Prague Leaders Magazine 04/2011

www.leadersmagazine.czincl. electronic version

now available in Brussels

magazine

Interview

page 12

Prague Castle Event

page 132

Special Jazz Session to Celebrate President Klaus 70 Years

Jazz at the Castle

Political/Business Discussion

page 92

Diplomatic Event

page 54

Italian-Czech Chamberof Commerce (CAMIC) Prestigious Lunch with Prime Minister Petr Neas at Carlo IV Hotel

Summer Party

page 50

About 650 guests many of them high-ranking representatives of Czech-German business and political life spent a wonderful summer night...

A Dream Come True A talk with H.E. Norman L. Eisen, U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic

GermanCzech Chamberof Industry and Commerce

Russian National Day

Lead

ers Mag

azine No

4/2

011

NO 4/2011195,- CZK

Energy Sector:EnvironmentalChallenge Ahead

JUDr. Vladimir Ermakov, CSc., Chief Executive Officer, Vemex

Photo: Zuzana Jirskov

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Summer is here, and for most people it is a golden opportunity to get away from the normal hassles of work,,, ssstrtrtrtresesesess,s,s,s, worries etc. at least fofofor rr a aa fefefew ww eaeaeasysysy weeks. It is also aaa grgrgreaeaeatt t oppopoportrtrtunununititity yy tototo spend timememe wwwith thththeee fafafamimimilylyly,,, reeegagagardless of wheheheheththththerererer yyyyouououou aaaarererer travellllllllinnnng onononon hhhhololololi-iiidaysysysys, , , , rerererelalalalaxixxixingngngng inn nn yoyoyoyour ccccotototottatatatagegegege, orororo statatatayiyiyiyingnnn inininin PPPPrague orooror wwwwhehehehererererevevv r r rr yyyoy u may lilililiveveveve. SoSoSoSomemememe ggggoooooooodddd aadada vice isss s totototo sssseeeeeeee aaaandndndnd eeeexpxpxpxplololoorererere hihihih stststtororoo iciciccaaala places inininin yyyyouououour r r r cicicic tytytyty, oroo ccccheheheh ck out whwhwhwhattt kkkkininiind ddd ofofofo ffffeesese tivals or rr cucucuultttturuurural acacacactititit viviviv titititieseseses ttttheheheererere arererere close by.

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InIn tthihis s JJuly iissssueue, which yoouu now w hahaveve iinn yoyourur hhands, wewe aaree proud to anannon ununce that onon oourur ffrorontnt ppagagee wewe hhavave e JUUDrDr Vladimir Errmmakokov,v, CEO of Vememex s.r.o., acaccocompmpananiied byby an interviei ww. OOther fascinanatiting intntererviviewewssin tthhis isissusue e arare e wiwithth PPlklk. MgMgr.. Petr Lessyy, tthee nnewew PPreresisidedentnt oof f ththe e CzCzece h PoPolilicece;; H.H.E.E. NNororman Eiseen,n, tthehe new chaharirismsmataticic aandnd poppululaar US Ambabass-saadodor to thehe CCzeech Repububliic; RRadadekek memerdrda,a, fformemer r MMiniistter of Transpoort;; MsMs. Jitka HoHospprorovv,, onone e ofof tthehe ttopop CCzechch Viola Soloioistts inn the world; ; MrMr. MiMichc ael HrHrbbatata, DeDepup ty MMininister of DDefefeencce; Mr. Jan JeJeddlikaka, , ththee DyDynanamimiccCEEOO ofof UUninitetedd BBakekeririees a..s.; Mr. Joseef RRegegecec, , Senaatotor r anandd PrPresesididene t off tthehe CCommiittee on FFor ieign AAfff iairs, DDeffence andd Security off the PPa lrliiament; MrM . Daniel Boestad from SAAB; Mr. Vladimr Rsel, the new Director of The National Gallery; and Mrs. Daniela Psaovicov, Anchor at T 24 to mention a few.

We also have a special photo report from the huge EBC Confe-rence an International organization in OSCE that brought

together more than 120 companies from 23 countries from the Energy Sector. This time the Congress was held in Prague, organized by Vemex s.r.o.

Other big events we have covered are the Round Table of Comenius with Minister of Justice JUDr. Ji Pospil and Minister of Health MUDr Leo Heger; the Italian/Czech

Festival/Concert at the Old Town Square; Jazz at the Castle celebrating President Klaus; the German/Czech Chambers

traditional Summer Party; the Nordic Chambers traditional Strawberry Party; SAAB Day; Russian National Day; the Leadership

for life Conference with Lance Secretan; the Comenius 100 Best Golf Tournament; and the CFO Club, again to mention a few.

Our Leaders Vision has been going really well with our readers all over the world have a look at www.leadersvision.cz. Our weekly target audience for the Leaders Vision webpage/newsletter is 40.000 readers. Stay tuned.

I wiwishsh yyouo aalll a g reaeatt susummmer.

Benkke AiAiA kekekelllll beb nke.aiikekell@[email protected]

wwwwww.leleadadere smagagazaziine.czcz

Dear Readers,

6 LeLeLeadadadeere s MaMaMagagg ziziinenene IIV/V/V/20202011

My MMy MMMyMy MMMy MyMyMy My MMyMy MyMMyMyMyMy MyMMMyMyyMMy yMyMyMMMMMy MMy dogdogdogdogdogdogdogdogdogdogdogogogdogdogdogdogdogdogdogdodogogogdoggdoggogogggdogogogdoggdogodogggg RhRhRhRhRhRhRhRhRhRhhhRRhRhRhRhRRRhhRheaeaeaeaeaeaeaeaeaaaeeeaeaaeaaeaeaaaaaaaaeaaeaeaeaaaaa diplomatic events48 Swedish National Day50 GermanCzech Chamber of Industry and Commerce54 Russian National Day76 Farewell Reception for the Swedish Defence Attach

events14 8th Leaders Magazine Advisory Board Dinner 22 Round Table of Comenius with Ji Pospil24 Round Table of Comenius with Leo Heger32 European Business Congres35 Gala Evening38 Blue Corridor 201144 Endowment Fund of Livia and Vclav Klaus (Nadan fond manel Livie and Vclava Klausovch) Honored Sponsors and Volunteers47 Senate: Iurie Leanc, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign and European Integration Minister of Moldova; President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek 58 Nordic Chamber s Traditional Strawberry Party64 Lions Club Prague Bohemia Ambassador Charity Banquet at Velkopevorsk Palace 66 Lions Club Praha on the 8th Steamboat70 Grand Golf Prix Dina Cup 201174 SAAB Day at the Swedish Embassy82 Prague celebrated The Ronald Reagan Centennial88 Klub plynrenskch podnikatel and CzechInvest Arrangement about Energy96 Rich Dad Poor Dad98 The AFIZ and FECIF International Conference in Prague99 Professor K.C. Chan, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Government of the Hong Kong100 Fiesta Latina in Prague104 Italian Czech Chamber of Commerce (CAMIC) Prestigious Lunch with Prime104 Italian-Czech Chamber of Commerce (CAMIC) Prestigious Lunch with Prime Minister Petr Neas at Carlo IV Hotel

106 Leadership for Life Conference108 Social Evening of the Club of Financial Directors112 Synot Tip has Now Been a Patron of Zln Film Fest for the Third Consecutive Year! 126 Running for Art 11th Annual Miroton

publishers note & contents

page 74SAAB Day at the

Swedish Embassy

page 70Grand Golf Prix Dina Cup 2011

contents.indd 6contents.indd 6 22.7.2011 9:25:0122.7.2011 9:25:01

contents

contributors59 Are we Living in a Non-Stop Reality Show?/Ivan Piln?

68 Lets (finally) Get on a Positive Note/Jan Mhlfeit

73 ELAI Is Approaching its First Anniversary/ELAI

86 Business May Be your Life But Life Is your Business Part XI: Inspirational Leadership/James A. Cusumano

91 Generation G: A Mindset for Marketers and Business/Emil Jimenez

95 Small Talk: Getting you on the Road to Success/Karin Genton

97 Your image? Your Summer Homework/Cristina Muntean

102 Nuclear-free European Union? Strong Promise for the Future.../Even Toenovsk

103 Homework for the New Transport Minister/Emanuel p

110 Wine Cathedrals/Joseph Drebitko

123 The Czechoslovak Foreign Institute Helps to Modernise Teaching Czech Abroad/SZ

culture events9292 11stst FFestitivall fof IIttalilian C-Cze hch FF irienddshihip tat tthhe OOldld TTown tt

Square

124 Opening of the 54th Bienalle di Venezia

128 Jazz at the Castle with Tribute to Miles Davis

132 Special Jazz Session to Celebrate President Klaus 70 Years

136 W. A. Mozart: The Abduction from the Seraglio and Josef Topol: The End of Carnival, National Theatre

137 A.P. echov: Sea Gull and Philip Glass: Les Enfants Terribles (Children of the Game), National Theatre

116117

111144111155

interviews 10 VEMEX Celebrates Anniversary and Strengthens its Role in the Gas Market An interview with JUDr. Vladimir Ermakov, CSc., Chief Executive Officer of Vemex

12 A Dream Come True A talk with H.E. Norman L. Eisen, U.S.

Ambassador to the Czech Republic

18 SAAB: We are Committed to the Czech Republic An interview with Daniel Boestad, Vice President of Group Marketing and Business Development at SAAB AB

20 United Business Across CulturesA talk with Jan Jedlika, Executive

Director of United Bakeries a.s. and Member of the Board of United Business a.s.

28 The Financial Means for Transport Infrastructure are Totally Inadequate A talk with Radek merda, former Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic

30 The Police Force Needs Stabilization Most of AllA talk with Petr Lessy, President of the Police of the Czech RepublicA talk with Petr Lessy, President of the Police of the Czech Republic

40 The Government has to Improve its Communication with the Public and Explain the Reforms

An interview with Petr Gazdk, Chairman of the Mayors and Independents Movement

42 Sports Brought me into PoliticsA talk with Jozef Regec, President of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence

and Security of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic

57 We Want to Bust the Myth that Government Companies are not Managed Transparently A talk with Ji Borovec, Chairman of the Board and the CEO of EPRO a.s.

60 I Have to Be Constantly on GuardA talk with Daniela Psaovicov, Anchor on T24

62 Music Is a Spiritual Thing A talk with Jitka Hosprov, the First Czech Viola Soloist

78 Civil Employment Afflicts Modern VeteransAn interview with Michael Hrbata, Deputy Minister of Defence (MOR)

80 The National Gallery as One Virtual Museum SpaceAn interview with Vladimr Rsel, Director of the National Gallery in Prague

84 Czech Export to the U.S. has Been Moving at a Very Dynamic Pace A talk with Kateina Lukeov, Head of the American Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic

118 Ostravas Got Future An interview with Petr Kajnar, Mayor of the city of Ostrava

EU matters120 Farewell reception of H.E. Vladimr Mller, 120 FaFaFFaFFaFaFFFaFFaFaFaFaFaFaF rrerrrrrrr welllllllll Czech Ambassador in Belgium

121 Debate on Working in the Entire EU without Permit

122 Business News

page 62 A talk with Jitka Hosprov

page 136National Theatre

page 110Wine Cathedrals

contents.indd 7contents.indd 7 22.7.2011 9:26:0622.7.2011 9:26:06

Leaders Magazine is member of

We are pleased to announce that we have considerably extended Leaders Magazine spread to include 80 topnotch restaurants in Prague.

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info.indd 8info.indd 8 21.7.2011 10:07:1121.7.2011 10:07:11

Leaders Magazine Advisory BoardThe positive reputation of Leaders Magazine continues to grow, however we realize thatitive repThe sitive reputsiwe must maintain to improve and learn, particularly during these times of dynamic change. tawe u aintaiustThat is why we have decided to set up an Advisory Board for the magazine. I am convinced that at is whywhy wis wcreating a platform of high profile individuals will be an excellent opportunity for the magazine creaating ang aa plaeatito acquire new ideas and define new directions of future development.to acquireuire new ito a

Benke AikelBBennke AAikeellYour Publisher Yoour PPublisssh

There are only few projects started in the Czech Republic by foreigners which I consider e e a on y fas useful to this country as Leaders Magazine. The magazine has brought to the Czech as useful to tRepublic the completely new concept of making important people the decision makers Republbe they Czech or foreigners visible and worthy of positive admiration. t

As you might know this is something not very common and perhaps even not very natu-sral in the Czech Republic. It is therefore all the more of an achievement to start and rasuccessfully develop a project such as Leaders Magazine. I understand fully the intention of Benke Aikell, the magazines founder and editor-in-chief, to progress further with Leaders Magazine, and for this purpose to form a team of experienced Czech citizens of different backgrounds to create a consulting body which would bring this project to an even higher level.

Ing. Karel Muzik, CSc.President of ComeniusP e

I was pleased to be invited by Benke Aikell to cooperate on the preparation of the Advisory I wa leBoard project. I personally see one of the main goals of the project in creation of a positive Board prenvironment for networking, exchange of views, presentation of new ideas, experiences, env ronmnmenvirproposals or suggestions. ppropoopoosaals posa

I am convinced that the formation of a platform of highly profiled personalities and potential m cI am cam convionvdiscussion of different topics in very informal setting will be useful for both sides for the discudi oussiiomagazine as well as for the members of the Advisory Board. magazine ane

Ing. Petr KuberntInng. PetDirector of Pekos s.r.o.DirecctoConsulting and Training Company nCons

ADVISORY BOARD COMITTEE

Benke AikellB nkeenBe , Publisher, Leaders MagazineIng. Petr KuberntngIng. Pe , Director, PEKOS s.r.o. and former Czech Ambassador to the NetherlandsIng. Karel Muzik, CSc.ng. K zik , President, COMENIUS

HONORARY MEMBERS ABROAD AND GOODWILL AMBASSADORS

H.E. Mr. William J. CabanissEH , former United States Ambassador to the Czech RepublicVincent J. Deruddernc , Secretary General, The European Federation of Financial Advisers and Financial IntermediariesanFrank J. Devlyn, Rotary International President 20002001 and Rotary Foundation Chairman 20052006H.E. Mr. Alexey L. Fedotov, former Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Czech RepublicH.E. Mr. Richard Graber, former United States Ambassador to the Czech RepublicH.E. Athar Mahmood, former Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the Czech RepublicH.E. Dr. Zdravko Popov, former Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Czech RepublicH.E. Mati Vaarmann, former Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to the Czech Republicja Vrzov, Czech World Champion in Figure-skating, Sport LegendH.E. Huo Yuzhen, former Ambassador of the People s Republic of China to the Czech Republic

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERSPhDr. Zdenk p, Managing Partner, Equity Solutions s. r. o.oJosef Drebitko, CEO, D&COMMProf. Ing. Ji Frek, CSc., Professor, Technick Univerzita Liberec and former First Deputy Mayor, City of Prague 6Ing. Peter P. Formnek, President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce in the Czech RepublicMgr. Marta Gellov, Secretary General, AFIZMichal Heman, General Manager, Star CommunicationsVclav Hudeek, ViolinistPlk. Mgr. Vladislav Husk, Deputy Police President, Policejn licprezidium RJUDr. PhDr. Oldich Chodra, Lawyer, Law Firm JUDr. PhDr. Oldich Chodra & spol.Prof. Ing. Kamil Janek, CSc., CNB Bank Board Memberrd Member and Chief Executive DirectorOtto Jelinek, former Canadian Cabinet Minister and current t currandMinimember of numerous international boards rdIng. Peter Jusko, MBA, Partner, London Market keett Ing. Petr Kala, Advisor to the Minister, Ministry of Agriculture Agricul reultuof Ary oof the CR and former Minister of EnvironmentnmenIng. Josef Kreuter, CSc., former Czech Ambassador to the EUUe Ethr todAmbassProf. Dr.h.c. JUDr. Jan K, CSc., Partner, Law Firm K wa Blina s.r.o.Ing. Jaroslav Kubita, Secretary, Lions Club Prague EaglegleGenmjr. JUDr. Lubomr Kvala, former Director of the Department of Protection of Constitutional Officials, iciaPolice of the Czech Republic Ing. Vladimr Latvka, former M.P.Jan Mhlfeit, Chairman, Europe Microsoft CorporationtioIng. Ji Maceka, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, esk ardpota a. s. and former Czech Ambassador to OECDGeorge Parobek, Managing Director, Ifield Computer Consultancyrka Parobek, Director, Ifield Computer ConsultancyDoc. Ing. Antonn Peltrm, CSc., Director IEI, Bankovn institut vysok kola, a.s.Doc. Ing. Vclav Petek, CSc., Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chamber SNSIng. Jozef Piga, Member of the Supervisory Board, Omnipol a.s.s.Ing. Lucie Pilipov, Partner, Via Perfecta, s.r.o.Ing. Ivan Piln, President, TUESDAY Business NetworkJUDr. estmr Sajda, MBA, former Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs MUDr. Richard Sequens, PhD., Head of Surgical Gastroenterology Center, Nemocnice Milosrdnch sester sv. Karla Boromejskho v Praze and former SenatorPhDr. MggA. Miroslav Smolk, Owner, Galerie MIROMgr. Albin E. Sybera, Managing Director, Sybera Enterprises spol. s r. o.Brigadier General Ing. Andor ndor (ret.), ConsultantntantPhDr. Jaroslav ediv CSc., former Ambassador and Minister of Foreign AffairsJUDr. Josef estk, LawyerIng. Radomr imek, President, German-Czech Chamber hambeof Industry and CommerceBc. Vladimr ika, MBA, 1st Deputy Minister, Ministry stryt

of Labour and Social AffairsJaromr lpota, President, eskoslovensk stav zahraninaninIng. Pavel tefka, MSc, 4-star General (ret.), Chief of Defence and Special Programs, TatraIng. Helena vdov, Director, Department of Trade Administration, Czech Export BankIng. Josef Tauber, Executive Director, Czech Banking AssociationIng. Ji Vvra, Vice Chairman, STROJEXPORT, a.s.JUDr. Petr Vyroubal, Partner, Law Firm Vyroubal Krajhanzl kolout

interviews.indd 9interviews.indd 9 21.7.2011 12:12:0821.7.2011 12:12:08

An interview with JUDr. Vladimir Ermakov, CSc., Chief Executive Of cer of VEMEX

The company VEMEX s.r.o. was appointed by the management of the EBC Congress to organize its meeting in Prague on the days of June 23, 2011. It was not a matter of chance that the company, which belongs to the GAZPROM Group, received this honourable assignment just this year. The honour to organize the Congress meeting is associated not only with the fact that the company deals successfully with natural gas in the Czech market, but also that this year VEMEX celebrates its 5th anniversary since signing a long-term natural gas supply contract with Gazprom export Moscow. Therefore we asked the founder and managing director of VEMEX, Dr. Vladimir Ermakov, a few questions. We wanted him to return to the beginnings of the company, as well as to share some plans for the further development of VEMEX with you, our readers.

Leaders Magazine IV/201110

Photo: Zuzana Jirskov

What was your vision when you founded VEMEX as a consultancy ten years ago?

Maybe I will surprise you, but ten years ago I already had a clear vision that as soon as the liberalization process of the energy market began in Czech Republic, in particular of the gas market, it would be the main direction for VEMEX to take. However, in our beginnings we were indeed active in the consultancy business. Even now we have a signed con-tract with Russias ROSATOM, and one of our first assignments was to prepare an analysis of a Finnish nuclear power plant.

A very important milestone project for us was the co-operation with our Polish partners on the gas pipeline con-necting Czech Republic with Poland a similar or almost identical project is carried out today by RWE; the pipelineidentical project is carried out today by RWE; the pipeline from PZP Tanovice leading to Poland. However, at that time the circumstances on the Polish side did not allow for finish-ing the entire project. Yet before signing our contract with Gazprom export, we examined the possibility of purchasing gas networks from municipalities. We also looked at the possibility of utilizing a shut hard coal mine as a best-in-class underground storage facility; unfortunately, this project that sounded perfect in theory, encountered some technological issues in practice that diminished its actual chances for success This means that from our earliest steps in the business, trading with gas was the road for VEMEX to take. And at the end of the day I was also looking for my future colleagues within the gas industry. I think that this factor played an essential role in our successful entry into the gas market.

Is it possible to state that the companys philosophy, based on flexibility towards changing market conditions and responsibility towards its customers, facilitated the establishment of the company among other alternative gas traders?

Yes, definitely. Remember the situation more than 2 years ago. In January 2009, there was a true baptism of fire of our companys quality, represented by the Ukrainian transit cri-sis. These times were extremely challenging for any natural gas supplier, and yet we were able to master the situation brilliantly. Then the economic crisis turned up, which affected almost all of our customers. Again, we always managed to find the optimum solution for them in terms of gas supplies. Along this crisis, which especially affected producers and service providers, there were some new phenomena that emerged namely spot gas and surplus gas in Continental Europe. Our company had to react to these two new and interrelated factors in the market, as well as to the parti-

VEMEX CELEBRATES Anniversary and Strengthens its Role in the Gas Market


Leaders Magazine ii IV/201VV 1 11

cipation of dozens of new traders in the market in the year 2010, namely by rethinking its approach and by looking for some fresh business perspectives. I think we have succee-ded in this as well, and all the new things, which we have adopted last year, are still being used this year.

Lately we noticed that you are planning a careful selection of the customers from the SME clientele. What is the state of your preparation for this market segment?

This information is indeed correct; the entry into the SME market has been the subject of our discussions within the company for quite some time. I can only reveal so much that it is associated with trading electricity as well. However, this involves not only our company as such, but is being discussed also within our supervisory board and with our further shareholders. Right now we have a very clear vision what next steps must be taken, what objectives are to be set and what mechanisms to implement and use. Again, I can only say so much that our intention should be introduced to the general public and hopefully our future customers in the near future.

Soon you will celebrate the 10th anniversary of your company. Have you been able to fulfil all the objectives that you had defined before VEMEX entered the gas market?

If I said yes, it would not correspond with my character. We are still quite far from reaching some of our goals; they have become and must yet become much more ambitious. We dont want to wait for the market to surprise us; we want to move onwards and be ready for the unexpected, just as we have been until now. Such readiness is a must in any business, and all the more in the energy sector.

To reach our ambitious goals we cooperate with preemi-nent Czech and foreign financial institutions and we have very solid relationships with some of the leading Czechvery solid relationships with some of the leading Czech businesses. All these things gradually create the foundation for the further development of our company.for the further development of our company.

Not long ago you were awarded the ISO 9001 cer-tificate. What did it bring about, and what commitment results from such a certificate for the entire team?

I can say straightaway that it meant an enormous work-load and preparation for us. To get the quality management TV ISO 9001 certificate is a very challenging task, and having earned it is a great compensation for all the efforts we put into the preparation. On the other hand, I have to say it also opened our eyes in many ways in terms of our manage-ment system; a number of things have to be improved and redefined and definitely there are now better controlling mechanisms set up. We have to consider that a number of customers require the TV certificate from their suppliers, which is absolutely logical and therefore also obliging for us.

Before the commencement of a new season, you have informed your customers on the changes and news in the market, as well as on the planning and resolving of gas offtakes and other issues. Is this meeting something you organize on a regular basis?

We have been organizing such meetings with our custo-mers ever since we have entered the gas market. Therefore we can confirm that it is already a traditional part of our customer approach. The only thing we keep changing is the venue. However, the purpose of such a meeting stays the same: to inform our business partners on the news in the Czech market, to predict offtakes, introduce some innova-tions in our invoicing etc. And thanks to the fact that we are not only a member of the EBC but also a member of the Association of Gas Organizations, we are able to enhance these meetings with information and experience from other European gas markets. These meetings have proven very

useful; the discussions are very open and straightforward and mutually we can certainly respond better to any situa-tion in the market.

You also mastered your role as the organizers of the Prague assembly of the European Business Congress. What is your impression of the event?

I have to admit that in the first seconds after the entire congress, and all the negotiations of the different working commissions had finished, we felt extremely relieved that all was over, and above all that everything went well. I think this is just natural. In the following hours we started to re-ceive different compliments and congratulations for orga-nizing such a significant event. Consider just the fact that before the actual congress there was a working meeting of the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Mr. P. Neas, with the Chairman of the Board of Gazprom and the President of EBC, Mr. A. B. Miller, and that Mr. T. Hner, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, participated in the congress and in its opening. The gala evening in the Spanish Hall of the Prague Castle was attended by such cultural represen-tatives as Spejbl and Hurvnek, the famous marionettes; J. Svcen, the well-known violin player; and the queen of Czech pop music, H. Vondrkov. As far as we know there were more than 350 congress delegates and all of them were satisfied, and so were our partners cooperating on this event, the Royal Bank of Scotland and MND Group. My im-pression is therefore a very positive one; we have proven that we are capable of organizing such an event.

How do you think the congress contributes to setting the future direction of the European energy sector?

Lets get back to the congress motto an environmental challenge and the energy sector and to some of the main thoughts expressed by the President of EBC, Mr. A. B. Miller. Currently Europe stands at a crossroads representing a newCurrently Europe stands at a crossroads representing a new chapter of the energy sector. There are a number of external circumstances that will influence the target model for secircumstances that will influence the target model for se-curing energy. What are these? The political situation in Northern Africa and the Middle East, the war in Libya and the resulting stoppage of oil and gas supplies, the accident at a Japanese nuclear power plant, and the following deci-sion of Germany to close all of its nuclear power plants by 2022. All of these events lead to one requirement, which we can frankly translate as the need for larger amounts of gas in the energy sector. Lets emphasize one more thing all that I mentioned is also affected by the very clear EU envi-ronmental policy which stipulates a gradual but significant reduction of emissions. In this case a number of European countries will have to think again and reassess their energy policies in a very pragmatic but well-thought-out way, while considering natural gas, which is not only the optimum source from an energy perspective, but also from the eco-nomic and environmental perspective.

It is a known fact that VEMEX has representatives in a number of working commissions of the EBC. In which commissions are they exactly, and what did the EBC management think of their work?

Let me briefly mention the EBC in general. The congress meets once a year in one of the participating countries. There are 7 working commissions altogether meeting 3 or 4 times a year, whereby the venue is always chosen by the chair of the commission, respecting the principle of mee-tings happening in different countries every year. Three commissions are chaired by Gazprom representatives, and four more by the top managers of E.ON, Wintershall, Overgas and Gasunie. VEMEX has its representatives in the Industry and Building & Construction, Security, Energy, Environment, Finance and Banking, as well as HR commissions. Last year,

as well as the year before, we organized two commission meetings in Prague. It has in fact become a tradition for our representatives to deliver speeches and present their pro-posals at the meetings of all the different commissions. Therefore our participation in the meetings is regarded in a very positive light.

Together with Gazprom and E.ON-Ruhrgas as the main project initiators, you were the organizers of the CNG powered vehicles promo-relay called Blue Corridor. What interest did the event spark?

The entire event was indeed brought into being by the chairmen of the boards of the two energy giants, Mr. A. B. Miller and Mr. K. Schfer, and as a matter of fact we acceptedthe responsibility for launching the event, whereby I am con-vinced that our approach was a very good one. Together with the Czech Gas Union we invited all Czech companies active in the CNG automotive business and its promotion to take part in the relay Prask teplrensk (Prague Gas Co.), RWE, Gascontrol Havov, Vtkovice Cylinders, Tvaja, Jikov Sobslav, Bonett, PS and E.ON CZ. However, we also went the extra mile, invited the Finnish GASUM and organized the participation of a Ford vehicle from Alberta, Canada. The relay was joined by cars of Germanys E.ON, Gazprom Germania, the representatives of the Belorussian Beltransgaz, Iveco Russia and a Kamaz branded garbage collection truck that travelled to us from the far Tatarstan.

The relay started in Prague on June 3 with further stops in Leipzig, Wolfsburg and Berlin, and its symbolic finish was in Greifswald, the terminal point of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. The idea of the Blue Corridor project is unique as it promotes environmental friendliness in transportation by showing the advantages of CNG as a fuel, and as Greifswald, as part of the EU, will receive the first supplies of natural gas from Russia this year This means the energy potentialgas from Russia this year. This means the energy potential of Europe will increase, and at the same time it will be easier

p pfor Europe to meet the stipulated environmental limits. Will the Blue Corridor project continue in the forth-

coming years?The future of the relay is just one thing, as the main pur-

pose of the entire event is to promote CNG in the automotive sector. The development in this area depends on the execu-tion of a number of projects connected with the establish-ment of a network of filling stations to meet the increasing demand for the use of natural gas outside of actual house-holds. Gazprom and its subsidiaries, including our company, will take part in such a program.

But to answer your question as a matter of fact there are discussions going on already with regard to the Blue Corridor relay, and where it should take place in the next year and the years to follow. There are a couple of proposals already on the table. Some mention the Olympic Sochi as the destination and a very good proposal is also the route St. Petersburg Vyborg Turku Stockholm Hamburg Brussels. It would be nice to promote the environmental aspects of CNG in front of the seat of the EU once again. However, we will have to see what the final decision will be. Anyway, we have to take into consideration that CNG is used already by 1.4 million vehic-les in 40 countries worldwide and is becoming iconic for automobile drivers from all around the world. According to experts, the consumption of gas in association with the automotive sector is expected to increase to up to 80 billion m3 by the year 2030, which would be 10 times the consumption of today.

By Hugo Kysilka

esk peklad naleznete v elektronick verzi magaznu na www.leadersmagazine.cz


H.E. Norman L. EisenU.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic

Photo: Vladimr Weiss

interview


A talk with H.E. Norman L. Eisen, U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic

A Dream Come True

LLe daders MMaga izine ii IVIV/2/20101VVV 11 13

You have a strong bond with the Czech Republic/Czechoslovakia, as your mother comes from Slovakia. How did it feel when you were told that you would be posted to Prague?

It was a dream come true for me and my family because my mother was a citizen of the first Republic of Czechoslovakia. She survived Ausch-witz and like so many people in the country managed to rebuild her life after World War Two. SoSo fforor mmee toto ccomomee babackck hhereree rerealallyly wwasas aa ttririumumphph of hope for my family. Indeed, one of the reasons President Obama asked me to come here was because of the message it sent about how good is more powerful than evil.

When I told my Mom that I would be coming back here, she couldnt believe it! We laughed totogegeththerer aatt ththee amamazaziningg ffa tct tthhatt ththe son anddgrandson of a Czechoslovak family that was sent to Auschwitz could return as an ambassador to the Czech Republic.

How would you describe your initial impres-sions of Prague?

We arrived in January, a wonderful time to come to Prague because it has a certain stillness. come to Prag e beca se it has a certain stillnessThe city is a living museum of art, architecture and music, and weve sampled all of them, in-cluding those cultural aspects that the Czech Republic and U.S. share, such as jazz.

What are your main policy goals as U.S. am-bassador in the coming months?

There are three main policy goals. The first is to build a strategic and defense relationship between the two countries, and I was pleased to welcome the annual high-level defense group meeting between our Department of Defense anandd ththee CzCzecechh MiMininiststryry ooff DeDefefensnsee. WWee alalsoso hhadad oourur strategic dialogue, this time in Washington, at the State Department, and I flew to Washington to discuss ways to boost the strategic relationship.

The second goal is the commercial-economic relationship, as we want to boost trade between the two countries. Most of the Fortune 100 Com-panies are represented here, so American firms have a huge presence in the Czech Republic, but many more companies want to come. My job is to build business ties and make them stronger. Of course, trade has been affected by the eco-nomic downturn, but Im very pleased to say that ititss uupp drdramamataticicalallyly iinn 20201111.

The third goal is in some ways the most impor-tant, because our two countries share not just interests but values. Much of my job involves

deepening that connection. For example, both countries place a strong emphasis on promoting gog odod ggovoverernanancnce,e, tthehe rrululee ofof llawaw aandnd ffigighthtiningg corruption, and Im very fortunate to have been invited by my Czech colleagues to share my thoughts on how the Czech Republic can do that. But we are also learning about innovations deve-loped by the Czech Government and Czech NGOs. I can take these back to the U.S.

In your career you have focused on gover-nance, the rule of law and civil society. In your diplomatic role, how do you intend to apply the experience and knowledge you have gained in these areas?

I came here as a Czech-American and as a friend of the Czech Republic, to listen, learn and

hshare my learning but never to lecture. Ive at-tempted to open a two-way street in which I share my expertise with the Government, civil society and thought leaders, but also ordinary people, who often approach me to talk about these issuesissues.

Its an opportunity for me to learn, and Ive been very privileged that weve had a series of been er pri ileged that e e had a series ofvisits from the most distinguished practitioners in this area. Theyve come to Prague to share their experience and take ideas back about public procurement, for example.

Could you describe any projects you are in-volved in that relate to governance and civil society?

Typically we invite people from various sectors of the Czech Government and civil society to join us. Since I came, weve brought Czech prosecutors to the U.S. to study our methods anandd exexchchanangege iidedeasas.. FoForr exexamamplple,e, weve worked on whistle-blowing issues and held a seminar on them. Weve held ethics training for public prosecutors and a series on best practices in public procurement and other areas, in coopera-tion with the British and German Embassies. Weve brought in experts from think tanks across the polili iticall specttrum, andd ththey seeee iidedeasas tthahatt they can take back to the U.S., so its very much a two-way street. All of this has taken place in the last four months, so weve done a lot!

How would you describe the U.S.-Czech re-lationship today?

I would say that the relationship is good and well on its way to being great. In terms of strate-gic-defense, commercial-economic and shared value goals, the Embassy and our partners in

the Czech Government and civil society have worked very hard in the past four months. Were cocomimingng uupp wiwithth ggrereatat iidedeasas iinn ththesese areas. Were making a good relationship even better but I dont want to just settle for good I want the relationship to be great and the specific activities were engaged in to live up to the clo-seness of the friendship.

How would you like to see relations develop?In the same way that Czech and U.S. fates were

intertwined in the 20th century, we can make history together in the 21st century. As you know, the first Czechoslovak Republic was established through the Pittsburgh Agreement. Just two weeks ago I was in Plze, celebrating General Pattons liberation of that pap rt of the CzC ecech ReRe-public. We worked together to defeat the Nazis. And from this very building you can see the Glorietta, where the American flag flew over Mal strana as a symbol of hope during Communism. Together we defeated Communism, and the U.S. worked with the Czech Republic to ensure theworked with the Czech Republic to ensure the Velvet Revolution was a success. Weve suppor-ted Czech entry into NATO and the EU, and weve ted C ech entr into NATO and the EU and e ebeen part of each others successes. We dont take any of these achievements for granted.

What are your main priorities in terms of promoting trade between the two countries?

To find business partnerships that benefit both countries. Ive taken the initiative to invite U.S. business leaders to the Czech Republic, and to set up reciprocal meetings in the U.S. We tell them that the Czech Republic is a good place to do business and wed like our Czech colleagues to do business in the U.S. The political freedom that we value is based on economic freedom, and you cant have democracy without free markets. So we work on economic issues in order to enjoy our political freedoms, and to make our two countries strong.

How do you like to spend your free time?We like to spend it exploring Prague. Were wal-

kekersrs, anandd II enenjojoyy ththee ararchchititecectuturere aandnd tthehe bbeaeaututififulul parks at the weekend, with my wife and daughter. Im a tennis player, and as the weather warms up Im playing again. We also enjoy cultural events, and the restaurants in Prague are wonderful.

By David Creighton



From left: Ji Maceka, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, esk pota a. s. and former Czech Ambassador to OECD, Prof. Ing. Ji Frek, CSc., Professor, Technical University Liberec, H.E. Peter Bro, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic and JUDr. estmr Sajda, MBA, former Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs

From left: Ronald A. Adams, Chairman/CEO, Tatra a.s. and President, American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic and H.E. Mr. William J. Cabaniss, for-mer United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic

From left: Andrea Kalivodov, Mezzo-soprano, Soloist of Prague State Opera, Ing. Vladimra Vclavkov, Marketing and Editorial Director, Leaders Magazine, and Ing. Petr Kubernt, Director, PEKOS spol. s r.o.

14 H.E. George Monteiro Prata, Ambassador of Brazil with his wife

networking/gourmet event at Alchymist Grand Hotel & SpaWe had the great pleasure to invite to the 8th Leaders Magazine Advisory Board Dinner among others H.E. Marita Landaveri Porturas, Ambassador of Peru, H.E. George Monteiro Prata, Ambassador of Brazil, and H.E. Peter Bro, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic. The Advisory Board has expanded to include its new members Mr. Radomr imek, President of the Czech-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Ing. Josef Tauber, Executive Director of the Czech Banking Association; and Mr. Jaromr lpota, President of the Czechoslovak Foreign Institute. An invitation to the Honorary Members Abroad and Goodwill Ambassa-dors has been accepted by Mr. Frank J. Devlyn, President of Rotary International, 2000-2001 and President of the Rotary Foundation, 20052006.

The evening was variegated by the short singing of Prague State Opera soloist Andrea Kalivodov, mezzo-soprano. The dinner was followed by a tasting of old cognacs and Pineau des Charentes from Chateau de la Grange, and luxury cigars, given to us from the Cigars & Wines shop of the company Mostex Prague.

8th Leaders Magazine ADVISORY BOARD DINNER

Benke Aikell, your Publisher

LM_1104_events__2.indd 14LM_1104_events__2.indd 14 22.7.2011 11:16:5822.7.2011 11:16:58

1515155

Excellent cognacs and Pineau des Charentes from Chateau de la Grange presented by Promexim

From left: Milo Jan, Promexim, JUDr. Dagmar Raupachov, Attorney at Law, ern-Raupachov, Ing. Pavel tefka, Msc, 4-Star General (ret.) Chief of Defence and Special Programs, Tatra, Ronald A. Adams, Chairman/CEO, Tatra a.s. and President, American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic, Otto Jelinek, former Canadian Cabinet Minister and Board Member of OKD and other numerous international Boards, and Ing. Karel Muzik, CSc., President, Comenius

more photos and electronic version available on www.leadersmagazine.cz

networking/gourmet event

From left: PhDr. MgA. Miroslav Smolk, Owner, Galerie MIRO, Ing. Radomr imek, President, German-Czech Chamber of Commerce, and Ra-dovan Morochovi, General Director, Fopex

Performance by Andrea Kalivodov, Mezzo-soprano, Soloist of Prague State Opera

The positive reputation of Leaders Magazine continues to grow, however we realize that we must maintain to improve and learn, particularly during these times of

dynamic change. That is why we have decided to set up an Advisory Board for the magazine. I am convinced that creating a platform of high profile individuals

will be an excellent opportunity for the magazine to acquire new ideas and define new directions of future development. Benke Aikell, Your Publisher

Excellent cigars from the Ci-gars & Wines shop of the company Mostex Prague


From left: Ing. Paul Haney, Executive, Haney, Prof. Ing. Ji Frek, CSc., Professor, Technical University Liberec, and Benke Aikell, your Publisher

From left: Ronald A. Adams, Chairman/CEO, Tatra a.s. and Presi-dent, American Chamber of Commerce in the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr. William J. Cabaniss, former United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic and Benke Aikell, your Publisher


There are only few projects started in the Czech Republic by foreigners which I consider as useful to this country as Leaders Magazine. The magazine has brought to the Czech Republic the completely new concept of making important people the decision makers be they Czech or foreigners visible and worthy of positive admiration. As you might know this is something not very common and perhaps even not very natural in the Czech Republic. It is therefore all the more of an achievement to start and successfully develop a project such as Leaders Magazine. I understand fully the intention of Benke Aikell, the magazines founder and editor-in-chief, to progress further with Leaders Magazine, and for this purpose to form a team of experienced Czech citizens of different backgrounds to create a consulting body which would bring this project to an even higher level. Ing. Karel Muzik, CSc., President of Comenius

From left: Jaromr lpota, Chairman, Czechoslo-vak Foreign Institute (SZ), Petr Bernek, General Manager, Grand Hotel Bohemia, and JUDr. Josef estk, Lawyer

From left: Fawad Nadri, President, Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce in the CR and H.E. Mr. William J. Cabaniss, former United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic

Andrea Kalivodov, Mezzo-soprano, Soloist of Prague State Opera and Jaromr lpota, Chair-man, Czechoslovak Foreign Institute (SZ)

Robert Sahula, Owner of Mostex Praha, Cigars & Wines, Pnsk pas, Na Pkop 23


Mrs. Elika Hakov Coolige and H.E. Mr. William J. Cabaniss, former United States Ambassador to the Czech Republic

From left: Genmjr. JUDr. Lubomr Kvala with his wife, JUDr. Dagmar Raupachov, Attorney at Law, ern-Raupachov, and Ing. Pavel tefka, Msc, 4-Star General (ret.) Chief of De-fence and Special Programs, Tatra


From left: H.E. Marita Landaveri Porturas, Ambas-sador of Peru, Benke Aikell, your Publisher and Mrs. Prata, wife of the Ambassador of Brazil

Doc. Ing. Antonn Peltrm, CSc., Director IEI, Bankovn institut vysok kola, a.s. with his wife and H.E. Peter Bro, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic

Iztok Toplak, Managing Director, WLW enjoying the cognac


An interview with Daniel Boestad, Vice President of Group Marketing and Business Development at SAAB AB

SAAB: We are Committed TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC Daniel Boestad, Vice President of group marketing and business development at SAAB AB can expect a hot autumn. His company, a Swedish supplier of products, services and solutions ranging fromm military defense to civil security, is gearing up to join a potential tender for the purchase of new jet ghters that the Czech govern-ment might launch before the end of this year. SAAB produced the 14 Gripen jet ghters that the CCzech government leased from the Swedish government in 2004. However, the coast isnt clear for SAAB, as a ccorruption investi-gation launched in 2006 by the British authorities on its former business partner, the UK conccern BAE Systems, is still casting a shadow on the Swedish companys reputation.

Leaders Magazine IV/201118

Photos: Vladimr Weiss



On June 20 the Czech minister of defense Alexandr Vondra said he would like to see the tender for the purchase of new air fighters for the Czech army organized before the end of this year. How do you feel about this announcement?

to make their own deci-All governments have tthe current program is sions. I know only that omers seem very happy. working and that the custo

gram for Czech Republic. Its a very successful progWhat makes you say that? How do you

measure this satisfaction? e the system and it has I see how they operateave performed different worked very well. They had, and performed them training exercises abroadle the NATO Tiger Meet. outstandingly, for examp

ATO with air policing over They have also helped NAthat shows that theyre the Baltic States. I think

stem. quite pleased with the sysIf the tender is launched before the end of

this year, will you join the tender?is a government-to-The current contract

tween the Swedish and government contract betup to my government Czech governments. Its

on. to respond to that questioWhat are your realistic expectations from

the tender? Do you really expect it to be orga-nized before the end of this year?

on for the Czech govern-This is more of a questiopport the project that we ment. We continue to sups working very well. have right now, and that is

Who are your main competitors?few aircraft manufactu-None. There are just a f

gain Id say that the pro-rers around the world. Agin Czech Republic from gram works so well here ding the actual product so many aspects regare way up to the success-and how they use it, all thes offset program has ful offset program. Thisinvestments for Czech generated a lot of newobs. Republic, as well as new j

Can you put some figure on the value of your investments and new jobs created?

ounced that last year we Quite recently we annol offset package, which fulfilled 93% of the totaln CZK. This represents equates to 23.74 billion

Czech Republic, but also a lot of investment into Cublic. All in all, it does exports from Czech Repuh jobs. generate numerous Czech

Prime-minister Neas said he wouldnt imagine your participation in the new tender unless the corruption allegations from 2004 are clarified, and solid proof shows that no corruption occurred. How do you comment?

of investigations in this There have been a lot terialized, so they closed case and nothing has matknowledge, there is no-the investigation. To my k

s a company have done thing more to say. We asupport the investigation everything we could to sug has materialized. since it began and nothin

Yet, the prime-minister is asking for some proof that youre clean. Who should give him this proof?

I dont know. You dont cooperate with BAE Systems any-

more. Yet, your reputations are connected in Czech Republic. Are you undertaking some steps to restore your image?

Youre right; were not working with BAE Systems and havent worked with them in a long time. I think we have a good reputation. I am very proud of working with SAAB. We have delivered a lot of good things to Czech Republic.

For example?For example the offset program that, again, is

working very well. As for the rest, I need to remind that this is a clear government-to-government contract.

SAAB is more than just air fighters, and youre responsible for its whole operations across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). How are your sales developing in CEE?

I think its quite interesting. If youre looking at Czech Republic, were growing quite substantially. We have a Czech company here that is run by Czech people and theyve been growing for the last couple of years. We have about 140 employ-ees now. This shows our commitment to Czech Republic. This is an important market for us. We are also using Czech Republic as a base for wor-king in the region. We believe this region has a lot of prospects and its very interesting for us. We would like to grow even more in the CEE region.

What products and services are driving your business in CEE?

In the whole region we see growth in the area of civil security, for example in securing important infrastructure. In this area weve seen growth in Czech Republic and across the region. Also in some of the traditional areas sensors and other types of similar things we notice a need for our products.

Which country is the most important for you right now in CEE?

Since Im in Czech Republic I have to say Czech Republic. This is also true in a way, because were based here and we use Czech Republic as a base to go to other countries. Looking at sales, Czech Republic is by far the most important for us. Hopefully we will grow in the other markets as well.

Youre also trying to sell some Gripen air fighters in Bulgaria, and the local media re-ported that youre taking the prices really low just to get the deal. Why do you do that?

I need to repeat that in Bulgaria, the same as in Czech Republic, its the Swedish government that is taking the lead. Theyre very good, theyre offering a very good price not just the product but also the financial package around it. We can then also offer our services of industrial coopera-tion in this country.

Youve been in Czech Republic for the last eight years. How do you comment on the deve-lopments in its economic and political sector?

First of all I like Czech Republic. Its a nice country to be in. Weve done good business here and it works well. There are always ups and downs, as its still a new democracy, at least compared to my home country. There is always room for improvement, for sure, but there are also things that are working very well.

How about the political environment, is there is also room for improvement as well?

You can see this in all new democracies it goes right and left and right and left and some-times you get in a corner and then you go back. Its a process and processes take time.

The government of Petr Neas was endowed with a lot of trust from the Czech people in May of last year. Unfortunately, all the corruption scandals surrounding it destroyed that trust. How do you comment on this?

Its not for me to comment on that, really. Do you have some concrete steps ahead of

you this summer to prepare for the potential tender?

We continue to support our program simply because it works so well. Thats the best thing we can do and we continue to deliver the offset pro-gram well ahead of schedule. Thats the strategy.

By Cristina Muntean


We have a good reputation. I am very proud of working with SAAB.


United Bakeries a.s. is the biggest bakery company within the Central European region, which was established by the joint-venture of the companies Delta Pekrny and Odkolek. The reputation and activities of this corporation exceed production in the bakery market. One of their new important achievements is the establishment of the company UNITED BUSINESS a.s. We talked to the executive director and member of the board, Jan Jedlika, about bread culture andthe investment projects they have been preparing.

Jan JedlikaExecutive Director of United Bakeries a.s.

Photo: Vladimr Weiss

United Business Across Cultures

Jan Jedlika (1967) graduated from the Institute of Hospi- tality Management in Prague. After several years of working in the culinary and pharmaceutical industry,he settled with the group owned by the Pak brothers. There he held many positions with business and manufacturing com-panies. For the last few years he has been working as an Executive Director. In addition to various statutory functions in the group, he is also a member of the board of the Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce. He speaks English, German and Russian. Jan Jedlika is married and has four kids.


A talk with Jan Jedlika, Executive Director of United Bakeries a.s. and Member of the Board of United Business a.s.

LeLeadadererss MaMagagaziz ne ii IV/2/ 01VV 1 21

What lies behind the foundation of United Business?I have been cooperating with Marko Pak for more than

17 years. Marko Pak is the co-founder and co-owner of UnUnititeded BBakakererieiess aa.ss. DDururiningg ththisis ttimimee totogegeththerer wwee haha eve pre-pared a lot of projects and companies in the fields of the construction and operation of bakeries, trading bakery pro-ducts, marketing, logistics, financing, human resources, etc. Our long-term co-opep ration thus involveses tthis s enentitirere ccomomplplexex of things, which we decided to use for other activities.

Can you be more specific?We offer our clients a configuration of complex investment

units. We are able to build an entire bakingg bususininesess,s, iincnclulu-ding accompanying services for our customers. For this pur-pose we have established the company United Business a.s., which seeks opportunities around the world. In addition to the construction of bakeries, we offer their reconstruction, modernization and also a higher efficiency of all bakery pro-cesses. Except for everyday work in United Bakeries, I per-sonally took the lead in this company, and travel around the world seeking out partners who would like to co-operate with us. To be fair, I must also mention our co-operation

iwithth tthhe company Backaldrin International in Austrian Asten. We prepare and implement projects along with its managing didirerectctoror, HaHararaldld DDelellelerr. TTheheirir bbusiiness iis prese tnt iin about 8080 ccouountntririeses aacrcrososss ththee glglobobee, ssoo ththeieirr cocontntacactsts aaboboundd. OOur long-term co-operation and experience within the bakery environment is absolutely priceless. And our customers know this as wellthis as well.

And you offer the culture of bread to your clients at the same time?

Yes, we can say it this way, too. However, I would like to emphasize that in this respect we are not missionaries. We do not want our products to be preferred to the local ones. We simply want to build factories for our clients, so that they can produce bread that they are accustomed to.

What in particular are you offering?We offer the opportunity to bake in high-quality, both cul-

turally and efficiently. Of course, part of it is also a business strategy, ma krketiing, llogiistitics, purchha isi gng raw mmatatereriaialsls, ththee use fof HHRR, proddu tctiivitity, aandnd rrenenewewabablele rresesouourcrceses. EqEquauallllyy important for us are sanitary and health criteria, and last bubutt nonott leleasastt, tthehe aafffforordadabibililityty ooff prprododucuctsts. IfIf wwee prprododucucee tetensns of thousands of pieces, then the costs of production will be lower. On the other hand, we are obviously prepared to intro-duce potential clients to our culture of bread, i.e. other pro-ducts which could be an interesting taste for them as well.

What, for you, is of the greatest importance? Each region has different needs and preconditions. From

ouourr pepersrspepectctivivee, tthehe mmosostt adadvavancnceded cculultuturere ooff brbreaead is in Germany, especially in Bavaria and then also in Austria. There araree ala soso sufficiently y developep d cultures of bread by the Swiss, Poles, Slovaks, Russians and obviously us. Generally, the more you go from west to east, the less rye you will find in bread, including the Czech Republic. Hungarians have a light brbread,d, caky,y, and almost do not use rye in bread, so that the next day it is hard, and does not hold water. One can say the same about the United States and England. The French and Italians are not doing poorly either, yet everything is very much based on white bread. Anyway, in our country, there are subtle nuances iin hthe bbreadd cultlture, whihi hch aarere nnevevererththelelesesss very important. If we want to make bread, the so-called umava by the same formula like in Pilsen, we would not be able to sell it in Uherskk HHradiditt. TThhus, our phihilloso hphyy isis simply based on the respect for tradition of the local cultures and their customs.

Which market do you intend to enter with the investment units?

CCurrently, it is not worth addressing an offer to the ad-vanc ded WWesttern EEuropean countries or the US, for the con-centration of great companies here is high. We are interested in Asia, the Middle East and countries of the former Soviet Union Not that there would not have been advanced culturesUnion. Not that there would not have been advanced cultures of bread in these regions; on the contrary. Yet, the moderniza-tion and optimization of bakeries itself is needed. And last but not least, the Third World is very attractive for us, and Africa in particular has a high growth potential.

Can you be more specific?Concerning developing countries, many do not yet have

a high level of culture of bread. In addition, they need social programs so that they can offer social security to citizens. h h ff i l i i iAnd one of the most basic social securities is to ensure that the quality food is sourced locally foods that are not expen-sisiveve, anandd atat tthehe ssamamee titimeme, hahaveve tthehe wwididesestt popossssibiblele uusese..BrBreaeadd isis ffooood,d, nnamamelelyy inin aanyny ffororm,m, wwhihichch yyouou can eat everyy day and you never over eat. It is just basic foodstuff, which meets the social, health and also other important criterion for a very affordable price. Our customer is thus the popula-tion of a given country, and we do not want them eating what they are not used to, but the opposite, we want to build something useful, something they believe in and like.

Do you also cover your investments from projects aimed at developing regions?

Both yes and no. In general, we do not want to own the investment units in these countries. It is for many reasons unprofitable or inefficient, often because those countries are 4000 kilometres away. WWe realllly fifi dnd whhatt iis iimportatantnt for us is the partnership of a local government, or a patro-nage of the local government. The actual funding is covered either from local sources, or for instance from world moneys aimed at developing regions, non tethhelless we lalways req iuirere the guarantee of local government.

Where particularly do you invest at present?Afghanistan is very interesting for us. Today, we know

AfAfghghananisistatann ononlyly aass aa buburnrneded aandnd sshahatttterereded ccouountntryry that abounds with assassinations, and where soldiers constantly die at the hands of peacekeeping troops. But AfAfghghananisistatann alalsoso hhasas aanonoththerer ffacacee. PPrereviviououslslyy, iitt wawass a prosperous country which had very good relations with Czechoslovakia. Our trolleys ran there, and there were our

breweries and cement works. Thus, the former Czecho-slovakia has in Afghg anistan a grg eaeat t brbranandd asas aa wwhoholele. AnAndd not only in terms of pproduct qqualityy, , but there is a ggreeatat ttrurustst especially in the field of human resources. Therefore, we have also set up co-operation with Afghan decision-makers, and we use for these relations the Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce Along with its presidentMixed Chamber of Commerce. Along with its president, Mr. Fawad Nadri, we have recently completed a business trip to Kabul. Personally, I was convinced of the great future of this country that has undergone an incredible tragedy of 40 years of war. We just want to take up the tradition of our mutual past relationships and, at the same time, to do something positive for this country. Among other things, the Chamber presently has a mandate representing the JAWA brand on the Afghan market. And I have to say that JAWA b d h Af h k A d I h hthis brand is one of the most respected world brands there. And we also have the same approach in Africa.

Do you feel a strong business tradition in Africa as well?

Much like in Afghanistan, or for instance in the countries of the former Soviet Union, we also have connections to governments in particular countriies iin AAffriica, whihi hch are relatively stable and which are interested in some kind of co-operation with us. We are co-operating with graduates from foreign Universities to establish co-operation with local governments. These people are very well educated, are returning to their home countries after having worked in Western Europe or the US and, at the same time, want to do somethihing mea iningffull. AAffriica iis ddefefininititelelyy aa cocontntininenentt that, from a market point of view, has a huge potential for ththee fufututurere. AnAndd wewe wwanantt toto bbee ththereree asas wwelelll. TThehererefoforere, I neither regret my efforts nor travels, which are meant to pave the way for the future of companies belonging to our group across the world. Yet, nor do we resist co-operation wiwithth ooththerer ccomompapaninieses tthahatt shshowow iintntereresestt. WWee araree alalwawaysys open to various forms of co-operation, if there is the sense of benefit for all participants. And I do not strictly mean financial benefits. We are enjoying our work, for we can see ththatat lifee iss nicely y coloured and really y juj icy.

By Pavlna Holancov


Mr. Jan Jedlika with Mr. Harald Deller on one of their Russian missions


with Dr. Ji Pospil, Minister of Justice of the CRMinister of Justice Ji Pospil was the fifth VIP guest of the Round Table of Comenius in 2011. His Round Table took place on June 23 at the CEs largest congress hotel TOP hotel Praha. Minister identified key areas of his immediate interest in his agenda. One of the most discussed issues was corruption, which, as minister pointed out, and as several distinguished participants agreed, has lately attained nearly an aura of the dominant topic of the Czech politics. While Mr. Pospil agrees that corruption cannot be taken lightly, one should be careful not to overly demonize the whole subject. Another fiercely debated issue was the reform of the civic code which has long been awaited and on which Ministry of Justice works on very intensively. One of the most distinguisted guests was H.E Ambassador of Slovakia Peter Bro. GRAND Partners of the event were companies 3M esko,

CS Data, GZ Digital Media, and Toman, Devt & Partnei all represented by their top managers.

Round Table of Comenius

networking/discussion event A special thanks to I eld Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possible

From left: Daniel Merhaut, Dell Computers, Erika Lindauerov, Imaging and Printing Group Director Czech and Slovak Republic, Hewlett-Packard Slovakia, Martin Luk, Commercial Director, CS Data, and Karel Muzik, President Comenius

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH IFIELD COMPUTER CONSULTANCY AND LAIC AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT


From left: Karel Muzik, President Comenius, Klra Samkov, Advocate, Law Office K. Samkov, Ji Pospil, Minister of Justice, Stanislav Keek, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Chamber of Deputies, and David Vrba, General Manager, 3M esko

Comenius.indd 22Comenius.indd 22 25.7.2011 12:59:1925.7.2011 12:59:19

From left: Karel Muzik jr., Managing Partner, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, Milan Bake, Advo-cate, and Jan Petrov, Director, Czech Judicial Academy

Ji Pospil, Minister of Justice and Stanislav Keek, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Chamber of Deputies

From right: John Bok, Director, alamoun association and Fawad Nadri, President, Czech-Afghan Mixed Chamber of Commerce

networking/discussion eventIN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

From left: Markta Doudrov, Solution Sales Prof-fesional-Online Productivity Services, Microsoft and Hana Krkov, Managing Director, CS Data

From left: Petr Stuchlk, CEO Fin Centrum, Ji Devt, General Manager, Cisco Systems, and Vladek Krmek, Director, Legal and Compliance Department, Fin Centrum

From left: Ivan Hlavek, Managing Director, InterCora and Jan Hlavek, Chief Brewer, Plzesk prazdroj

Filip Seifert, Advocate, Toman, Devt & Partnei and Elika Tomanov, To-man, Devt & Partnei

From left: Otto Kechner, University of Finance and Administration, Hana Krkov, Managing Director, CS Data, Milo Veea, Head of Trade Finance, Cash Management and Factoring, Raiffeisenbank a.s., Petr Ja-noszek, Marketing Manager, 3M esko, Julius Jesztrebi, Director, Czech Technical and Recruitment Center, Martin Luk, Marketing Manager, CS Data, Stanislav Keek, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Constitu-tional and Legal Affairs, Chamber of Deputies, Roman Polek, Partner, Toman, Devt & Partners, David Vrba, General Manager, 3M esko, Ji Pospil, Minister of Justice, Karel Muzik, President, Comenius, Zdenk Pelc, General Manager, GZ Digital Media, and Ale Gerloch, Dean, Law Faculty, Charles Univesity.

Eva Trotter, Member of the Board, PEM-INVEST and H.E. Peter Bro, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic

Zdenk Pelc, President, GZ Digital Media


From left: Karel Muzik, President, Comenius, Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Milan Bake, Ad-vocate, and Ji Pospil, Minister of Justice

H.E. Peter Bro, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic

Martin Luk, Director, CS Data, Stanislav Keek, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs, Chamber of Deputies, Roman Polek, Partner, Toman, Devt & Partners, and David Vrba, General Manager, 3M esko

Klra Samkov, Advocate, Law Office K. Samkov with her daughter Daria

From left: Roman Cablek, General Manager, MICROSOFT and Ale Maxa, Marketing Ma-nager, 3M esko


From left: Stanislav Keek, Member, Chamber of Deputies and Otto Kechner, University of Finance and Administration




networking/discussion eventA special thanks to I eld Computer Consultancy and Laic Aktiengesellschaft for making this reportage possibleIN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Minister of Health Mr. Leo Heger was the sixth cabinet minister who accepted the invitation to the Round Table of Comenius in 2011. He then used this opportunity to discuss the most pressing issues of the Czech health system with representatives of business community and state administration. As there were representatives of rivaling political parties such as the Governor of the Vysoina region Dr. Ji Bhounek, the discussion dinner was very lively. Nonetheless, the debate took place in a very creative atmosphere in which its participants exchanged their different views in order to explain varying solutions to each other.

Round Table of Comenius

From left: Jan Oberman, Managing Director, Korado Consulting, Leo Heger, Minister of Health, Karel Muzik, President, Comenius, and Pavel Hork, Di-rector VZP R


with Dr. Leo Heger, Minister of Health at Top Hotel

Ji Bhounek, Governor, Vysoina Region


From left: Leo Heger, Minister of Health and Karel Muzik, President Comenius with his wife Zita

From left: Pavel Hork, Director VZP R and Ji Bhounek, Gover-nor, Vysoina Region

From left: Vladimr Dohnal, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Top Hotels Group, Jan Wiesner, President, Union of Czech and Moravian Producer Cooperatives, and Zbynk Frolk, Director, LINET

From left: Martin Prochzka, Director, OKsystem, and Hanu Weisl, Head of Public & Healthcare Sales Section, T-Systems Czech Republic

From left: Tom Uvzl, Director, Stedomoravsk Hospital, Radomr Marek, Director, University Hospital Olomouc and Lubomr Klep, Managing Director, B. Braun Medical Companies R and SR


Martin Luk, Marketing Manager, CS Data, and Ivana indelov, CS Data


From left: Martin Holct, Deputy Director for Preventive Medical Care, University Hospital Motol and Vclav Volejnk, Director, Hamzova Professional Sanatorium for children and adults


From left: Eva Trotter, Member of the Board, PEM-INVEST and Zita Muzikov

From left: Benke Aikell, your Publisher, Petr Svoboda, Managing Director, Expharma, and Lubo Petruelka, Head of the Oncology Clinic, General University Hospi-tal in Prague H.E. Peter Bro, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic

From left: Vclav Mandys, Head of the Department of Pathology, 3rd Medicine Faculty, Charles University and Faculty Hospital Krlovsk Vinohrady, Eva Mandysov, Head of Non-invasive Cardiology, Cardio Center, Cardiology Department, Homolka Hospital, and Karel Muzik, President Comenius

Jaromr Gajdek, General Manager, Health Insurance of the Ministry of Interior

networking/discussion eventIN COOPERATION WITH LEADERS MAGAZINE

Eduard ebo, Vice Chairman, Chateau Modr, Irina ebov, Sci-entific Secretary, Slovak medical company, Stanislav Havlek, President, Czech Chamber of Pharmacists and Vclav Irovsk, Director of the Branch, LOM Praha

From left: Lubo Petruelka, Head of the Oncology Clinic, General University Hospital in Prague, Matj Adam, Healthcare Industry Leader SW IOT & CEEMEA, IBM R, Radomr Marek, Director, University Hospital Olomouc, Jan Oberman, Managing Director, Korado Consulting, Pavel Hork, Director, VZP R, Leo Heger, Minister of Health, Karel Muzik, President, Comenius, Petr Heider, Public Sector Sales Manager, IBM R, and Jan Rika, Director, Ministers Cabinet, Ministry of Health

From left: Pavel Brauner, Managing Director, Avel and Stanislav Havlek, President, Czech Cham-ber of Pharmacists


Radek merda, former Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic

Photo: Archive of the Ministry of Transportation

THE FINANCIAL MEANS for Transport Infrastructure are Totally Inadequate

interview


A talk with Radek merda, former Minister of Transport of the Czech Republic

Radek merda (1977) completed his masters degree at the Law Faculty of Charles University in Prague in 2001. He received his doctorate from the same institution in 2005. In 2002 and 2003, Radek merda worked as a university lecturer at the Criminal Law Department of the Police Academy of the Czech Republic in Prague. His teaching activities at the Law Faculty of Charles University continued from 2004 to present, with a focus on criminal law. From 1999 to 2002 he worked as an advisor to the vice-chairman of the ChC ama beber r ofof DDepepututieiess ofof tthehe PPararliliamamenentt

fof thhe CCzech Republic. From 2002 to 2006 he was the legal advisor to the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic. From January 2007 to April 2008 he was the director of the defence ministers cabinet, and was the deputy defence minister and director of the Of ce of the Defence Ministry until May 2009. From October 2009 to May 2010 he served as the deputy general director of the Prisons Service of the Czech Republic for legal and judicial affairs. From March 2009 to July 2010 he worked as the assistant deputy chairman of the Superior Court in Prague for criminal cases. Until his appointment as the Minister of Transport in April 2011, he worked as state secretary and deputy minister of transport.


Strengthening the transport infrastructure is one of the mai

Documents

Prague Leaders Magazine 04/2011