"The threat of Russian imperialism and the deterioration of the international environment in recent years is forcing us to work again on our own security. It is also forcing us to rethink the way we think about our economic interests. We need to remind ourselves again that ensuring security is a key condition for our prosperity," said Czech Minister of foreign affairs Jan Lipavský at the beginning of the meeting. "In the current geopolitical situation, it is crucial for the Czech Republic to work on ensuring the security of supply chains of key products and strategic raw materials. We must eliminate dependence on unreliable suppliers, diversify our sources and deepen cooperation with democratic partners," he added.

The opening panel, focused on Czechia's economic growth, security and innovation, also featured contributions by Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela, Deputy Minister for Science and Innovation Jana Havlíková and Deputy Minister of Defence Daniel Blažkovec.

The next panel focused on the success of Czech companies and branding and featured speeches by David Müller, Director General of the European Union and Foreign Trade Section of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Zdeněk Zajíček, President of the Chamber of Commerce, David Karásek, founder of mmcité, and Radek Špicar, Vice President of the Confederation of Industry and Transport. Špicar pointed out that product presentation, marketing and trade are as important as the development and innovation of Czech industrial products.

The first three days of the conference include discussions with representatives of governmental and non-governmental institutions, economic experts and entrepreneurs on the outlook for the Czech economy, trends in foreign trade and current topics in the field of economic and scientific diplomacy. The economic diplomats will also review the achievements of the past year and discuss the challenges ahead.

On Thursday, individual consultations with Czech companies will take place under the auspices of the Confederation of Industry and Transport. On Friday, economic diplomats will have the opportunity to consult with the relevant territorial departments of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and other ministries. 

https://mzv.gov.cz/jnp/cz/udalosti_a_media/tiskove_zpravy/ministr_lipavsky_zahajil_kazdorocni_1.html

Ministr Lipavský zahájil každoroční setkání ekonomických diplomatů a zástupců agentur CzechTrade a CzechInvest