Czech Business Today

The 63rd year of the International Engineering Fair was held in Brno. “At this year’s Assembly, we met with the Government at a tough time for many companies. I reminded the Prime Minister and the ministers not to forget the companies in these difficult times. The industry has always nurtured and sustained our country, one of the most industrialised in Europe. Without it, we cannot kick-start our economy again,” says Jaroslav Hanák, President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic (hereinafter referred to as SP CR). Based on companies’ current and most pressing problems, SP CR presented seven tasks for the Czech Government.

1. ENERGY SECURITY AND STABILITY – The Government must ensure the stability of energy supplies at affordable prices as the basis for a functional national economy. Taking extraordinary measures to reduce electricity and gas prices for companies of all sizes is key at this time. 2. A DYNAMIC LABOUR MARKET – Create a dynamic labour market that can respond flexibly to labour supply and demand changes. Enable greater flexibility, reduce bureaucracy and digitise public administration faster. 3. NEW SKILLS FOR NEW QUALIFICATIONS – An adequately set training system must also address the existing technological and green transformation. Massive retraining for developing new skills and expertise should therefore be initiated. Enact voluntary dual education in secondary education and involve employers in the modernisation of the education system.4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY – The Government should take advantage of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU and reflect Czech priorities to the maximum extent possible in the legislative proposals under discussion in the area of artificial intelligence, data sharing outside the EU or access to cloud policy and cybersecurity, after thorough consultation with the private sector. 5. EXPORT SUPPORT – Prepare a proper amendment to insurance and export financing law with state support. To organise at least 25 foreign trips by government members accompanied by people in business on behalf of the Czech Republic next year and to cover their presence in the country. 6. INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, AND INNOVATION – Support investment in industrial research, development, and innovation through the state budget and better conditions for using tax deductions for research and development. 7. IMPROVE THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT- Speed up construction procedures by amending the Construction Act to a maximum of 1 year. Accelerate the evaluation of projects under the support from the European Funds or the National Recovery Plan and increase the predictability of the system by timely publication of call schedules.

Source: SPCR.CZ