President Pavel at the Assembly of Industry: 'We need less political correctness and more concrete steps'

At this year's Assembly of the Confederation of Industry and Transport in Brno, President Petr Pavel delivered a speech in the spirit of challenges and emphasis on cooperation.

The President pointed out that the world is changing faster than ever before - and the Czech economy must adapt. He spoke of the challenges posed by automation, artificial intelligence and the need to transform the energy sector. He said the Czech Republic has strengths - its location at the heart of Europe and its industrial tradition - but it faces long-term challenges. He mentioned "structural problems in public finances", lack of available resources and "high energy prices" a "long permitting processes in the construction industry".

Pavel called for simplifying the conditions for business, especially for companies investing in research and innovation. "The national debt must be sustainable," he stressed, but added that the Czech Republic must invest more in areas such as defence and energy. "I do not envy the new government such a task," he remarked, with an air of detachment.

The President devoted a large part of his speech to foreign business missions, which he described as key to strengthening the Czech economy and reputation. "Thanks to them, our entrepreneurs met hundreds of partners, established contacts and opened new opportunities," he said, adding that Czech companies from Africa to Japan have recorded success. It is there that they have offered advanced security solutions - "from cybersecurity to defence to space".

The President also focused on the need to link business, research and education. He sees countries such as Switzerland and Finland as models. "If we want to succeed, we must do the same," He said and appealed to schools to develop not only technical but also soft skills - creativity, critical thinking and leadership - in students.

He concluded by calling for unity and dialogue with the new government: "Development in the world does not wait, and we cannot afford to waste time on trial and error." He described the "Czech Republic 2029" vision as a good basis for this dialogue.