Business News | All stories

CNB decides not to cut interest rates. Czech Telecom to offer internet television service. Czech Telecom to offer internet television service. RWE and E.ON to boost competition with series of asset swaps in Central. Environment Ministry controls volume of phosphates in washing powder with. Skoda Praha to build plant in Vietnam new decree Europe. Bang & Olufsen launches production at new plant in northern Moravia

In Business News: foreign direct investment to the Czech Republic reaches a record high of almost 11 billion US dollars; the Czech Republic lifts sanctions against Libya; tram-maker Skoda Transportation signs a partnership deal with a US company; shoe production in the Czech Republic hits an all-time low; a Czech-Mongolian mining company is to be sold off; and a new low-cast airline begins flying from Prague.

In Business News: new legislation should make bankruptcy proceedings run more smoothly, while a labour code approved this week has been dividing opinion; the OECD gives the Czech Republic advice on how to improve its economy; it seems the Czech Republic may renege on a pledge to increase the share of its power generated from renewable resources; digital broadcasting can now be received by a third of Czech households; and beer exports were up 17 percent last year.

In the business news this week: Czech foreign trade shows its first ever surplus, the Finance Ministry raises its GDP growth forecast as the crown hits a new high against the euro, the government promises almost 4 billion dollars in incentives and Plzensky Prazdroj records a significant increase in foreign sales.

Controversial businessman Frantisek Mrazek shot dead; Czech Republic protests Austria proposal on VAT levels; Czech Railways to seek some $700,000 from maker of Pendelino; Talks with South Korean carmaker Hyundai centre on domestic-parts guarantee, infrastructure; Deputies have approved a tougher conflict-of-interest bill; Cinema association says box-office sales fell 22 percent in 2005; Czech crown reaches another record high against the Euro

Bosnia-Herzegovina has chosen the Czech power utility CEZ for a $1.8bn joint venture; Skoda Export to develop multi-billion dollar India port complex; Record $2.8bn worth of mortgages signed in 2005; Cabinet approves 'renovation' loan subsidy for young couples; Leftover National Property Fund (FNM) money could go to build retirement homes; Czech Rep. may seek compensation over failed Pendolino high-speed trains; State-insurer VZP to cut chronic reimbursement delays by 'two weeks'

Social Democrat MP Kraus accused of corruption, gives up influential posts; Civic Democrat MP Dolezal resigns from Parliament over corruption charges; Record number of cars produced last year; CzechInvest helped secure a 'record' 154 investment projects in 2005; Czech currency reaches all-time high against the euro; Record number of self-employed foreigners noted in 2005; Unient Communications set to become first 'virtual' mobile operator

New head of Czech Airlines (CSA) is a noted restructuring and privatisation expert; Jiri Havel assumes role as Deputy PM for Economic Affairs; Prime Minister unveils half-time private/non-profit jobs scheme in Ostrava; Czech delegation heading to South Korea in hopes of sealing $1.2bn Hyundai deal; Parliamentary commission report on Unipetrol to find 'corrupt' only ex-aide to Prime Minister

In this week's Business news: a decision on whether to build a huge Hyundai car plant in Moravia has been postponed; over half the checks made on Christmas markets by the Czech Trade Inspectorate revealed shortcomings; three times more new coins are due to go into circulation next year than in 2005 - the final minting before adoption of the euro; and Czechs are expected to drink 3.5 million bottles of Czech "champagne" Bohemia Sekt on New Year's Eve.

In Business News: the National Bank governor warns the government's spending programme for 2006 could jeopardise plans to introduce the euro in 2010; the cabinet rejects an opposition plan to cut bureaucracy for small companies; employers will have to pay the first two weeks' sick pay; the Czech IT market grows by a tenth in 2005; and while over 5 percent of Czechs have broadband internet, plans for free WiFi in Prague meet opposition.