Ostrava’s Mayor meets investors to forge closer links

The investors were represented by Radim Passer (Passerinvest Group CEO), Hannu Kasi (President and CEO of ABB Czech Republic), Vladimír Kysela (Process Automation Division Manager, AXA Assistance), Jan Čupa (CEO, Sub-region Central Europe, AXA Assistance) and Petr Hošek (DCEO, Sub-region Central Europe, AXA Assistance). Also present at the meeting was Filip Chlebiš, the Regional Manager for CzechInvest. The discussion between the Mayor and the investors focused mainly on mutual cooperation in human resources, training and education, with the goal of improving candidates' professional qualifications and language skills.
Macura explained the purpose of the meeting: "For both Czech and international companies, one of the main pull-factors when considering investment locations is the presence of a well-trained and qualified workforce. Ostrava and its region have an established tradition of mechanical engineering, with a strong focus on research and development. The close connection between the mechanical engineering sector and research institutions has helped make Ostrava the strongest development pole in the Czech Republic. However, we still need to achieve several improvements in supporting technical education. The key priority now is to focus our attention more on foreign languages – and that means not only English. In today's globalized world, companies need experts who are capable of working in any country, functioning effectively as part of an international team. Companies are seeking graduates who not only have the necessary technical expertise, but can also offer a good level of language competence, ensuring that they are able to contribute fully to international teams."
Since being elected Mayor in October 2014 Tomáš Macura has placed great emphasis on forging closer links with foreign investors operating in Ostrava. He regularly meets with representatives of CTP – the City of Ostrava's strategic partner in building the Ostrava-Hrabová Industrial Zone, where the Mayor has personally visited a number of key investment sites: the Brembo Czech factory (a subsidiary of the Italian braking systems manufacturer), the development centre of Continental Automotive, ABB's Central Europe service centre (which services motors and generators as well as modernizing automated robotic technologies), and the Korean automotive supplier Sungwoo Hitech.
Macura emphasized the importance of maintaining good links with investors: "We are well aware that communicating with investors, and building up good investor relations, is one of the most important factors in creating an excellent investment environment. Ostrava attracts investors mainly by taking a highly proactive approach. We offer suitable sites, high-quality services at all stages of the investment process, well-developed infrastructure, and an excellent credit rating. However, we always need to remain aware of investors' current needs – including their opinions on the quality of job applicants. International investors also appreciate transparency and openness from representatives of municipal and regional government – and that is why the City of Ostrava regularly holds face-to-face meetings with key investors."