INTRODUCTION

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

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

Barbora Špotáková 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 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.

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DEVELOPMENT OF THE CZECH ECONOMY IN 2023 In 2023, the Czech economy as a whole struggled with attenuation of its performance. The Czech Republic was the only country in Europe which did not get back to the pre-COVID growth of its economy. The inflation rate was high, the real wages’ decline continued, expensive energies were not handled, and the investment rate was low.

Worse economic outcomes in numerous productive and non-productive sectors and especially the persisting low household consumption, decreasing for quarters, contributed to the performance slump.

GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

INDUSTRY

According to a preliminary estimate, the gross domestic product in 2023 will show a decrease. In all quarters, the growth was adversely affected, especially by a decrease in household final consumption and depletion of inventories. A positive contribution was influenced by the expenditure on the final consumption of governmental institutions, the gross fixed capital formation and the foreign demand, especially in the first half of the past year.

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

In 2023, the total industrial production was lower than a year before, especially due to a decrease in the production in the sectors of mining and excavation and in a prevailing number of other sectors. The slight growth in the production of motor vehicles was not able to make up for this slump, especially with lower economic outcomes of the production of machines, the production of building materials and glass. In addition, the lower value of new contracts, especially in metallurgy, metal casting and the chemical industry, can partly be blamed for the deterioration of total economic outcomes. Besides the influence of the high energy demands on the manufacturing process, adverse factors included an enormous increase in prices and problems in customer-supplier relationships.

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Gross Domestic Product (current prices)1)

CZK.billion

5 110.74

5 410.76

5 791.50

5 709.13

6 108.72

6 785.85

.

Gross Domestic Product 1)

%. real. y/y

5.2

3.2

3

-5.5

3.5

2.5

-0.7

3.Q

%. y/y

6.7

3.1

-0.3

-7.2

6.6

2.5

-0.4

11 months

%

3.77

3.07

2.87

3.51

3.5

3.7

3.7

%

2.9

2.2

2

2.6

2.8

2.2

2.6 10.7

Industrial Production Registered Unemployment

2)

General Rate of Unemployment according to VŠPS 3)

%. y/y

2.5

2.1

2.8

3.2

3.8

15.1

Inflation (HICP) 4)

Inflation Rate

%. average

2.4

2

2.6

3.3

3.3

14.8

Exports 5)

EUR.million

161 283

171 716

178 398

168 118

192 238

229 500

Exports 5)

%. y/y

9.7

6.5

0.2

-5.7

14.3

19.4

Imports

5)

EUR.million

144 491

156 852

160 435

150 000

179 979

224 555

Imports 5)

%. y/y

11.8

8.5

2.3

-7

19.9

24.8

14,864

17 963

18 118

12 259

4 946

Trade Balance

7.2

11 months

-6.1

11 months

EUR.million

16 793

6)

average

26 .330

25.643

25.672

26.444

25.645

24.57

24.007

CZK/USD 6)

average

23.382

21.735

22.934

23.196

21.68

23.4

22.21

CZK/EUR

5)

Source: Czech Statistical Office, Czech National Bank General note: y/y = year-on-year change in the indicator 1) data after the review of the methodology of ESA 10 (European System of Accounts), year 2022 preliminary data, year 2023 estimate 2) Average share of unemployed persons = the number of available job applicants aged 15–64 in relation to inhabitants of the same age (MPSV= Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs) 3) VŠPS = Labour Force Sample Survey 4) HICP (Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices), inflation rate in the methodology of the EU 5) Foreign trade data expressed in EUR are the sum of particular monthly figures in CZK, converted with the average monthly rate of exchange announced by the CNB 6) Czech National Bank (CNB)

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Photo: © pixabay.com, Author: Mohamed Hassan

MACROECONOMIC INDICATORS OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC

I. ECONOMICS

FOREIGN TRADE Foreign trade (cross-border movement of goods) for January–November 2023 ended up with a surplus amounting to CZK 120.8 bn. (In the same period of 2022, there was a deficit amounting to CZK 202.4 bn.).

Contrary to the same period of 2022, exports were 1.2 % higher, imports dropped by 6.4 %. The reasons for the positive balance mainly included lower imports of crude oil, natural gas, and also a decrease in the prices of these commodities.

PRICES The average annual inflation rate, expressed with the increment of consumer prices in 2023, was 10.7 %, which is 4.4 percentage points less than in 2022. Prices for foods and non-alcoholic beverages increased, in the year-on-year comparison, by 44.3 % for alcoholic beverages. The increase was 47.5 %, for clothing and 50.4 % for shoes, 63.4 % for the group of housing, water and energies, for health care 43.1 %, for transport 32.1 %, and for services of the hospitality industry, 80.3 %.

A price decrease, in the year-on-year comparison, occurred only in postal and telecommunication services.

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HOW WE TRADE WITH EACH OTHER IN V4 COMPARISON, WE IMPORT MOST FROM POLAND AND MOST OF OUR EXPORTS GO TO SLOVAKIA In 2022, exports from Czechia to V4 countries accounted for 20.2 % of our total exports, while goods from V4 countries accounted for 16.3 % of our total imports. The total turnover with V4 countries accounted for 18.2 % of the total turnover of the foreign trade of Czechia. In 2022, our balance of trade with V4 countries was positive, with its surplus amounting to CZK 135.6 bn., in spite of the fact that the balance of total foreign trade of Czechia was negative, with its deficit amounting to CZK 204.8 bn.

POSITIVE BALANCE OF TRADE IN THE LONG RUN The balance of the Czech foreign trade in goods (until 2014, within the methodology of cross-border movement of goods) with V4 countries has always been positive, mainly thanks to a surplus with Slovakia.

Until 2011, our exports to and imports from Poland used to be more or less in balance with each other, while since 2012 this balance of trade has been negative, with its deficit being higher and higher every year. The balance of trade with Hungary is slightly positive in the long run.

In 2022, our biggest business partner from among V4 countries on the side of exports was Slovakia, which ranks second after Germany in the comparison of countries to which we export. The third place is held by Poland. Hungary ranks ninth. A decade before, in 2012, the ranking of countries according to exports was the same, except for Hungary, which was the eleventh biggest destination of Czech exports.

In 2002, Slovakia still ranked second, but Poland ranked fifth, with Austria and the United Kingdom before it. Hungary was in tenth place.

With regard to imports, in 2022, the goods coming from Poland were in third place, the goods coming from Slovakia ranked fifth, and the goods from Hungary held eleventh place. Ten years before, in 2012, imports from Poland also held third place, imports from Slovakia ranked fourth and imports from Hungary were in tenth place. Another ten years before, in 2002, imports of goods from Slovakia held third place, imports of goods from Poland ranked eighth and imports of goods from Hungary was in fourteenth place.

This means that V4 countries are important foreign trade partners for the Czech Republic, which trades intensively mainly with Slovakia and Poland.

Balance of foreign trade in goods of Czechia with V4 countries (CZK bn.)

250 200 150 100 50 0 -50 -100 -150

Hungary

Poland 2020

Source: Czech Statistical Office

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Slovakia 2021 2022

Total Balance

I. ECONOMICS

AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS ARE OUR MAIN EXPORTS In 2022, more than one-half of the goods exported from Czechia to V4 countries headed to Slovakia (50.4 %). More than one-third (34.7 %) travelled to Poland, and 14.9 % went to Hungary. Almost one-quarter (23.6 %) of the total Czech exports is represented by the CPA29 commodity group (motor vehicles except motorcycles, trailers and semi-trailers), but only 14.6 % of exports of the CPA29 is heading to V4 countries. In spite of this fact, this commodity group represents the largest share in exports both to V4 countries (17.2 %), and outside of them (25.3 %).

An interesting fact is that exports to V4 countries include more automotive components than finished vehicles. Last year, finished vehicles accounted for 58.4 % of the total exports of goods of the CPA29 category from Czechia, while automotive components accounted for 41.6 %. However, the share of automotive components in exports to V4 countries is 60.3 %.

The other two commodity categories represented most in exports to V4 countries are CPA20 – chemicals and chemical products incl. subcontractor works – and CPA24 – basic metals incl. subcontractor works.

What was exported most within the CPA20 category in 2022 were commodities e.g. polypropylene, perfumes and lotions, aniline and its salts and ethylbenzene. The exports of aniline and its salts and also ethylbenzene to V4 countries in aggregate accounted for 99 % of total exports from Czechia.

In 2022, exports of basic metals to V4 countries mainly included commodities such as hot-rolled bars and rods, flat-rolled products of iron, aluminium alloys, and wires of iron. The share of aluminium alloys that headed to the territory of V4 countries was 67.6 %; on the other hand, 99.9 % of magnesium headed outside the V4 group.

Other commodities having a significant share in exports to V4 countries are e.g. CPA27 – electrical equipment incl. subcontractor works, and CPA10 – food products incl. related services and works.

In the case of CPA27, the largest share in exports to V4 countries is represented by insulated wires, cables and other insulated electrical conductors, electrical transformers and static converters and electric accumulators. What is heading predominantly to V4 countries are fridges, freezers and other cooling or freezing equipment, the share of which going to V4 countries is 82.0 % of the total exports from Czechia. (CZK 1.1 of 1.4 bn.). Vacuum cleaners heading to V4 countries account for 67.0 % (CZK 1.0 of 1.6 bn.). Most goods falling within the CPA27 commodity group ended up in Slovakia (40.6 %) and in Poland (37.0 %).

The exports of goods falling within the CPA10 commodity group to V4 countries amounted to CZK 63 bn., while the total exports from Czechia amounted to CZK 148 bn. What was exported most were preparations used for animal nutrition, bakery products, waffles, rice paper, as well as chocolate and other food preparations containing cocoa. Pork meat cooled (86.2 % of total exports) and sausages and salami and

similar products (85.7 %) are exported to V4 countries much more than to other countries.

Up to one-half of the goods in the CPA 19 category is heading to V4 countries. This is the case of, for example, mineral oils and oils from bituminous minerals, petroleum oils, and light oils. Commodities of the CPA19 category mainly go to Slovakia (63.6 % of exports to V4). 25.6 % headed to Poland and 10.8 % to Hungary.

TOP 10 commodity groups of CP2 exported from Czechia to V4 countries in 2022 (CZK bn.)

29 – Motor vehicles (except motorcycles), trailers and semi-trailers 20 – Chemicals and chemical products 24 – Basic metals 27 – Electrical equipment 10 – Food products 28 – Machinery and equipment, not listed elsewhere 26 – Computers, electronic and optical products 35 – Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning 25 – Metalworking products, except machinery and equipment 22 – Rubber and plastic products 0

Hungary

10

Poland

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Slovakia

Source: Czech Statistical Office

In 2022, the main recipients were V4 countries for goods falling within the CPA5 commodity group – black and brown coal and lignite. Almost 86 % of total exports headed there, most of them (45 %) to Poland.

Slovakia accounted for 38 % and the remaining 17 % went to Hungary. Bituminous coal has the largest share in exports to V4 countries, with 91.8 % of its total exports from Czechia heading there.

As far as the CPA11 commodity category – beverages incl. subcontractor works – is concerned, in 2022 the exports thereof outside V4 countries slightly outweighed (53.4 %) exports within V4 countries. Our exports of this commodity category to V4 countries mostly included beer made of malt. The exports thereof to V4 amounted to CZK 2.6 bn., which corresponds to 33.6 % of its exports in total. Most of the beer (53.5 % of total exports to V4) headed to Slovakia, 30.0 % went to Poland, and the remaining 16.5 % headed to Hungary. In the case of non-alcoholic beverages, V4 countries were the destination for 71.7 % of their total exports from Czechia. Almost 60 % of all beverages headed to Slovakia, 24.4 % to Poland, and the rest to Hungary.

Whisky, vodka and rum mainly headed to Slovakia (more than 90 % of exports to V4 countries), whereas unroasted malt predominantly travelled to Poland (97 % of exports to V4).

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ond after CPA26 (computers, electronical and optical products).

The CPA29 imports mostly included automotive components, which accounted for 43.6 % of imports of this category from V4. More than one-half of them came from Poland. The second most imported commodity were compression-ignition piston engines with internal combustion (18.1 % of imports of CPA29 from V4). In the case of this type of engine, V4 were the absolutely dominant business partner, with 93.3 % of all imports of such engines coming from V4 countries. The commodities falling within CPA29 were predominantly imported from Poland (51 %), Slovakia ranked second (33 %), and the remaining 16 % were imports from Hungary.

The goods of the CPA24 commodity group – basic metals incl. subcontractor works – constituted the second-largest part of imports from V4, after CPA29.

This specifically included products made of iron and steel exceeding 600 mm, whether rolled or plated, and also copper wires. Poland has a 60 % share in CPA24 imports, Slovakia accounted for 35 % and the share of Hungary was relatively insignificant.

V4 had a 32 % share in total imports of goods falling within the CPA10 category. From among these countries, the main supplier was Poland, with imports from this country amounting to CZK 28.4 bn., which accounted for 58 % of total imports of this category from V4. The imports of this commodity group from V4 mainly comprise chicken meat and offal, then bakery products and pastries, cheese and curd.

Imports falling within the CPA11 commodity group from V4 mainly comprise water incl. mineral water, non-alcoholic beverages and wine of fresh grapes or grape must. Beer accounted for just 6.2 % of imports falling within the CPA11 category from V4 countries.

TOP 10 commodity categories of CP2 imported to Czechia from V4 countries in 2022 (CZK bn.)

29 – Motor vehicles (except motorcycles), trailers and semi-trailers 24 – Basic metals 20 – Chemicals and chemical products 10 – Food products 27 – Electrical equipment 22 – Rubber and plastic products 28 – Machinery and equipment, not listed elsewhere 25 – Metalworking products, except machinery and equipment 19 – Coke and refined petroleum products 26 – Computers, electronic and optical products 0

Hungary

10

20

Poland

30

40

50

60

70

80

Slovakia

Source: Czech Statistical Office

ENGINES ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF IMPORTS In 2022, imports to Czechia from V4 countries mainly comprised goods from Poland (54.3 %), while goods from Slovakia ranked second (29.7 %) and the rest (16.0 %) comprised goods from Hungary.

As in the case of exports, imports were also mainly represented by the CPA29 commodity group, although the significance of this commodity group is lower in comparison with exports. CPA29 accounted for 12.6 % of total imports from all countries and for 19.1 % of imports of all commodities from V4. 24.7 % of the value of all imported goods of the CPA29 commodity group came to Czechia from V4 countries.

However, comparing imports from countries outside V4 in 2022, the CPA29 commodity group ranked sec-

VLADIMÍR C ÁBA https://www.statistikaamy.cz/2023/10/19/jak-spolu-obchodujeme/ https://www.statistikaamy.cz/2023/10/18/visegradska-ctyrka/

Selected commodities most traded with V4 countries in 2022 (CZK million) exports

imports

Hungary

Poland

Slovakia

Total

Parts, components and accessories of tractor bodies, of motor vehicles

6 698

6 483

14 676

27 857

Vehicles, reciprocating piston sparkignition engine, 1000 – 1500 cu.cm

1 503

7 655

3 509

12 667

Mineral oils and oils made of bituminous minerals

2 392

1

7 274

9 667

Compression-ignition piston engines for motor vehicles

3 376

10 343

12 296

26 020

52

18 428

0

18 480

2 256

9 179

5 182

16 618

Bituminous coal Parts, components and accessories of tractors, of motor vehicles Source: Czech Statistical Office

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II.THE BEST OF CZECH

IMPORTANT CZECH DISCOVERIES OF THE PAST 100 YEARS For the last 100 years, Czech Science has given the world an enormous amount of knowledge. Thanks to our scientists, there are contact lenses and artificial blood vessels, and mankind has managed to eradicate the Variola virus and to look into the core of the smallest living organisms.

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

GENETICS The discovery of Genetics did not take place in the 20th century, but it should definitely be included in this list. This is because, in the second half of the 20th century, the discoveries that followed up on Genetics became the basis for transformation in our world. In any case, credit for the discovery of Genetics is owed mainly to one person, the solitary research of Johann Gregor Mendel – a native of Brno – whose work earned him the title of “Father of Genetics”. Mendel was the founder of Genetics and discoverer of the fundamental Laws of Inheritance.

He was a monk and later Abbot of the Augustinian monastery in Staré Brno. There are no better recognised names in contemporary Genetics than Watson, Crick, and Mendel. The latter was ahead of his time and, in 1866, submitted his world-famous research paper, titled “Experiments on Plant Hybridisation”, on the principles of cross-breeding, which ultimately laid the foundation for modern Genetics.

BLOOD GROUPS Jan Janský, Professor at Charles University in Prague, was a significant Czech neurologist and psychiatrist.

He became world-famous due to his classification of the four blood groups. In 1900, Karl Landsteiner was the first to discover the existence of blood groups, but he described only three groups. In 1907, Janský described all four blood groups, independently of Landsteiner, within an unclearly targeted research study on the relationship of blood and mental diseases. In 1921, the primacy of Janský was recognised in the USA and Janský´s classification is always quoted in American literature. However, the credit in general, as recognised in 1930 by the Nobel Prize, was given to Landsteiner. Janský was also engaged in research studies in the field of neuropathology, and was one of the pioneers of liquorology on a global scale.

ERADICATION OF VARIOLA Karel Raška, founder of the modern Czechoslovak epidemiological school, gained renown as co-contributor to the global eradication of Variola. In 1963, he became Director of the Infectious Diseases Depart-

ment of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva. Four years later, the battle to eradicate Variola started under his leadership. And in just two years, 20 of the most affected African countries had eliminated the disease.

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

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

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

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

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

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meets multiple preconditions. It has good mechanical properties, prevents the formation of blood clots, is non-toxic and can be sterilised. Nanomaterial even enables vessels with a small diameter of less than 6 millimetres to be manufactured. Artificial “nano-vessels” work as a kind of scaffolding, which will subsequently disintegrate when cells have grown through it and a vessel of its own arises.

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

NANOFIBERS CHANGING THE WORLD The Czech Republic is a global leader in nanofibers. “Imagine if someone came up with iron in the

SPEEL PRAHA was founded in 1993, but we can follow its roots to the late 60s when a department of Czech Aerospace Research Centre, focused on aircraft diagnostics, was established. Since the beginning, we have offered our customers state-of-the-art products that allow for data acquisition and recording on board of various types of aircraft and helicopters.

Over the years, we have also created a wide range of software tools for analysis and visualization of recorded data. In reference with project of new jet trainer L-39NG, we have developed a brand new set of avionics components including a Head-Up display and an aircraft monitoring system.

Furthermore we produce Electronic Tachographs for measuring, visualizing and recording a set of railway vehicle parameters.

SPEEL PRAHA s.r.o.

Beranových 130 | 199 05 Praha 9 – Letňany | Czech Republic e-mail: info@speel.cz | web: www.speel.cz

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Stone Age. In our era, nanofibers are a parallel to iron. They will penetrate every type of human activity,“ says Professor Oldřich Jirsák from the Technical University of Liberec. It was precisely Professor Jirsák who invented the nano-spider, a device which manufactures nanofibers on a large-scale basis for industrial use. Nanofibers assist in medicine, for example, as new blood vessels, as well as in water treatment, in the manufacture of special waterproof clothing and also permeable jackets and trousers. In the home, to eliminate a lot of cleaning, nanomaterials are able to repel dust and other contaminants.

Professor Jirsák and his team discovered a method of manufacturing all these on a large-scale basis. This was indeed a revolutionary idea.

CUNEIFORM SCRIPT Bedřich Hrozný was a Czech orientalist and linguist.

He contributed to the deciphering of the ancient Hittite language, identified it as an Indo-European language, and laid the groundwork for the development of Hittitology.

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

II.THE BEST OF CZECH

THE BEST OF CZECH DID YOU KNOW THAT...

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

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

Charles University in figures: 17 faculties in 3 cities (Praha, Plzeň, Hradec Králové), 50 918 students In 2021, Charles University offered 876 study programmes, 215 of them in a foreign language. Charles University had a total of: 19 306 students in Bachelor´s degree programmes 15 227 students in Master´s degree programmes 9 675 students in follow-up Master´s degree programmes 6 710 students in Doctorate degree programmes 10 811 foreign students 704 foreign academics and scientists were employed

by Charles University. Students could do an internship at 884 foreign institutions within the Erasmus and Erasmus+ programmes. In 2021, a total of 1 804 Czech students did internships abroad within the framework of foreign mobility.

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

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

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

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

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

The longest suspension footbridge in the world, located in Dolní Morava, is called Sky Bridge 721. As suggested by its name, this bridge is 721 metres long and, at the time of its first opening in May 2022, was the longest suspension bridge in the world. During the first month of its opening, 45 000 persons passed over the longest suspension bridge in Dolní Morava.

It attracts tourists from the whole world.

“The Beer Barrel Polka”, or “Roll Out the Barrel”, is probably the best known Czech song in the world. It became popular in many countries during the Second World War. It was composed in 1927 by Jaromír Vejvoda as an instrumental piece of music. He adapted it in 1929, and in 1934 Václav Zeman wrote the Czech lyrics and called it “Škoda lásky” (“Wasted Love”). It became a popular song for the allied armies as well as for Czechoslovak pilots in the Battle of Britain. Its popularity is also testified by the fact that it accompanied astronauts on the Discovery Space Shuttle; it was also played in the popular M.A.S.H. series. The Vejvoda family archive records 14 titles of the song and 27 versions of the lyrics in various languages.

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

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

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

- the first sugar cube was made in Dačice?

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

The word “dollar” is close to the Old Czech word “tolar”, which is related to the German “Taler”, a shortened version of the original “Joachimstaler”, meaning “of Joachimstal (of St. Joachim’s Valley)”. This was the name of the silver coin which Count Shlik started to mint in 1518 in Czech Jáchymov.

In 1829, the František brothers and Tomáš Grebner established a sugar refinery – using sugar beet – in Kostelní Vydří near Dačice. After realising that neither the climate nor the soil in the area was suitable for growing sugar beet, František decided to establish a refinery that formed raw sugar into various shapes and textures – icing sugar, castor sugar, coarse sugar, sugar loaves, sugar cubes, and chips. In 1840, Swiss-born businessman Jakub Kryštof Rad became Director of the Dačice refinery. His wife gave him the idea and, in 1841, he manufactured the first 300 white and pink cubes of beet sugar. Rad moulded them in an apparatus he himself had invented. Thus an invention was born, whose practical use was soon to be discovered by the whole world.

- the world’s largest stadium is in Prague?

- the Czech Republic has the oldest distillery in Europe?

In July 2023, the Green Tree Distillery will already be celebrating 505 years of its existence. The unique plant, situated in the town of Prostějov in Moravia, is the oldest producer of spirits on the Old Continent.

The history of this distillery dates back to precisely 4 July 1518, when William of Pernstein and Helfstein granted brewing privileges to 31 landlords of Prostějov. The distillery has a special history, and is currently the biggest solely Czech producer of spirits. Its most popular brands are Stará Myslivecká, Blend 42 Vodka, Hanácká Vodka, and Prostějovská Starorežná.

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

Hranice Chasm is the deepest known freshwater cave on earth. Five years ago, a team led by the Polish specialist Krzysztof Starnawski dived into it and confirmed that its depth was at least 404 metres. However, already in a 2016 descent into the cave, the hypothesis had emerged to suggest that the cave bottom was 700-1000 metres deep. The geologists’ assumption was based on figures showing the chemical composition and temperature of the water at a depth of some 50 metres, which oscillated between 16-19 degrees Centigrade. The transparency of the water is variable; sometimes the visibility range is just 1 metre, at other times up to 50 metres. The water in the cave is mineral water containing carbon dioxide.

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Photo: © freeimages.com; pixabay.com;cs.wikipedia.org

The Strahov Stadium with an area of 63 000 square metres is the largest stadium in the world. The construction work started as early as in 1926. It was first used by members of the Sokol gymnastics organisation and later by members of sports associations. Currently, the FC Sparta training centre is located here. On occasion, concerts by famous stars such as The Rolling Stones are held here.

II.THE BEST OF CZECH

- we have the most detailed network of hiking trails?

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

CZECH TRAILS BY NUMBER 4 101 km of hiking trails and 40 541 km of road 4 cycling trails are marked. There are also 3 860 km of off-road cycling routes, 556 km of ski routes, 2 800 km of horse riding trails, and 149 km of wheelchair routes.

74 531 signposts and tables are posted on these routes, with 3 941 signposts and 1 408 mounted maps.

In 2022, a total of 15 698 km of tourist routes were renewed and maintenance was carried out on 145 tourist maps and frames and 816 guideposts. A total of 260 km of routes were closed or rerouted.

1 866 sign markers worked 62 938 hours, and 104 new markers were trained.

CZK 16.9 million was spent in 2022 on marking tourist routes and other related activities. The Ministry of Regional Development contributed CZK 8.7 million.

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

Perhaps nowhere else in the world is wild mushroom-picking so popular as in the Czech Republic.

Each year, Czech people collect more than 20 000 tonnes of mushrooms, which is more than 6 kilograms per household per annnum.

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

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DATES OF MILESTONES IN CZECH INDUSTRY In 2018, Czechs celebrated an important anniversary. The independent Czechoslovak Republic came into existence on October 28th 1918. A centenary was also celebrated by the backbone of our current prosperity and the basis of our record-breaking exports – Czechoslovak and Czech industry.

1896 – After his successful American engagement in T.A. Edison´s business, Emil Kolben set up a factory in Vysočany to manufacture machines and equipment for large power plants driven by steam and water.

With its production range, his firm was a unique company of that time in global comparison.

1900

1900 – První Českomoravská továrna na stroje made its first steam locomotive of the 310.0 series.

1907 – Foundation of Praga. From 1911, it was one of the most important truck manufacturers.

1830 – A puddling furnace was launched at the steelworks of Rudolfova Huť in Vítkovice. This furnace was the first technology of its kind in Austria at that time and made Northern Moravia the steel heart of the Monarchy.

1856 – The Austrian Association for Chemical and Metallurgical Production – Spolek pro chemickou a hutní výrobu – was founded. So the chemical plants in Ústí nad Labem, Pardubice, and Neratovice were in at the birth of the future Spolchemie.

1869 – Emil Škoda bought foundries and machine works in Plzeň and concentrated on the manufacture of technology complexes and iron rolling. He set up a future mechanical-engineering imperium. The Škoda works was the largest arms manufacturer in Austria-Hungary until World War I.

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1914 – Laurin & Klement car manufacturer acquired the RAF company in Liberec and founded a truck factory, later known as Liaz (1951).

1918 – The new Czechoslovakian government bet on the development of the aviation industry. The Defence Ministry founded the company called Továrna na letadla (LETOV) in 1919, followed by Aero-továrna létadel with the first aircraft of its own construction – Aero A-1.

1919 – Foundation of Avia, a company for the repair and manufacture of aircraft. In 1929, it merged with the Škoda Group. Foundation of the arms manufacturer called Čs. závody na výrobu zbraní in Brno, later renamed as Československá zbrojovka. Kopřivnice launched the first series of trucks of the Tatra brand.

1921 – The first Letov Šm-1 reconnaissance aircraft and the first Czechoslovak Aero A-10 civil transport aircraft were made.

1894 – Tomáš Baťa and his siblings set up the famous Baťa shoe factory.

1922 – The Brněnská zbrojovka arms manufacturer started to manufacture the first ČZ-22 service pistol.

1895 – Foundation of Laurin & Klement – a company which originally manufactured bicycles of the Slavia brand and, from 1899, also motorbikes. In 1905, it made its first L&K Voiturette automobile, and in 1925 it merged with the Škoda company.

1923 – The Prague company, Walter, started to manufacture world-famous aircraft engines.

Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

1925 – After 30 years of its existence, the Laurin & Klement company merged with the Škoda Group.

Photo: © pixabay.com

1800

1815 – On 17 September, Josef Božek presented his steam-driven car in Prague’s Stromovka Park.

1911 – Ringhoffer Works made the first electric locomotive of the E 200.0 series.

III. KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

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1927 – Foundation of ČKD, the biggest machine works company in Czechoslovakia of that time.

1964 – The assembly line of the new plant in Mladá Boleslav released the first Škoda 1000 MB passenger car.

1929 – Messrs. Janeček and Wanderer founded the Jawa brand.

1968 – The successful L-39 Albatros trainer aircraft took off.

1934 – In Tábor, Brita company – present-day Brisk – was founded, to become one of the five biggest manufacturers of ignition coils in the world.

1975 – Beginning of the manufacture of the world-famous CZ 75 pistol in Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod.

Since 2011, the CZ 805 BREN assault rifle has been made there.

1936 – In Kunovice, the construction started of the aircraft manufacturing plant of the LET brand.

1946 – Foundation of Avia truck manufacturer.

1947 – A team of Czech engineers invented the air jet loom; four years later, the water jet loom.

1950

1953 – The first indestructible Praga V3S military vehicle was launched.

1954 – A prototype of the modern Škoda Spartak passenger car appeared.

1959 – Barum started to manufacture tubeless tyres; test pilots were testing the new LF 29 aircraft and Česká zbrojovka Uherský Brod manufactured its famous Sa-58 submachine gun, which was in the arsenal of the Czechoslovak and other armies for many years.

1997 – Škoda made the first “Astra” tram of the Škoda 03T series.

2000

2005 – Liberec Technical University started to manufacture machinery for non-woven textiles from Nanospider nanofiber materials.

2017 – Nanopharma made the first artificial thymus gland, to assist patients after surgery to strengthen their immunity.

2018 – In August, the assembly line of Škoda Auto in Kvasiny released the millionth SUV. Taken from Český exportér magazine, a supplement of the Hospodářské Noviny newspaper and the weekly Ekonom, released in association with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic and the CzechTrade Agency. Edited by: František Kotrba, Ministry of Industry and Trade.

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CZECH ENERGY SECTOR – AMONG THE TOP GLOBAL EXPORTERS The energy sector is one of the most important sectors in the Czech Republic. Its strength is based not only on many years of continuous development, sophisticated use of geographically available sources, development and manufacture of machinery used in the energy sector, but also on the self-sufficiency of the Czech Republic in the production of electric energy and heat. The Czech Republic regularly ranks among the top global exporters of electricity.

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

Inspired by Kaplan The power sector has always attracted top engineers, who are trying to keep moving this sector ahead. The Czech footprint was and still remains significant in this regard. Apparently the most important invention created on the Czech territory was the Kaplan turbine, which is being used in hydropower plants all over the world today.

Hydropower plants worldwide use the Kaplan turbine – a turbine developed by Viktor Kaplan. Kaplan was Austrian, but he created most of his significant inventions, including this turbine, in Brno, as a professor at the local German Technical University. He developed and constructed the original type of propeller hydroturbine already before World War I. He designed its blades to be narrower and in a lower number, in order to reduce friction, and with the rotating mechanism in the runner, he maintained its high efficiency even with a lower flow. Whereas the current Francis turbines achieve a speed of approx.

400 revolutions per minute, the Kaplan turbine could achieve double that speed. The first Kaplan turbine was put into operation in 1919 at a cotton mill in Velm, Austria. In Bohemia, it was used for the first time at the power plant in Poděbrady in 1921. Today, the Kaplan turbine is the most popular type in large hydropower plants on rivers with

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

CZECH ENERGY SECTOR AND THE WORLD The Czech energy sector has an excellent reputation and, with its products, is one of the best in the world.

It can offer excellent quality at a favourable price.

Competitive Asian firms combine their power plants with European and US technologies. So, also in this respect, there is an opportunity to succeed in the supply chain with Czech sub-supplies. The competition offering lower prices can be beaten by Czech firms with offers of new products, and especially with consulting services on energy sector issues.

Czech firms participate in constructions of power plants and deliveries of related products almost every-

high flows and (mostly) low heads. Absolutely the highest discharge, i.e. the flow of water under certain circumstances, is achieved by Kaplan turbines at the hydropower plant in Gabčíkovo, South Slovakia: 636 cu.m/s, with the head of 12.88 to 24.20 metres.

Nuclear Top Global respect is also enjoyed by Czechia in the nuclear power sector and research. The first research reactor was already started up in the Nuclear Research Institute in Řež in 1957, which made Czechoslovakia the ninth country in a row to master the fission chain reaction. Czech nuclear research has its finger on the pulse of the future of the sector. Thanks to the good reputation of researchers and developers of the Nuclear Research Institute and its subsidiary, Centrum výzkumu Řež (CVŘ), the Czech Republic was given the opportunity to design and realise the assembly of the unique hot chambers of the Jules Horowitz Reactor in France. The useful life of most research reactors operated in the European Union ends after 2020 (the reactors in Řež will be phased out in approximately 2027) and Jules Horowitz will assume a part of their research. In exchange for the delivery of the hot chambers, the Czech Republic gained access to a part of its research measurement capacity.

III. KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

www.egem.eu

EGEM s.r.o. – we operate on the market of supplies and services for high and very high voltage.

We offer complete services, starting from the proposal for a solution according to the customer´s requirements, elaboration of the design documentation, implementation, up to the services related with operation, servicing and maintenance.

General description of the activity • • • • • •

advising, proposal for a solution designing, starting from elaboration of studies, up to implementation plans complete engineering services supplies of material and technological equipment electrical installation and construction work trials and commissioning

Main specialisation • • • • • •

substations for very high voltage substations and distribution for high voltage control systems, switchboards and distribution for low voltage powerlines for very high voltage and extra high voltage battery storage systems electric boilers

We are a renowned, sought-after and reliable supplier to all important companies on the energy market in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic that are engaged in the production (classic, as well as nuclear sources), transmission and distribution of electric power and district heating.

EGEM s.r.o. | Novohradská 736/36 | 370 01 České Budějovice 6 | Czech Republic Tel.: +420 387 008 240 | E-Mail: egem@egem.cz Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

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CZECH KNOW-HOW The Czech Republic, together with the USA and China, are the only three countries that can boast of vast know-how regarding the application of salt

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Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

SHARE OF SPECIFIC SOURCES IN PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICITY IN THE CR Source Type

Share

Other

0.10

Waste Processing

0.20

Wind Power Plants

0.80

Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Stations

1.50

Solar Power Plants

2.80

Other RES

3.00

Hydro-power Plants

3.10

Biomass

3.10

Black Coal

3.20

Gas Sources

10.40

Brown Coal

35.10

Nuclear Power Plants

36.60

Total

90.90

Source: Ministry of Industry and Trade,

technologies in the nuclear power sector. A relatively little-known fact is that a new project for the future is being born by Czech-American collaboration. The rollout of small nuclear reactors is expected in approximately 10 years. Small solar reactors have numerous advantages over the current ones – greater safety, effectivity and flexibility.

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

Photo: © shutterstock.com

where in the world. No matter whether this is a case of nuclear, thermal, hydro- or solar-power plants. Let´s mention some examples: Czech firms are participating e.g. in the modernisation and reconstruction of blocks of power plants, A Czech company is going to take part in deliveries of the equipment for the control of protective systems for the Armenian power plant, Metsamor, A steam turbine from Plzeň will be applied on the Indonesian island of Java. The export of the Czech turbine is part of a wider project – the overall extension of the Grati power plant, involving numerous firms from various countries, Another Czech company engaged in designing, construction, and operation of solar power plants in Europe and Latin America, is just finishing the construction of four solar power plants in Chile, with the total capacity of 31.4 MW. The approximate value of the completed power plants will be about CZK 660 million. The power plants are situated in the region of Central Chile around the capital city of Santiago.

At present, all the power plants are already connected to the distribution network and are in the final stages of their completion.

In the Czech hydro-power plant sector, there are several companies building hydro-power plants not only in Europe, but also in Africa and South America. They include both projects on a greenfield site and the reconstruction and development of hydro-power plants.

III. KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Škoda Power

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

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

Today, every day

www.doosanskodapower.com Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

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Kovodružstvo v.d. Strážov Strážov 146, 340 21 Janovice nad Úhlavou Czech Republic Tel.: +420 376 392 451 E-Mail: valter@kovostrazov.cz

KOVODRUŽSTVO v.d. Strážov is a Czech manufacturer of radial fans, industrial filters and industrial air conditioning. 51 % of its production are exported. The products are exported to all European countries, as well as to the USA and Asia. Since 1997, KOVODRUŽSTVO has been a holder of the ISO 9001 quality control certificate.

Fans, filters and air conditioning pipes made by KOVODRUŽSTVO are applicable in all industrial branches.

They are made of standard or stainless steel and are suitable both for normal workplaces and for workplaces with ATEX atmosphere. Parameters of the fans are within the range of Qv = 0,15 – 35m3/s, pc = 150 – 27.000 Pa, t = -20 - +350 °C. For compliance with the EU noise standards, the fans are supplied with complete anti-noise accessories – sound suppressors, insulation of fans, insulation of motors and anti-noise cabins.

Photo: © Siemens archives

www.kovostrazov.cz

KOVODRUŽSTVO v.d. Strážov is a modern dynamic business, building its success on the quality of its products.

KOVODRUŽSTVO designs the products itself, using CAD software, according to the customer´s requirements, and manufactures them with the use of stateof-the-art CNC technologies.

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III. KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

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

HISTORY In Bohemia, the industry has a very long and valued tradition. Its origin dates back to the 16th century, to the era of Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia. He was fascinated by the sciences and the arts. In Prague, he hosted many masters of various arts and crafts, including chemistry, the processing and fabrication of glass, precious metals and stones. During his reign, the first blast furnace in Bohemia was already put into operation in 1595. This triggered quite a vast and continuous production of iron on our territory.

Actual industrial development started in the 18th century. And in the early 19th century, the industrial and technical revolution took over in complete form and at full blast. In 1803, the symbol of the whole Industrial Revolution – the steam engine – also appeared in Bohemia. Heavy industry was on the rise. And the most important sector of the whole Czech industry – Mechanical Engineering – was born. The very first modern factory producing machines was the one established in 1821 in Šlapanice near Brno. An important innovation of that time was electrical energy. The most significant era, from the viewpoint of the present Czech Republic, was the late 19th century, when the first automobiles came into existence. The first Czech automobile with a combustion engine was manufactured in 1897 in the Kopřivnice factory and was called “President”.

In the period between the World Wars, Czechoslovakia was regarded as one of the ten top global players in Mechanical Engineering! The rapid development after World War II was influenced both by the international and the internal situation of the country. Mechanical Engineering became the fundamental sector for the industrialisation of less developed regions.

PRESENT TIMES Mechanical Engineering in the Czech Republic is one of the pillars of Czech industry. General Mechanical Engineering – the manufacture of machinery and equipment – employs almost 115 000 highly qualified professionals, who are the most precious assets of the whole sector. General Mechanical Engineering is one of the largest employers of all Czech industrial sectors.

Its manufacturing base, which is a guarantee for the

permanent improvement and expansion of the product portfolio, comprises more than 6 700 companies, the production portfolios of which include a very wide range of articles of Mechanical Engineering.

Mechanical Engineering is scattered all over the Republic. It often follows the metallurgical industry.

That is why we encounter plenty of machine works in the Ostrava region, where heavy industry is dominant.

Heavy Mechanical Engineering manufactures articles with a high weight and large dimensions, such as parts of ships, large aircraft, mining and metallurgical technology. On the contrary, light Mechanical Engineering produces machine tools, means of transport such as automobiles and smaller vessels and numerous other smaller machines, used e.g. in the textile industry.

The Czech Republic has always been one of the leading manufacturers of means of transport and, with its tradition in the manufacture of automobiles and its suitable location, is an attractive country for investment. Moreover, this sector of the Czech economy is experiencing a long-term growth of revenues and labour productivity. An absolutely dominant position in the manufacture of means of transport is held by the manufacture of passenger cars, followed by the manufacture of buses and trucks.

An important segment of Czech Mechanical Engineering is the manufacture, repair and modernisation of rolling stock. In the Czech Republic, there are manufacturers of all kinds of rolling stock, including Metro trains, trams and trolleybuses. The aircraft industry is one of the top segments in Mechanical Engineering.

Using state-of-the-art materials, it is becoming an initiator of technical progress in many other branches.

An important position is held by the manufacture of jet trainer aircraft and light combat aircraft, regional aircraft, trainer and sport aeroplanes, gliders, aircraft components, and, last but not least, the manufacture of ultralight aircraft.

In the Czech Republic, there are also manufacturers of riverboats and short-sea ships, sport boats, yachts, motorcycles, and bicycles. Czech production also includes hot-air balloons. And what is also worth mentioning is the Czech Space Programme. Czech Mechanical Engineering also includes the manufacture

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of equipment for industry and for the construction sector, the manufacture and repair of steam and water turbines, pumps, and compressors. The Czech Republic is also a producer of machine tools and electrical hand tools, the quality of which is ranked top in the global comparison.

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

EXPORT OF MACHINERY AND MEANS OF TRANSPORT FROM THE CZECH REPUBLIC IN 2023 IN BREAKDOWN BY ARTICLES (SITC 7) Article Code

Article

Stat. Value EUR (thous.)

71

Machinery and Power Generating Equipment

4 747 553

72

Machinery for Certain Sectors of Industry

6 294 661

73

Metalworking Machines

1 106 058

74

General Purpose Machinery Used in Industry, Not Elsewhere Classified

14 507 510

75

Office Machines and Equipment for Automating Data Processing

6 665 349

76

Equipment for Telecommunications and Sound Recording and Reproduction

5 415 805

77

Electrical Equipment, Devices and Household Appliances, Not Elsewhere Classified

20 437 232

78

Road Vehicles

50 281 573

79

Other Transport Equipment

2 127 563

Source: Czech Statistical Office

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

Now it is being changed by technologies, and not only in communications. For this reason, the government of the Czech Republic is going to endeavour to create an adequate environment in which it will be possible for industrial enterprises and the social milieu to develop and succeed in the new digital world. This means, in particular, to build a data and communications infrastructure, to reset the educational system, to implement new instruments on the labour market, to adapt the social milieu, and to set up a system of

fiscal assistance to firms coping with investment in advanced technologies and know-how.

For example, what will the work of a lathe operator be like in 15 years? Will he normally work in a workshop with a machine in protective clothing? Or will he operate the machine by means of remote control via a computer, which will be able to give exact instructions and optimise the consumption of materials and energies and ultimately make the production most cost-effective? The philosophy of Industry 4.0 opens up unprecedented opportunities and those who are able to utilise them will succeed in the new era.

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

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

František Křižík Author: Ignác Šechtl; Šechtl and Voseček archives

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III. KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

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Contact us – Tel.: +420 354 626 716 | Email: info@neskan.cz | www.neskan.cz

Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

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CVP Galvanika s.r.o.

Czech anticorrosion fighters since 1992 Company CVP Galvanika Ltd was founded in 1992 in Příbram (Central Bohemia Region) in the industrial area of a former mining mechanization company. The founders, Augustin Cenkner, Ivan Vančura, and dipl.

Ing. Ján Pajtai, whose names are included in the name of the company, started their anticorrosion journey with full force and a lot of ideas, which gradually brought the company in front of the gate of automotive industry in the year 2000. The main aim of CVP Galvanika Ltd is an anticorrosion surface treatment of metal parts by the technology of galvanic Zn, ZnFe, and ZnNi coating. These technologies have been operated on the plants 01 Příbram, 03 Ždánice (South Moravian Region) and 04 Slavičín (Zlín Region). Simultaneously in Slavičín plant, there is also a powder paint-shop, which meets the highest requirements of the automotive industry. The present CVP Galvanika Ltd is still a pure Czech family company operating with 8 automatic galvanic lines and employing over 220 people. Last year, a brand-new building with two high-capacity lines (rack and barrel types) near the plant 03 Ždánice was opened.That was the biggest project in the history of the company. Nowadays a new production hall is being built in the plant 03 Ždánice on the location of the old production building, which was completely destroyed by a fire in June 2023.

The production in this new building in planned to be renewed by the end of the year 2024.

PRAHA

PŘÍBRAM

SLAVIČÍN

ŽDÁNICE

Zn

ZnFe

ZnNi

Plant 01 - Příbram K Podlesí 550 261 01 Příbram IV tel.: +420 318 632 784-5

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Powder paint

Plant 03 - ždánice Nádražní 912 696 32 Ždánice tel.: +420 518 633 000

Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

Plant 03 - ždánice workplace 05 Nádražní 696 32 Ždánice tel.: +420 518 633 000

Plant 04 - slavičín Družstevní č.e. 0244 763 21 Slavičín Hrádek na Vlárské dráze tel.: +420 577 341 750

III. KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

CZECH CHEMICAL INDUSTRY The current status of the Czech chemical industry is based on its long and rich history.

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

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

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

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

Contrary to many other countries, where manufacture is dominated by the major chemical giants, in the Czech Republic there is no leading manufacturer of chemicals. Instead, the chemical industry is the domain of small and medium-sized enterprises, which often closely collaborate in regional centres. The Czech chemical industry has many strategic advantages, such as a qualified and skilled workforce, location in the centre of Europe and a unique national network of pipelines for the transport of crude oil, motor fuels, ethylene, and ethylbenzene.

The industry suffers from relatively high prices of natural gas, electricity and water, the dependence on imported raw materials (especially crude oil and natural gas) and the burden of both Czech and European legislation. It is obvious that the Czech chemical in-

dustry has many good preconditions, but it also faces multiple challenges which include, last but not least, the fulfilment of the objectives concerning climate change and the transition from materials made of fossil fuels to a circular economy.

The Czech economy is one of the best performing, compared to all countries of the former Eastern Block.

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

DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURE OF PHARMACEUTICALS The development and manufacture of pharmaceuticals form an indispensable part of the chemical industry.

With the leading global pharmaceutical companies having entered the Czech market successfully, Czech companies have been integrated into international networks and have expanded to foreign markets.

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

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

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

the Czech Republic is prepared for a great future.

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

Do you know that… three Czech writers have been awarded the EU Prize for Literature?

They are: Bianca Bellová (2017) - award for her novel “The Lake” (Jezero) Jan Němec (2014) – award for the fictionalised biography of the famous Czech photographer, František Drtikol, titled “History of Light” (Dějiny světla) Tomáš Zmeškal (2011) - award for his first work, “Love Letter in Cuneiform” (Milostný dopis klínovým písmem)

In 2009, Helena Třeštíková´s film “Miracle” (Zázrak) won the EU Prix MEDIA award, accorded within the framework of the Creative Europe programme. It was presented to her at the International Film Festival in Cannes.

Prix EUROPA – UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE European Parliament, was awarded to: TV DOCUMENTARY 2015 – “Mallory”, Helena Třeštíková TV FICTION 2014 - “The Numbers Eight” (Osmy), Marek Epstein SPOT 2005 – “Home Sweet Home”, Jan Rendl

OUTLOOK

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Photo: © pixabay.com

especially the manufacture of packaging products.

Ostendorf - OSMA s.r.o.

III. KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

Komorovice 1, 396 01 Humpolec, CZECH REPUBLIC

www.ostendorf-osma.com

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SEVEN CENTURIES-OLD TRADITION – THIS IS THE CZECH GLASS INDUSTRY

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Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

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

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

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

Glass articles that are exported to numerous countries worldwide are called in general “BOHEMIAN GLASS“.

Luxury goods include e.g. iconic crystal chandeliers, which can be seen in Versailles, London, Dubai, Macau, and New York.

Source: Czech Radio, Association of Glass and Ceramics Industry

Photo: © unsplash.com, Boglárka Salamon

The glass industry has a very long tradition in Bohemia.

It was developed especially in its mountain regions, due to the abundance of raw materials available there. The first glass factories were set up in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. On the territory of Bohemia, glass factories or rudiments of glass factories have always occurred in localities with sufficient fuel, i.e. in or near forests.

Most of today´s glass factories are still in sites of the former historical ones. The best-known glass factories are in the Liberec Region, where they predominantly produce utility glass and jewellery. The area of the Jizerské hory Mountains and the Lužické hory Mountains is also called “Crystal Valley“. Some of the glass factories there date back to the 16th century. There are also glass production schools, universities with design specialisations, and the unique Museum of Glass and Jewellery. Nowhere else in the world is there such a big concentration of glassmakers. Other localities of the glass industry are, in particular, the Krušné hory Mountains, the Krkonoše Mountains, the Jeseníky Mountains, the Šumava, and the area around Zlín in Moravia, where mostly container glass is manufactured. At present, the glass industry employs about 17 500 people.

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

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

In the Czech Republic, there are about 40-50 independent firms manufacturing and supplying furnaces, machinery and equipment, glass moulds and devices which serve for the manufacture of glass and ceramics.

In addition, there are providers for servicing, designing, expertise and advising for this sector.

III. KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

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Since 1993 we provide professional software for information search, analysis and visualization Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

FIN D UN DER S TAN D US E

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Prague

VIBRANT TOURISM AND WORLD-FAMOUS SPAS

CONGRESS METROPOLIS In general, the Czech Republic is one of 30 countries worldwide regarded as the most suitable for congress tourism; the Czech metropolis of Prague even ranks among the 15 most popular cities. This ranking is also supported by the successful organisation of several conferences of global importance, which have been hosted

by Prague in recent years. A stable economy, strategic position, favourable climate, various points of interest and a high quality of services provided in congress facilities are the factors making Prague an attractive congress venue. Prague has modern hotel facilities with a wide range of conference rooms and state-of-the-art technology. The Prague Congress Centre has undergone vast modernisation. In addition, Václav Havel Interna-

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tional Airport, where a multitude of international flights of renowned airlines and numerous low-cost carriers arrive every day, is extending its capacities and services.

TRADITION OF CZECH SPA INDUSTRY The history of the Czech spa industry dates back hundreds of years. In the course of time, spas have been places of healing and relaxation, visited by many important personalities in the social, cultural and political life, from J. W. Goethe to F. Kafka, F. Chopin and former presidents T. G. Masaryk and Václav Havel. Even King Charles the Fourth regularly enjoyed the beneficial effects of spa stays. In the late 19th century, Czech spas were so famous that they were referred to as the “salons of Europe”. Today, the Czech Republic is one of the global spa empires, with high-quality spa facilities actually scattered throughout all regions of our Republic.

TOP QUALITY AND PROFESSIONALISM Czech spas are famous for high-quality medical care and progressive therapeutic and rehabilitation methods. Credit for the excellent performance of the Czech spa industry can be given especially to the highly qualified staff (medical doctors, physiotherapists, nurses),

Photo: © CzechTourism archives; Destinační highlighty FOTO, Ladislav Renner; © Živý kraj

A TOURIST DESTINATION THAT WON´T DISAPPOINT The Czech Republic is one of the countries offering vibrant tourism. The country with its population of 10 million is a peaceful and safe destination, with plenty of historical monuments, picturesque landscape, world-famous spas, a network of luxurious hotels and facilities for leisure activities. Czechia is also becoming popular as a venue for congress tourism, the capacities for which are especially adapted in big cities.

III. KEY SECTORS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

which is one of its main strengths. It is not by chance that in 2006 a spa in the Czech Republic was actually the first in Europe to be awarded the certificate of EUROPESPA med© – the prestigious acknowledgement of quality from the European Spas Association in Brussels, given to selected European spas after demanding examination and auditing of their operations. At present, Czechia is a country with the highest number of successfully issued certifications within the EU.

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

HEALING WITHOUT CHEMICALS Experts constantly warn that overuse of drugs may have plenty of adverse side effects. Fortunately, today´s society is starting to return to well-proven natural procedures and to try the healing effect of centuries-proven natural sources, whereby treatment significantly less invasive than treatment with drugs or radical irreversible surgery is available.

LONG-TERM EFFECT A spa cure has a provable revitalising influence and

heals numerous illnesses. Positive effects appear not only during the spa stay, but also continue for several months thereafter. This is also the reason why people attend spas regularly.

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

VARIOUS KINDS OF STAYS Besides traditional therapeutic stays, each spa offers some preventive, relaxation and wellness stays, anti-stress programmes for executives, beauty programmes for women and stays focused on weight loss.

The length of stay can be selected according to one’s time possibilities – the most popular are one- or twoweek stays, weekends and prolonged weekends.

Source: www.lecebnelazne.cz

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

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INSTITUTIONS PRESENT THEMSELVES

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 he largest and most influential independent organisation T of employers and entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic A 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 A volunteer organisation, independent of the government, political parties, and trade unions A respected social partner and a participant in the European social dialogue

We represent 1 1 000+ companies – our members employ more than 1.3 million people More than 30 industry federations and associations from key areas of the Czech economy Over 140 significant individual member companies

Our priorities upporting industry as the main pillar of the Czech S economy Strengthening the significance of research, development and innovation in industry Continuing development in technical education and expanding the technically skilled labour force Creating a business-friendly environment for entrepreneurs and international investors Advancing international trade and export Improving the transport infrastructure Furthering the digitalisation of the economy and

e-Government

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Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

riting and agreeing on a stable, enforceable and preW dictable legislative framework

International trade promotion e organise international conferences attended by W heads of states and governments We organise international business and trade missions We cooperate with partner confederations and business chambers worldwide We coordinate incoming business and trade missions We represent our members at international trade fairs We organise conferences, seminars and workshops promoting export Svaz průmyslu a dopravy České republiky Freyova 948/11, 190 05 Praha 9 Phone: +420 225 279 111 E-mail: spcr@spcr.cz More information at: www.spcr.cz

IV. INSTITUTIONS PRESENT THEMSELVES R

VÝROBA A PRODEJ VRTÁKŮ

NÁSTROJE CZ, s.r.o.

PRODUCTION AND SALE OF DRILLS Unique patent of ground twist drills CZ002 and CZ004 Made in the Czech Republic Complete supply of tools made in the Czech Republic Tested at Brno University of Technology

More information: export@nastrojecz.cz www.nastrojecz.cz NÁSTROJE CZ, s.r.o.

GSM: +420 777 862 527 *

* Nádražní 418, Ždánice - Czech Republic E-mail: export@nastrojecz.cz * www.4CZech.eu * obchod.nastrojecz.cz Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

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

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

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

Enterprise Europe Network operates in more than 60 countries. The Czech Republic is represented by a consortium of six partners coordinated by the Technology Centre Prague and is funded by the European Union (Single Market Programme (SMP)) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. This ensures that all its services are served free of charge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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CZECHINVEST, BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT AGENCY CzechInvest: Your gateway to success in the Czech Republic The Business and Investment Development Agency CzechInvest is a state contributory organisation subordinated to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. Services include sector-specific market intelligence, identification of business properties and sites, investment incentives, identification of potential business partners, suppliers and acquisition targets as well as aftercare services. The Agency contributes to attracting foreign investors operating in the manufacturing industry, business support services and technology centres, and also supports Czech enterprises in their expansion efforts.

To simplify communication between the state, business and the European Union, CzechInvest acts as an umbrella 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 for potential investors current data and information on business climate, investment environment and investment opportunities in the Czech Republic.

All services are provided free of charge.

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

IV. INSTITUTIONS PRESENT THEMSELVES

ELPOR s.r.o. | Dlouhá 53 | 417 42 Krupka | Česká republika Tel: +420 417 861 698 | Email: elpor@elpor.cz | www.elpor.cz

ELPOR s.r.o.

We manufacture technically innovative ceramic components of high precision and quality unique for their use in a wide range of industries.

ELPOR s.r.o. is a producer of technical ceramics with a long and rich tradition, dating back to 1920. Over these past 100 years, our team at ELPOR have come a long way in constantly raising quality standards. It is this vast experience and the continuous enhancement in technology which signify best our ‚‘customer first‘ policy.

As a customer-oriented company, our imperative is to meet our clients’ needs. We cherish our good name and prestige. ELPOR consciously develops and builds its good reputation and positive brand image with both existing and new customers. This is the corporate philosophy and long-term strategy.

PILLAR DRILLING MACHINES The manufacturer of heavy duty pillar and bench drilling machines from the Czech Republic. We are a family company and have had more than 20-year experience with manufacturing, selling and servicing of drilling machines. Our drilling machines are high quality and designed for everyday use in metalworking production lines.

w w w. h e l t o s . c z EUROPEAN CENTRE OF DRILLING MACHINES

Jana Zizky 252 | 378 81 Slavonice | Czech Republic Phone: +420 384 493 135 | E-mail: heltos@heltos.cz

contact person:

Pavel Kolman Phone: +420 724 801 987 | E-mail: pavel.kolman@heltos.cz

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CZECH TOURISM AUTHORITY – CZECHTOURISM

CZECH CENTRES Who we are and our ambitions

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

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

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

Czech Tourism Authority – CzechTourism Štěpánská 567/15, 120 00 Praha 2 Nové Město Phone: +420 777 702 761 E-mail: info@czechtourism.cz More information at: www.czechtourism.com

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Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

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 28 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.

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.

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.

Where we are Locations of our global network: Austria – Belgium – Bulgaria – Egypt – France – Georgia – Germany – Greece – Hungary – Israel – Italy – Japan – Poland – Romania – Serbia – Slovakia – South Korea – Spain – Sweden – the Netherlands – Ukraine – the United Kingdom – the USA – Vietnam Czech Centres - Headquarters Václavské nám. 816/49, 110 00 Praha 1 Phone: +420 234 668 211 E-mail: info@czech.cz More information at: www.czechcentres.cz

IV. INSTITUTIONS PRESENT THEMSELVES

WORKWEAR FOR ALL INDUSTRIES HEALTHCARE AND WELLNESS | HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS | INDUSTRY | PROTECTIVE CERTIFIED CLOTHING

www.alsico.cz

The Alsico Group is one of the largest producers of workwear in Europe with global production units, providing a robust and reliable supply chain. It operated on the Czech, Slovak and Polish markets under the brand Altreva, which is now unified across the entire organization at Alsico.

Alsico has been a European leader in workwear clothing manufacture for almost a century. Our experience is reflected in the quality of our garments and the exceptional customer service we provide.

We offer customers standard workwear for various sectors of industry, healthcare and services, as well as protective certified clothing.

We design and create clothes for spaces with increased demands on cleanliness and other operations with a controlled environment, e.g. aviation, automotive and electronic industries, operating rooms.

Please contact our sales team for further information.

CZECH REPUBLIC & SLOVAKIA Josef Kolář +420 601 581 188

POLAND Michał Pogwizd +48 739 619 608

HUNGARY Michael Průža +420 606 769 558

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National Committee of International Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic ICC is – and has been throughout its long existence – a steadfast rallying point for those who believe, like our founders, that strengthening commercial ties among nations is not only good for business but good for global living standards and good for peace. ICC was founded in 1919 in Paris. Today, ICC represents 45 million companies and associations in more than 170 countries and transmits their interests to high official representatives including the UN, EU, WTO, OECD and G20, where ICC has been granted the highest level of consultative status.

The main aim of ICC Czech Republic is to assist Czech companies and other businesses to integrate into world events through this prestigious global organisation. Within the framework of its activities, ICC Czech Republic creates opinions and statements on issues sent by ICC Headquarters for examination. At the same time, this agenda is influenced, so as to be in compliance with the interests of ICC Czech Republic members. The National Committee of ICC in the Czech Republic serves the role of coordinator of the business community activities in the Czech Republic and represents its interests in dealing with both national and international organisations and governments.

PRESTIGE

Being an ICC member is a question of prestige.

PRINCIPLES

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

PARTNERSHIP

ICC provides a large portfolio of services fundamental to foreign trade, such as educational and advisory services, as well as creating opportunities for establishing partnership with foreign business partners. ICC Czech Republic was founded in 1999.

The main aim of ICC Czech Republic is to assist Czech companies and other businesses to integrate into world events through this prestigious global organisation.

TERRITORIAL WORKSHOPS

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

SEMINARS, 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 2020, Bank guarantees and experience with URDG 758 and ISDGP, Documentary Credits and Standbys – International Standard Banking Practice and Practices, Terms of International Sales Contracts in Foreign Trade. In addition to seminars on banking technology and practice, we also organise workshops focusing on transport and logistics, and arbitration, law, mediation and negotiation. We try to supplement traditional topics with current topics that are related to foreign trade.

PUBLICATIONS

ICC Rules and Guidelines are used worldwide, simplifying transactions and promoting good business practices. We have prepared and offer for sale professional publications in Czech.

National Committee of International Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic Václavské náměstí 796/42 | 110 00 Praha 1 E-mail: icc@icc-cr.cz | More information at: www.icc-cr.cz Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group 46 2 0 2 4

IV. INSTITUTIONS PRESENT THEMSELVES

CZECH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Who we are I ndependent public institution of entrepreneurial self-governance Largest and most representative business association in the Czech Republic including small, medium, and large companies, self-employed entrepreneurs, associations, unions, and craftsmen organisations Network – regional (regional and district chambers) and professional (unions, associations, etc.)

The Czech Chamber of Commerce is the largest and the most representative business association in the Czech Republic. It has more than 16 000 members organized in 59 regional chambers and in nearly 124 branch associations.

Member of European and international organisations

What we do Support of International Trade Organisation of business missions targeting particular territory or sector Organisation of business missions accompanying state and government officials on their visits abroad Organisation of business forums, seminars, round tables etc., targeting particular country or territory Organisation of bilateral meetings between Czech entrepreneurs and foreign business delegations Involvement in various European Commission’s

programmes Support to foreign companies in finding suitable business partners in the Czech Republic Publishing foreign demands, offers or tenders on Chamber website Czech Business Representation in Brussels (CEBRE) Consultancy & advisory services (subsidies, projects, export & foreign trade, legal issues, etc.)

CZECHPoints (registers, documents, certificates, services, etc.) over 50 one-stop-shops throughout the country Professional Education – national certification programmes (recognised occupation), skill competitions, Thematic courses & seminars, etc.

Obligatory commenting point for new business legislation Lobbying at local, national, European & international level Issuing own monthly KOMORA.cz magazine and weekly electronic news distributed directly to members

INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / ICC ICC is – and has been throughout its long existence – a steadfast rallying point for those who believe, like our founders, that strengthening commercial ties among nations is not only good for business but also for global living standards and for peace. ICC was founded in 1919 in Paris. Today, ICC represents 45 million companies and associations in more than 170 countries and transmits their interests to high official representatives including the UN, EU, WTO, OECD, and G20, where ICC has been granted the highest-level consultative status.

Prestige Being an ICC member is a question of prestige.

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

Partnership ICC provides a large portfolio of services fundamental for foreign trade, such as educational and advisory services, as well as creating opportunities for establishing partnership with foreign business partners.

ICC Czech Republic was founded in 1999. The main aim of ICC Czech Republic is to assist Czech companies and other businesses to integrate into world events through this prestigious world organisation.

Territorial workshops 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 to diversify Czech exports to perspective markets and to help to establish useful business contacts.

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.

Hospodářská komora České republiky / Czech Chamber of Commerce Na Florenci 2116/15, 110 00 Praha 1 Florentinum, Entrance A Phone: +420 266 721 300 E-mail: office@komora.cz

National Committee of International Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic Václavské náměstí 796/42 (Entrance from Štěpánská Str.) 110 00 Praha 1 Mailing address: Štěpánská 42, P.O. Box 839, 114 07 Praha 1 Phone: +420 724 613 084 E-mail: icc@icc-cr.cz

More information at: www.komora.cz

More information at: www.icc-cr.cz

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USEFUL CONTACTS USEFUL ADDRESSES IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC Embassy of Hungary Pod Hradbami 17, 160 00 Praha 6 – Střešovice Phone: +420 220 317 200 E-mail: prague@mfa.gov.hu www.mfa.gov.hu/embúprague

Embassy of Poland Valdštejnská 8, 118 01 Praha 1 Phone: +420 257 099 500, +420 257 099 523 E-mail: praga.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl www.gov.pl/web/cesko

Embassy of the Slovak Republic Pelléova 87/12, 160 00 Praha 6 Phone: +420 233 113 051 E-mail: emb.prague@mzv.sk www.mzv.sk/praha

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

Český Krumlov

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

Ministry of Finance Ministerstvo financí www.mfcr.cz

Ministry of the Environment Ministerstvo životního prostředí www.env.cz

Ministry of Transport Ministerstvo dopravy www.mdcr.cz

Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs Ministerstvo práce a sociálních věcí www.mpsv.cz

Ministry of Agriculture Ministerstvo zemědělství www.mze.cz

Ministry of Health Ministerstvo zdravotnictví www.mzcr.cz

Ministry of Regional Development Ministerstvo pro místní rozvoj www.mmr.cz

Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport Ministerstvo školství, mládeže a tělovýchovy www.msmt.cz

Ministry of the Interior Ministerstvo vnitra www.mvcr.cz

Ministry of Culture Ministerstvo kultury www.mkcr.cz

Ministry of Justice Ministerstvo spravedlnosti

Embassy of the Czech Republic

Ministry of Defence Ministerstvo obrany

Rózsa utca 61, 1064 Budapest Phone: +36 146 250 10, +36 146 250 11 E-mail: budapest@mzv.gov.cz www.mzv.gov.cz/budapest

www.army.cz

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USEFUL CONTACTS IN HUNGARY

www.justice.cz

Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

V. USEFUL ADDRESSES

The Czech-Polish Chamber of Commerce (ČPOK), based in Ostrava, is a bilateral non-profit organisation associating Czech and Polish entrepreneurs and non-entrepreneurs, both natural and legal persons. It was established at the beginning of 1999 and its activity has been approved by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. The main mission of the Chamber is to support commercial and economic relationships between the Czech Republic and Poland and to safeguard legitimate interests of both countries, including interests of its members. The Chamber membership is voluntary. A person becomes a member when this person´s written application is accepted by the Chamber´s Board of Directors, which is responsible to the supreme body of the Chamber – to the General Meeting of its members. At the beginning of 2022, the ČPOK changed its legal form to become a registered association, in compliance with the current legislation.

Czech Centre Budapest Szegfü utca 4, 1063 Budapest Phone: +361 462 50 66 E-mail: ccbudapest@czech.cz www.budapest.czechcentres.cz

Photo: © CzechTourism archives, Author: Petr Šálek

CzechTrade Hungary Cseh Köztársaság Nagykövetsége, Rózsa u. 61.

Budapest Phone: +3670 673 5580 +3630 244 5762 (Mobil) E-mail: dora.egressy@czechtrade.cz http://www.czechtrade.org.hu

USEFUL CONTACTS IN POLAND Embassy of the Czech Republic Ul. Koszykowa 18, 00-555 Warszawa Phone: +48 225 251 850, +48 225 251 E-mail: Warsaw@mzv.gov.cz www.mzv.gov.cz/warsaw

Czech Centre Warsaw

ČPOK offers in particular: promotion of Czech and Polish firms at home or in the neighbouring country (presentation at trade fairs, exhibitions, and other promo-events, provision of advertising in media,...) market analyses focused on the competition and identification of business opportunities in the CR and in Poland assistance in the expansion of business activities in the CR and in Poland (foundation of firms and provision of their registered office, legal and tax advising, consultations with experts, recruitment of staff, organisation of negotiations and business missions...) participation in the preparation and implementation of Czech-Polish projects, arranging language, accounting and educational courses, conferences and social events for members and friends of the Chamber complete services of translating, organising, interpreting and assisting, as needed for the establishment of business collaboration, and the provision of administrative facilities for business meetings or individual consultations.

CzechTrade Poland Ambasada Republiki Czeskiej Koszykowa 18, Warszawa Phone: +48 225 251 866 +48 882 145 035 E-mail: ivo.sipl@czechtrade.cz www.czechtrade.pl

USEFUL CONTACTS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC Embassy of the Czech Republic Hviezdoslavovo nám. 8, 810 00 Bratislava Phone: +421 259 203 303 E-mail: Bratislava@mzv.gov.cz www.gov.cz/bratislava

Czech Centre Bratislava České centrum Bratislava Prepoštská 6 P.O.BOX 348 814 99 Bratislava Phone: +421 254 418 215 E-mail: info@ceskecentrum.sk www.bratislava.czechcentres.cz

Al. Róż 16, 00-556 Warszawa Phone: +48 22 629 72 71 E-mail: ccwarszawa@czechcentres.cz http://www.warsaw.czechcentres.cz/

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Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

V. USEFUL ADDRESSES

THE MOST IMPORTANT WEBSITES General information on the Czech Republic

www.czech.cz

Official site for the CR

BusinessInfo

www.businessinfo.cz

Official site for professionals searching for information, assistance, or business contacts in the CR

Doing Business in the Czech Republic

www.doingbusiness.cz

General information about business climate, structure, and development of the Czech economy

Portal of the Public Administration

www.vlada.cz

The electronic gateway for the public to administration and government services

wwwinfo.mfcr.cz/ares/ares.html.en

Access to Registers of Economic Subjects/Entities

Company Contact Information ARES 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

Information operator

Czech exporting companies

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

Company-Catalogue Czech Exporters Directory

Legislation Iuridika

http://iuridica.eunet.cz

Directory of legal services and official bodies

Portal of Czech judiciary

www.justice.cz

Course of legal proceedings

www.cnb.cz

Monetary, financial, and macroeconomic data

Finance Czech National Bank Prague Stock Exchange

www.pse.cz

Prague Stock Exchange data

RM-System

www.rmsystem.cz

RM-System Czech Stock Exchange

Czech Insurance Association

www.cap.cz

Directory of insurance companies operating in the CR

Register of Excise Duty Payers

www.cs.mfcr.cz/spd_internet/

Directory of taxpayers registered under individual tax identification numbers (DIČ)

Chamber of Tax Advisers of the CR

www.kdpcr.cz

Database of tax advisers

www.czso.cz

Official statistical data and information covering different subjects

Statistics Czech Statistical Office Fairs and Exhibitions BVV – Brněnské veletrhy a výstavy/Trade Fairs Brno

www.bvv.cz

List of exhibitions in Brno and relevant information

Association of Fair and Exhibition Organisers of the CR

www.czechfairs.cz

Exhibition centres and companies organising trade fairs in the CR and abroad

The Industrial Property Office

www.upv.cz

Patents, trade marks, utility models, and industrial designs

The Czech Science Foundation

www.gacr.cz

Awards grants to the best projects of basic research in all branches of science

www.registrra.cz/rra

Expert assistance in choosing and working with advertising and communication agencies in the CR

Miscellaneous

The Register of Advertising Agencies Česká pošta (the Czech Post)

www.ceskaposta.cz

Incl. postcodes of municipalities and its districts (PSC), philately etc.

Residence of Foreigners in the CR

www.domavcr.cz

Advice for living in the CR

CzechInvest

www.czechinvest.org

Business and Investment Development Agency

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

www.mytocz.eu

Information on toll and charges

National Register of Vocational Qualifications

www.narodni-kvalifikace.cz

Summary of Qualifications Recognised Nationwide in the Czech Republic

Portal of the Regional Information Service

www.risy.cz

Information website on the regions

The Czech Association of Hotels and Restaurants

www.ahrcr.cz

Directory of hotels in the CR

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LIST OF ADVERTISERS AGADOS, spol. s r.o.

2

ALTREVA spol. s r.o.

45

CVP Galvanika s.r.o.

32

Česko-polská obchodní komora z.s.

49

Doosan Škoda Power s.r.o.

27

EGEM s.r.o.

25

ELPOR s.r.o.

43

FORMPLAST PURKERT, s.r.o.

23

HELTOS, a.s.

43

Jihostroj a.s.

60

JPF Czech s.r.o.

58

KABELOVNA Děčín Podmokly, s.r.o.

59

Kovodružstvo, výrobní družstvo Strážov

28

Léčebné lázně Jáchymov a. s. (Axxos hotels)

5

Národní výbor Mezinárodní obchodní komory v České republice fa vystavena

46

NÁSTROJE CZ, s.r.o.

41

NESKAN, s.r.o.

31

Ostendorf - OSMA s.r.o.

35

PIVOVAR SVIJANY, a.s.

55

Prabos plus a.s.

50

SALTEK s.r.o.

53

SPEEL PRAHA s.r.o.

18

STEPA s.r.o.

8, 9

Teplotechna - Prima, s.r.o.

54

TOVEK, spol. s r.o.

37

Veletrhy Brno, a.s.

31

VIENNA-COMPONENTS-TRADING s.r.o.

13

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52

2024

Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

V. USEFUL ADDRESSES

Surge Protective Devices • SALTEK offers a complete range of Surge Protective Devices (SPDs) for various applications • Company was established in 1995 • Own R&D and construction and own fully equipped laboratory • System Certifications ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 • Products Certifications for EU markets - VDE certifications

INDUSTRIES

ELECTROMOBILITY

PIPELINES

TELECOMMUNICATION

CAMERA SYSTEMS

EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS

BUILDING

ELECTRONIC DETECTION SYSTEMS

LED LIGHTS

WINDMILLS

RAILWAY SYSTEMS

ENERGY STORAGE

DATA CENTRES

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS

www.saltek.eu Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

2024

53

®

TEPLOTECHNA-PRIMA, s.r.o.

Czech tradition with sustainable development Since 1959

RANGE OF OPERATION

• Glass-melting furnaces • Specialised glass furnaces • Industrial furnaces • Working ends • Forehearths • Repairs and restorations of refractory-technical furnace linings Steel constructions Insulation work Steel chimneys/stacks Thermal imager Advisory and consulting service Measurement and control system Media distribution Service activities Hotworks • Machinery • Technical support

• • • • • • • • •

-

MELTING FURNACE AND FOREHEARTH END/CROSS/POTFIREDFURNACES • • • • •

Low energy consumption Low emission values Flexibility during production changes High melting area load Long life time

The regenerative end fired furnace is the type of furnace mainly used for container glass, table ware, pharmaceutical glass, sheet glass and sodium-silicate glass. Its melting range is typically from 30 - 500 TPD. The cross fired furnace is the type of furnace mostly used for container glass, table ware, pharmaceutical glass, sheet glass, tubing and sodium-silicate glass. Its melting range is typically from 160 - 700 TPD. The pot furnace is the type of furnace mostly used for table ware and art glass. Mainly used for melting lead crystal glass.

WORKING END AND FOREHEARTH • • • • • • • • •

Low energy consumption Low emission values Long life time Size 16" and 26" Variable length of heating and cooling zanes Electric or gas heating K-factor from 97 % Direct and indirect cooling Static & dynamic calculations of support steel constr. included Forehearths allow optional items like system of stirrers, air/water cooling dumpers, conti-drain and side heating.

SPECIAL FURNACES LAMINATING FURNACE WITH VACUUM CONVEYOR

POT FURNACE WITH MICROWAVE HEATING SYSTEM

• • • •

• • • •

Low energy consumption 96 positions Flexibility during production changes Long life time

ISO 9001:2015

HIGH-LEVEL SERVICE

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Complete Exchange of checkers during operation

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Crown stack repair

2901/2023

-

ISO 14001:2015

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851/2023 ISO 45001:2018

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54

582/2023

2024

.

Corne and visit us at the international glass trade fair Glasstec 2024 in Diisseldorf, in October 22-25, 2024.

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WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR VISIT

Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

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EUROPEAN UNION European Regional Development Fund OP Enterprise and lnnovations for Competitiveness

V. USEFUL ADDRESSES

In 2024, Brewery Svijany will celebrate 460 years since its founding, which is an incredible achievement in the history of Czech brewing, and even for us it´s a big achievement. We are proud of our long and rich tradition, which dates back to 1564 when it was founded by the Valdštejn´s family. Since then, the brewery has become a symbol of quality, taste, and traditional craftsmanship that it maintains to this day.

CONTACT: Export manager: Jan Adámek, Phone: +420 739 589 665, export@pivovarsvijany.cz

Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

2024

55

CZECH REPUBLIC Your Trade Partner Published by the PP Agency s.r.o. 2000 – 2024

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2024

Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

V. USEFUL ADDRESSES

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Whatever You Need To Know About

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WE ARE JPF

WE MANAGE COMPANIES

We get companies that are in trouble back on their feet and those that are coping good, we are leading to even better results.

We have completed over 500 successful projects and currently we help over 80 companies reach the next level.

Isn’t it time to expand also your company?

+420 603 995 052 58

2024

Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group

www.jpf.cz

Premium quality cables for Poland

Fiber optic cable for railway lines

Copper signal cable for underground lines

Manufacturer of fiber optic and copper cables KABELOVNA Děčín Podmokly, s.r.o.

Czech Republic I E-mail: sales@kabelovna.cz www.kabelovna.cz KDP I

KDP - World Connecting Cables

since

1919

more than 100 years on the market

HYDRAULIC GEAR PUMPS HYDRAULIC GEAR MOTORS FLOW DIVIDERS AEROSPACE EQUIPMENT

Development, production, sales and service of hydraulic and aerospace systems and components 60

2024

Czech Republic, a Member of the Visegrad Group