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As work sites slowly start to reopen, CFOs are optimistic they can keep their customers and employees safe - PwC survey
As work sites slowly start to reopen, CFOs are optimistic they can keep their customers and employees safe - PwC survey
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to slowly lift in some countries while others remain in lockdown, PwC’s latest COVID-19 CFO Pulse reveals a sense of optimism among finance leaders about their companies’ ability to reopen safely. Seventy-five percent of CFOs feel very confident they can meet customers’ safety expectations, and 70% are very confident they can provide a safe working environment for employees.
The survey of 867 CFOs in 24 countries and territories also found that about half (49%) of CFOs are considering making remote work a permanent option where feasible, and 48% are looking at accelerating automation and other ways of working.
Significant increase in wage required for Blue card holders
Blue Card is a residence permit in the Czech Republic intended for highly qualified employees from the countries outside the EU. One of the basic requirements is a certain amount of wage, which must be at least 1.5 times the average gross wage in the Czech Republic. From 1 May 2020, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced a significant increase in this amount to CZK 51,188 per month, which is a difference of around CZK 3,500 compared to last year.
Very high bar for renewal of FX floor
The Czech koruna weakened materially yesterday after CNB comments that it’s contemplated FX floor as one possible easing measure, should it be necessary. Here we answer some of the key questions surrounding such a move. The bottom line is that we see CZK reaction/fall as exaggerated, as the bar for FX floor renewal is very high
Inflation continues subsiding mainly due to oil prices
In April, inflation decelerated further. Once again, the prices of fuel were lower, in particular. Prices of food were up. The decline of inflation will probably continue.
AmCham Rescue and Recovery of International Tourism Proposal
Tourism has been decimated by the spread of the coronavirus and then stopped by the government restrictions needed to contain the virus. If the international tourism infrastructure in Prague is too damaged by bankruptcies, the ability of the city and country to recover after the virus is suppressed could extend for years instead of months. That is why we propose special measures aimed at supporting the country’s essential international tourism infrastructure.
Strategic Directions for Czech Economic Policy
- Transition to High-Tech Manufacturing and Exports
- The City Campus as Idea Factory
- Government Programs and Processes That Drive Innovation
- Government as a Competitive Advantage, including Digitization
Advocacy Priorities for 2023
Technology, People, Infrastructure
Actions Recommended in Areas:
1. Establishing Policy Objectives for Research.
2. Research Investment and Cooperation. Big Bets (Key Technology Projects).
3. Establishing Databases for Tracking Public Policy Outcomes.
4. Public Procurement as an Innovation Tool.
5. Immigration of STEM Talents.
6. Digitization of Immigration.
7. Adult Reskilling and Upskilling.
8. Digitization of Land Use.
9. Infrastructure Development, including Technology Parks.
Read the documents in English and Czech.
Policy pipeline
In Policy Pipeline policy developments in the Czech Republic and abroad are monitored to bring better understanding of current topics and trends.