Jozef Síkela

Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic

Dear visitors,

EXPO exhibitions attract the attention of the professional as well as public spheres from countries all around the world. Therefore, they represent an important opportunity for participants not only to be seen but also to establish relations and cooperation from which all kinds of synergies can emerge. However, let us not forget the main motive for organizing EXPO is to come up with possible solutions for global problems and responses to today's challenges, such as urbanization and city life. The City For The Future project began with the question of whether the Czech Republic is able to offer any comprehensive approach to smart and sustainable cities. After two years of preparations under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the CzechTrade agency, we already know that this is indeed one of the strengths of our country, which may constitute an important instrument for the development of relations with foreign countries.

Although EXPO tempts into designing grandiose concepts, our Ministry focused on presenting visionary but still very concrete and tangible solutions, because more important than having an idea is to be able to implement it. Thus, on the video visit of the City For The Future, you will find specific companies, brands, products and services that can improve cities now or in the very near future. I believe that with this concept we will intrigue partners not only in the United Arab Emirates, but also in other countries in which the City For The Future roadshow will make a stop.