Asociace exportérů

The History of the Association of Exporters The Association of Exporters has been helping Czech exporters for 20 years. Its establishment dates back to 18 April 2002 when representatives of 40 signatory companies of the “Trutnov Call” (Trutnovská výzva) met in Trutnov. In addition to the entrepreneurs, the meeting was attended by the President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce – Dr. Zdeněk Somr. He supported the signatories’ opinion that the Trutnov Call was an autonomous initiative which would continue to act independently and without strong ties to professional associations and other organisations. The signatories discussed and adopted specific requirements, which would be advocated by a delegated eight-member team. Within a few days, the Trutnov Call was signed by 180 companies demanding that the government and the Czech National Bank (CNB) do something about the appreciation of the koruna. Several days later, the Czech National Bank cut the interest rates. The interest rate cut was the key requirement of the Trutnov Call. The entrepreneurs’ appreciation for the bank’s step was made even more profound by the fact that the political atmosphere was not in favour of such a solution. The sharp cut of rates by 0.5% signalled that the CNB understood the risks stemming from the rate that was stabilised in the short-term, but still overvalued by speculations. The signatories considered it crucial that government representatives and other politicians not undermine the effort of the central bank with their ill-considered statements. On the contrary, they wanted them to contribute to the creation of a stable economic environment. Therefore, they called on the government to discuss its intentions – especially those concerning the sale of state shares in privatised enterprises – with the bank. Gradually, the activities of the Association of Exporters have expanded. Its aim is to preserve and increase the competitiveness of Czech companies, especially ones focusing on export