Czech Business Today

The Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic focused on the first achievable goals and targets in the labor market, energy, exports, digitization, research and development, or the circular economy. ‘The tasks we presented may seem partial. However, we have been drawing the attention of all governments to the problems of our economy for at least ten years. No one has had to make major changes yet. Economies that have always been behind us are beginning to overtake us. We have to start with change sometime, even if in The Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, at its Congress, outlined the priority areas for the Czech government to support and develop the economy in the Czech Republic. Therefore, in the middle of the current government’s mandate, it launched a countdown for the implementation of urgent tasks under the slogan “Competitive Czech Republic – time for change”, in the solution of which business is ready to participate together with the government. The traditional Congress of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic in Brno formally opened the 64th International Engineering Fair.

The Confederation has long drawn attention to the problems affecting the work of industrial enterprises across all sectors. The Czech economy is not in good shape, and although companies are trying to cope with the difficult period in every way and are looking for solutions, they also cannot do without the active help of all departments of the government of Petr Fiala. Particularly in this difficult time caused by the accumulation of problems, the Confederation believes that the Cabinet should create conditions that will stabilize companies’ working environment.

only smaller steps, but we must start now,’ says Jan Rafaj, President of the Confederation.

The Czech Republic is beginning to lose its competitiveness in many respects, for example, in the area of energy prices, but also in terms of their affordability.

For the development of the Czech economy, it is also necessary to ensure a modern and sustainable labor market. This involves maximizing the participation of Czech workers, including parents of young children, by creating children’s groups, supporting flexible working hours, and motivating people of retirement age. Simultaneously, it is important to facilitate the arrival of employees from abroad. Jan Rafaj stated, ‘To simplify and streamline the employment of workers from third countries, we have developed 11 points, which we are discussing with the government. They include seven short-term goals that require minimal legislative changes and four goals that require more complex legislative solutions.

PRIORITY TASKS PRESENTED AT THE CONGRESS

• To ensure long-term competitive energy prices for the Czech industry compared to neighboring countries, based on a new state energy concept, a predictable and stable legal framework, and with the help of the construction of new energy sources in the Czech Republic and long-term contracts.
• To ensure maximum participation of domestic workers in the labor market, it is essential to create conducive conditions. This can be achieved through various measures such as implementing fair labor laws, providing adequate protection, and ensuring equal opportunities for domestic workers. Legislative and procedural changes are also necessary to facilitate the easy and efficient employment of foreign workers.
• Declare and ensure clear support for R&D tax credits, make legislative and methodological adjustments, and promote a client-oriented approach by tax authorities so companies can use this tool without fear.
• The new law on cybersecurity and the mechanism for verifying supply chain security must not stifle the business environment.
• If necessary, increase the Ukraine Fund in next year’s budget and actively assist companies in engaging in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. As part of export promotion, also actively address steps towards introducing the Euro.
• Adopt timber as a strategic raw material and promote the use of renewable raw materials in public procurement.

Source: Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic