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Information and communications technology to the Czech Republic
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(Last updated: 06 Feb 2008)
Trends and opportunities
The market
The ICT sector in the Czech Republic is following similar trends to those in other Western countries. Czech companies tend to apply new technologies fast, depending on their financial resources. There is rapid growth in Internet users (49 per cent) is driving the need for e-banking products.
The Czech Republic has the highest penetration of mobile phones throughout Central and Eastern European countries (105 per cent of the population). Liberalisation of telecommunications means a fully competitive environment, Czech authorities support this and are applying the principles of Open Network Provision.
Opportunities
Because of the turbulent nature of the ICT industry, development opportunities can change. The best current opportunities for Australian suppliers are:
- Innovative solutions in various types of information and communication technologies
- Facilities access control (biometric, etc)
- E-government products
- E-banking and e-commerce products
- CRM software
- Mobile applications
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Tariffs, regulations and customs
Import restrictions:
- Both hardware and software have to be certified
- Technical and promotional material is required to be in the Czech language
- Most duties are ad valorem (per cent), based on the GATT Valuation Code
- Most Favoured Nation rate applies to Australian goods
- Most imports are subject to rates of duty ranging from nil to 15 per cent, with average rate around 1.5 per cent
Industry standards
Imported electronic and electric equipment is subject to certification. In the Czech Republic there is a standard European power supply of 220V and 50 Hz. |
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Marketing your products and services
Market entry
These will vary according to product or service, however, the key steps are to identify and contact country based distributor and obtain appropriate certification.
When marketing your product or service in the Czech Republic it is advisable to:
- Visit the market regularly
- Identify local representation to be able to react on the industry trends
- Prepare supporting information and promotional materials
- Participate in major trade exhibitions, eg. Invex which serves as an entry point into Eastern Europe
E-commerce has already been established in the Czech Republic, and is used mostly by non-industrial consumers. As the situation in the Czech telecommunications sector further improves with affordable ISDN lines and better rates for Internet users, the volume of usage will grow and entity-to entity communication will help to establish export contacts.
At present we recommend that you look at exporting goods online as a secondary activity, not as your main selling strategy.
Distribution channels
Distribution channels vary according to product or service. Generally it is recommended that you work with a local distributor. |
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Contact details
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government’s trade and investment development agency, operating as a statutory agency within the Foreign Affairs and Trade portfolio.
Austrade assists Australian businesses contribute to national prosperity by succeeding in trade and investment, internationally, and promoting and supporting productive foreign investment into Australia.
Austrade:
- Delivers services that assist Australian businesses initiate, sustain and grow trade and outward investment.
- Promotes Australia as an inward investment destination and, with the States and Territories, supports the inflow of productive foreign direct investment.
- Administers the Export Market Development Grants scheme.
- Undertakes initiatives designed to improve community awareness of, and commitment to, international trade and investment.
- Provides advice to the Australian Government on its trade and investment development activities.
- Delivers consular, passport and other government services in designated overseas locations.
A list of Austrade offices (in alphabetical order of country) is available.
More information
For further information please contact Austrade on 13 28 78 or email info@austrade.gov.au |
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