Czech Exporters Demonstrate Exceptional Resilience and an Innovative Approach
This year, RESPECT took part in evaluating the most successful Czech exporters in the prestigious Czech Export Awards (Ocenění Českých Exportérů – OCE) competition. The contest, organized for the fifth year by the Helas Business Platform under the leadership of Helena Kohoutová, aims to support and recognize prosperous Czech companies that are successfully expanding into international markets.
Jan Váňa, Director of Credit Insurance at RESPECT, was a member of the expert jury that evaluated 104 finalists out of a total of 146 registered companies.
“Czech export companies have once again confirmed their ability to succeed even under challenging global market conditions. In today’s turbulent world full of unexpected events, it is essential for exporters to have properly structured risk management, including a high-quality insurance program. As insurance brokers, we appreciate their professional approach to risk management and their ability to adapt to changing conditions,” says Jan Váňa.
Among the awarded companies were UNICO MODULAR, which won in the category of large companies, and Svatavské strojírny, which ranked first among medium-sized enterprises. In the category of small companies, the winner was mapcards.net.
Quality insurance is essential for exporters, as they must face a number of specific risks—from transport and political risks to currency and payment risks. “Our long-term experience shows that successful export companies devote significant attention to risk prevention and management. Properly structured insurance is a key tool that enables them to confidently expand into new markets and focus on business development,” explains Jan Váňa.
This year’s competition once again demonstrated the strength of Czech exporters. The companies that reached the final round employ more than 17,000 people, and their total turnover reached nearly CZK 160 billion. Interestingly, 75 family businesses were among the participants. The winners were selected not only based on economic results, but also on their story and approach to business.
Special recognition was also given in additional categories. WAREX received the Responsible Business Award, Phonexia won in the Greatest Potential category, and RCE Systems received the title Export Hero.
The OCE competition—held for the first time this year under the auspices of the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade—recognizes successful Czech exporters across several categories based on company size as well as in special categories. As a partner of the project, RESPECT has long supported Czech exports through specialized insurance solutions and risk management advisory services.