The aim of the seminars, which were arranged as projects of economic diplomacy, was to increase awareness of the Czech Republic as an interesting and up-and-coming destination amongst Canadian investors, especially those with potential consideration to expand their business abroad. The Czech Republic can be considered as a viable gateway to the middle and eastern European regions with the advantage of also having access to European Union markets.

The focus of the seminars in both cities was the same: a presentation of the Czech Republic, an introduction of its strengths and advantages and a showcase of currently successful Canadian investors. In attendance were, in addition to the Consul General of The Czech Republic Ivan Pocuch, the Czech Republic economic and trade diplomats from Toronto and Ottawa as well as representatives from the Czech Republic:  Tomas Vavrecka from the CzechInvest agency, Kamil Blazek, representing the Association for Foreign Investment and Kinstellar Law Firm, and Radan Jaros, representing PRK Partners Attorneys at Law.  Seminars were held on the premises of Deloitte Canada which was arranged for in cooperation with Deloitte CR and The Association for Foreign Investment.

Several notable Canadian companies have already invested in the Czech Republic:  Magna International, one of the largest manufacturers of auto components and auto parts in the world; Bombardier, a key player in the field of rail and air transport; worth mentioning is also an investment of one of the largest Canadian pension funds, OMERS, in the company NET4GAS, a holder of an exclusive gas Transmission System Operator (TSO) license in the Czech Republic.

Seminar attendees acknowledged the high quality of the seminars and expressed interest in the Czech Republic.  In addition to the participants mentioned previously, a number of representatives of the research and innovation sector were in attendance in Montreal; in Toronto, representatives from law firms and members of the local Czech community were also present.

The seminars achieved the goal of providing a closer introduction and presentation of the Czech Republic; these will be followed by further work of the Consulate General in Toronto and the Embassy in Ottawa, both of which can be contacted, as well as the other participants in attendance, to answer any questions or address any inquiries.

David Muller, Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Toronto