The event, attended by nearly six dozen representatives of companies and business enterprises, was inaugurated with an opening speech by Consul General J. Olša. His endorsement of the Chamber's potential, particularly in light of the robust performance of the California economy and other West Coast states, underscored its significance and future impact.

Following the Consul General's speech, Jana Prikrylova elaborated on the substantial advantages the Chamber offers to Czech companies and local entrepreneurs. In addition to the existing functional system of economic diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the CzechInvest, and CzechTrade agencies, the Chamber will serve as a vital source for information, contacts, and services. It will also enhance the Czech Republic's visibility in the western United States.

The activities of the Chamber were further informed by the CEO (of the newly established Chamber), Eva Kurkinova Costas, who presented the Chamber's website. She told the attendees about chamber membership's future benefits and activities. The Chamber aims to provide tailored business referrals, access to qualified high-level contacts, and help identify lucrative opportunities. The Chamber will continue to offer a range of services, from bookkeeping to administration and other services, to benefit its members at a below-standard market fee.

Those present were then welcomed by Chamber President Jeffrey Mayes, who said this is the first event to reach out to mainly American representatives of companies and entrepreneurs interested in the Central European region. In the future, we would like to present this region and the Czech Republic in even greater detail as a country that is one of the world's leading companies in many sectors, such as biotechnology, aviation, automotive, and arms, as well as the film and creative industries.

The establishment of a Chamber of Commerce between the Czech Republic and the Western United States, a market of more than seventy million people, marks a pivotal step in strengthening the economic ties between Central Europe's key economies and one of the most economically significant regions in the U.S. Recognizing the unparalleled bilateral relationship between the European Union and California, a market of immense power on its own, this Chamber aims to create a bridge facilitating more excellent business connectivity and opportunities.

Focused on serving Czech companies in the Western U.S. and American companies with Czech ties, the Chamber dedicates itself to three principal objectives to benefit its members and stakeholders. Networking emerges as a primary function, offering invaluable connections within the vast business landscape of the Western United States. This effort is enhanced through specialized interest groups, enabling more efficient and industry-specific communication, thus accelerating market expansion.  Frequent events within the Chamber will benefit the entire membership, linking peers and advanced companies with startups.

The Chamber's network will reach beyond the business world to include academia, connecting higher education in both countries on projects of mutual interest.  Students, at many levels, will find value in those connections.

Advocacy represents another cornerstone, with the Chamber engaging in policymaking to echo the unique perspectives of Central European businesses and their alignment with counterparts in the Western U.S. This engagement not only amplifies the Chamber's voice beyond the business sphere but also facilitates collaborations with domestic organizations for mutual benefits, such as improved employer-employee relations.

Advocacy also takes a practical turn through the support of Czech companies seeking partnerships and business with public customers throughout the Western United States, whether through direct, personalized attention or periodic videoconferences.

U.S. companies looking to expand to the Czech Republic will also find support and resources available through membership, including partnerships with the U.S. commercial services at the U.S. Embassy in Prague.

The third area of focus is member services, catering to the operational needs of Central European businesses in the U.S. Beyond legal and tax advisory referrals, the Chamber intends to offer practical assistance, including administrative, bookkeeping, and immigration support services, at competitive rates. These services aim to simplify the complexities of establishing and running a U.S. subsidiary for foreign companies.

Significantly, the Chamber also cooperates closely with the Czech Consulate in promoting the Czech Republic's interests in the Western U.S., amplifying positive narratives and fostering bilateral relations. Members will have direct access to those resources and the consuls in every Western state.  This initiative responds to the shifting economic power towards the Southwest. California's leadership in critical sectors like entertainment, green technology, and aerospace makes it an attractive entry point for European companies. Despite the regional focus, it acknowledges the diverse economic landscapes across the U.S. but highlights the strategic advantage of starting in California, the world's fifth-largest economy.

 

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Chamber, please get in touch with us at info@czechwest.org, commerce_losangeles@mzv.cz. For more details about the Chamber, please visit our website: https://www.czechwest.org