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It may be short notice, but for Georgia manufacturers and other firms ready to seize an opportunity this October, Central Europe’s largest industrial fair is ready to roll out the red carpet.
Situated in Brno, the Czech Republic’s second-largest city, in a region heavy on auto suppliers and aerospace companies, the 65th MSV International Industrial Fair Oct. 8-11 is set to welcome 60,000, including 1,300 exhibitors and buyers from more than 40 countries.
Not only are firms being sought to showcase their services, products and technology at Georgia Pavilion for half off the posted price, but they’ll also have ample on-the-ground assistance and a chance to meet top government leaders.
The country’s prime minister and president are set to open the forum and have expressed interest in meeting personally with international firms, says Monika Vintrlikova, the honorary consul for the Czech Republic in the state, who has been working to secure discounts and access for companies from Georgia.
“And I will be there to help them,” Ms. Vintrlikova told Global Atlanta.
The CEO of auto supplier Albaform, which has a factory in Flowery Branch, Ms. Vintrlikova brought Jan Kubata, head of BVV Trade Fairs in the city of Brno, to Atlanta earlier this year along with Czech Ambassador Miloslav Stašek, who has become frequent visitor to the city.
Mr. Kubata is keen to have Georgia firms exhibit at the industrial fair, Ms. Vintrlikova says, and has slashed the price of participation in the Georgia pavilion from $10,000 to $5,000.
Albaform, which was founded in the Czech Republic and has a local arm there, will be exhibiting, but perhaps more importantly, Ms. Vintrlikova will be there for the duration, assisting her fellow Georgia companies in navigating both the event itself and the business environment in her homeland.
Companies will gain access to one-on-one meetings with politicians and companies facilitated in part by Czech Trade and Czech Invest, the government’s outbound and inbound business development agencies.
Levan Bokeria, Czech Trade’s representative in Austin, Texas, noted during a visit to Atlanta that the Czech Republic is the second largest producer of cars per capita in the world, behind only its neighbor, Slovakia.
Automotive OEMs with factories in Czech Republic include Skoda, a local brand owned by Volkswagen; Hyundai in Ostrava and Toyota near Prague.
And Brno, where the event is to be held, is situated near Austria, Poland, Slovakia and even Germany, countries with strong industrial bases and a traditionally heavy presence at the expo, he said. See the full list of registered companies here
American companies might also want to consider another angle, said Mr. Bokeria: using the Czech Republic as a base for expansion into Ukraine, which will need rebuilding after the conclusion of the war with Russia.
“To be actually present in the Czech Republic and to have some time and partnerships, this is a really big opportunity for U.S. companies,” Mr. Bokeria said.
This year’s conference will include, for the second year, the Contact Ukraine program that links international firms with Ukrainian partners.
While the Czech Republic doesn’t border Ukraine, its eastern edge sits about 300 miles from the war-torn country’s western border.
Companies that act fast will be in position to capitalize, particularly if Ukraine joins the European Union as it has signaled it would like to do.
“Once this happens, it’s going to be harder to get there,” Mr. Lokeria said.
More than 60 U.S. firms attended last year’s event, including industry giants like Honeywell, but he added that this is a chance for officials from Georgia and other states recruit Czech companies now looking anew at the U.S. after having lost Russia as an export market.
“We are not exporting to the East anymore,” he said. “(Companies) were successful there, and maybe they got a little bit satisfied because they had many years they were exporting there. Now they’re looking for new customers. And they’re like, ‘Oh, let’s try West.’
The 2024 edition will keep a sustained focus on Industry 4.0 and Digital Factory initiatives — using technology to drive efficiency on the factory floor.
View the full program here and the packet for potential Georgia visitors below.
See more from Ms. Vintrlikova on the one-time bonus of traveling with this delegation:
What is the bonus for Georgia companies exhibiting in Georgia Pavilion in October?
- One-time Special price (50% discount), valid only in 2024
- Full time presence and assistance of Czech Honorary Consul in Atlanta (Czech businesswoman)
- One to one meetings with selected businesses
- One to one meetings with high level politicians
- Meeting and touring Innovation Center and Technology Park
- Join supporting programs (lectures, seminars, events, opening reception)
- Partnering with Czech government agencies – Czech Trade and Czech Invest
- Media exposure
Questions?
Contact: Email Monika Vintrlikova, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic in Atlanta
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