## CZECH CITIES & REGIONS PAVILION
Amongst the nearly 1900 exhibitors from 36 countries, the City of Prague made its mark – joining forces with other partners, the City was part of a pavilion called the Czech Cities & Regions in Hall A2 of the trade fair. The booth was designed by the Czech architecture and urban design studio CHYBIK + KRISTOF. Teaming up with other partners of the Czech Republic proved to be a superb move – the Czech pavilion enticed a plethora of potential investors and sparked a fruitful discussions.

### Presenting the Urban Future
The Czech pavilion provided a platform for the City of Prague, the City of Ostrava, Moravian-Silesian Region, and the Czech business and development agency CzechInvest, where the investors could ask questions to the representatives, discuss business, investments or any other future cooperation. Those inquiries regarding the Prague urban development were then answered by the team of the Deputy Mayor of the City of Prague, Petr Hlaváček. Besides the widely discussed transportation infrastructure projects of a new metro line and extensions of the tram lines, the City of Prague has been working on unblocking construction at multiple brownfield sites in the city. These sites provide an opportunity to develop real estate in between the currently existing structures – creating attractive investment opportunities. The Deputy Mayor emphasized the precious role of the city – identifying the potential investment, development, and construction opportunities whilst setting high-quality standards. 

### Discussions & Inspirations
During the three-day fair, the pavilion hosted events, debates and presentations, where different areas were discussed regarding the Czech real estate and urban development topics. 

#### Deputy Mayors Discussion
On Thursday, the Deputy Mayor of Prague, Petr Hlaváček, and the Deputy Mayor of Ostrava, Hana Tichánková, joined the stage in a debate and discussed the future plans for the Czech metropolises’ urban development.

#### Eva Jiřičná and Steven Holl on Upcoming Projects
Two prominent architects presented their projects that are changing the landscape of Czech cities. The Czech architect, Eva Jiřičná, spoke on the reconstruction of a multi-storied building, emphasizing that the building constructed in the 60s and 70s will be primarily reimagined and reconstructed, not demolished. In the same spirit, Steven Holl spoke on the reconstruction of a concert hall in Ostrava, building onto the shared value of sustainability in architecture.

## ABOUT EXPO REAL 
EXPO REAL Trade Fair has been held in Munich, Germany ever since 1998. It is the biggest trade fair for property and real estate investments in Europe, offering a platform for networking amongst cities, regions, private and public investors to join forces in great projects that have the potential of reshaping city landscapes, significantly improving the quality of life and moving towards a better future.
This year’s three-day EXPO REAL focused on sustainability, demographics, and digitalization. Whilst expanding on these topics to ensure a better real estate development and planning, the community is also faced with the current sign of the times – high inflation and the related high construction and land costs. These challenges, however, make the trade fair presence even more important – finding better, more efficient, and sustainable solutions in cooperation with diverse partners might be the answer


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The Future of Prague City Showcased at EXPO REAL

EXPO Real

The City of Prague is praised not only for its astonishing sights, galleries, and museums (placing **4th in the world in Museums Category**) but also for the development undergone during the pandemic. The city flexibly modified public spaces to accommodate the current requirements in order to maintain **a high standard of living** for its citizens. The city, traditionally rich in sights and culture, is now becoming **an enticing destination for international companies**, such as **Microsoft, Cisco** and **Oracle**, attracting plenty of expats and young talents.

In the **World’s Best Cities Report**, cities are ranked on business and education development, prosperity alongside with infrastructure, housing, culture and overall atmosphere of the area. 

Full report to be found at the [World's Best Cities Website](https://www.worldsbestcities.com/rankings/worlds-best-cities/).

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Prague Ranking 12th World’s Best City

Prague's dedication to sustainable urban development is evident in its strategic planning and policies, which encompass various aspects of sustainability. **Energy efficiency** stands as a crucial focus area, with the city implementing measures to reduce energy consumption and minimize its carbon footprint. Through investments in green technologies such as solar panels and efficient heating systems, Prague has made significant progress in adopting renewable energy sources and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

In addition to energy efficiency, Prague has also prioritized effective **waste management** and recycling programs. The city has implemented comprehensive waste management systems that encourage citizens to separate and recycle their waste responsibly. By doing so, Prague has not only reduced the amount of waste destined for landfills but has also fostered a culture of environmental responsibility among its residents.

Prague's commitment to **sustainable transportation** is evident in its efforts to enhance public transportation systems and promote eco-friendly mobility options. The city boasts a well-developed tram network, extensive bus routes, and a connected metro system, all of which contribute to reducing private car usage. These sustainable transportation initiatives have not only alleviated traffic congestion but have also mitigated air pollution, making Prague a more livable and environmentally friendly city.

One of the defining features of Prague is its abundant **green spaces**, which play a crucial role in the city's sustainability efforts. Parks, gardens, and urban forests are carefully maintained, providing residents with ample opportunities to connect with nature. These green spaces not only enhance the well-being of citizens but also support biodiversity and act as vital habitats for various plant and animal species.

Prague's ranking as the 10th most sustainable city in Europe underscores its commitment to creating a greener and more livable urban environment. The city's relentless pursuit of sustainability serves as an inspiration to other cities striving to implement environmentally conscious practices. As Prague continues to prioritize sustainability in the years to come, it is poised to further enhance its reputation as a model sustainable city, leading the way towards a more sustainable future for all.

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Prague ranks as the 10th most sustainable city in Europe

_"It was a very pleasant debate, although about unpleasant things. I assured Mayor Klitschko of the continued support of Prague, which is a partner city of Kyiv. And partners should help each other,"_ commented the Mayor of Prague, Bohuslav Svoboda, on the video call. "That is why we are accelerating the process of approving additional assistance to Kyiv, in the context of which Prague will donate medical supplies from the city's stocks worth over CZK 15 million,"_ he added. 

The donation was approved today by the Prague City Council and will be finally approved at the meeting of the Prague City Council on Thursday, 27 April 2023.

During the interview, Mayor Klitschko invited Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda to visit Kyiv; Prague Mayor accepted the offer while assuring Klitschko that the Czech capital will continue to stand by Kyiv. _"We will continue our support and assistance,"_ he said.

_"The Czech Republic is a country I feel many emotions towards. Prague and Kyiv have a lot in common. Not only do the two capitals have a right and left bank, connected by many bridges, but both are also home to hospitable people. I will be glad if you can see it for yourself,"_ said Mayor Vitali Klitschko of the invitation of Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda to Kyiv. _"We are stronger with you! Thank you again for the help from the Czech Republic and the city of Prague,"_ he added.

The conversation took place roughly three weeks after Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda met with Kyiv's First Deputy Mayor Mykola Povoroznyk in Prague, continuing a series of contacts between the leaders of the two capitals that have been taking place since the outbreak of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

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Prague Mayor spoke to Mayor Klitschko, who invited him to visit Kyiv

Prague is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The city boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant culture, but one of its most significant assets is its public transport system. Prague's public transport has been ranked highly in recent years, and it's no wonder why.

### 1. It's convenient
One of the most significant advantages of Prague's public transport is its convenience. The city has an extensive network of buses, trams, and metro lines that connect almost every corner of the city. With over 130 bus lines, 25 tram lines, and 3 metro lines, getting around Prague is a breeze. The transport system is also very well-integrated, meaning that it's easy to transfer from one mode of transport to another, making journeys even more convenient.

### 2. It's cheap
Prague's public transport is also very affordable. Compared to other major cities in Europe, the cost of a ticket in Prague is relatively low. The city operates on a zone-based ticketing system, which means that you pay according to the number of zones you travel through. A single ticket for one zone costs 24 CZK, which is roughly equivalent to one euro. A day pass that allows unlimited travel on all modes of transport costs 120 CZK, and a monthly pass costs 670 CZK. These prices are much lower than those in other European cities, making Prague's public transport very accessible to everyone. Prague's public transport system is also committed to inclusivity, with free travel available to elderly, disabled, and young passengers. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their age or physical abilities, can access the city's public transport network and enjoy all that Prague has to offer.

### 3. It's efficient
Speed is another significant advantage of Prague's public transport. The city's metro system is one of the fastest and most efficient in Europe, with trains running every few minutes. The tram system is also very efficient, with most trams running on dedicated tracks, making them less affected by traffic congestion. The bus system is also well-designed, with bus lanes and priority at traffic lights to ensure that buses can get around the city quickly.

### 4. It's green
Prague's public transport is also environmentally friendly. The city has made significant investments in recent years to reduce the environmental impact of its transport system. This includes the introduction of electric buses, trams, and metro trains, as well as the implementation of bike-sharing schemes and pedestrian zones. As a result, Prague's public transport is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to get around the city - more than half of Prague residents use public transport daily (in comparison with only 20% that use a car on a daily basis).

### 5. It's digitalised
Prague's public transport system has also embraced digitalization in recent years, making it even easier for commuters to navigate the city. The metro system now features a mobile signal, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout their journey. Online apps such as DPP Info provide real-time information on any delays or disruptions to services, enabling commuters to plan their journeys more effectively. Additionally, Lítačka, the city's transport card system, allows commuters to purchase tickets and coupons with just a few clicks on their smartphone, eliminating the need for cash or paper tickets. The Lítačka app also offers a journey planner feature, allowing passengers to easily search for the best transport connections to their desired destination. The digitalization of Prague's public transport system has made commuting in the city even more convenient and accessible to residents and visitors alike.

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Prague's public transport ranked second best in the world

During a meeting with Kyiv's First Deputy Mayor Mykola Povoroznyk, Mayor Svoboda expressed his ongoing support for the more than 120,000 refugees from Ukraine who remain in Prague. The meeting focused on the situation of refugees and the conflict in Ukraine, with Mayor Svoboda offering medical supplies worth more than CZK 15 million as a gift to Kyiv.

Prague's main focus now is on integrating Ukrainian refugees into society and providing assistance in the health, social and cultural fields. The Centre for Follow-up Support for Refugees from Ukraine (CNPUU), which remains under the city administration, serves this purpose.

Meanwhile, a four-member delegation from Kyoto, Japan - Prague's sister city since 1996 - visited the Czech capital. The delegation was welcomed by Mayor Svoboda, who emphasized the strong connections between the two cities, despite being thousands of kilometers apart. He cited the long and rich histories of both cities, as well as their mutual interests in areas such as the circular economy, energy savings, and water management.

Prague's relationship with Japan has been strengthened by recent visits abroad and the efforts of Councillor Daniel Mazur and committee chairs David Procházka and Jaromír Beránek. Thanks to this active relationship, a delegation from the Japanese twin city of Kyoto was welcomed to Prague as part of the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) programme. During their visit, the delegation showed particular interest in Prague's Climate Plan 2030, which was presented to them by Deputy Minister Jana Komrsková and Štěpán Kyjovský, Director of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Collaboration with cities from around the world is a top priority for Prague, and these exchanges with Kyoto serve as an example of the benefits of bilateral cooperation. Through these interactions, cities can share knowledge and expertise, and work together to tackle common challenges and pursue common goals. As Prague continues to strengthen its relationships with other cities, it will be better equipped to address the complex issues facing urban areas in the 21st century.

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From Kyoto to Kyiv: Prague Mayor demonstrates the benefits of working with partner cities

The report, which ranks cities and regions across Europe based on their potential for investment, growth, and business development, placed Prague in the top 10 of its overall ranking for mid-sized cities in Europe. Prague has been ranked third in the overall category of economic potential, which measures the city's attractiveness for foreign investment, economic growth, and business expansion. This ranking is based on factors such as the size of the city's economy, its growth potential, and its business environment. The Czech capital was recognized as the best city for business friendliness in its category, highlighting the ease of doing business in Prague.

One of the key factors that contributed to Prague's success in the report was its highly skilled workforce. The city has a large pool of talented professionals with expertise in a range of industries, including technology, finance, and engineering. Prague is also home to several prestigious universities, which provide businesses with access to the latest research and cutting-edge technologies.

Another strength of Prague is its central location within Europe. The city is well-connected to other major European cities by road, rail, and air, making it an attractive location for businesses that need to be able to reach other markets quickly and easily. Prague has also been investing in its transportation infrastructure, with major upgrades to its airport, public transportation systems, and highways. These improvements make it easier for businesses to move goods and people in and out of the city, and they help to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

In addition to its strategic location and highly skilled workforce, Prague has also been investing heavily in infrastructure and innovation. The city is home to several technology parks and innovation hubs, which provide a supportive environment for startups and established businesses alike. These hubs are designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, and they provide access to a range of resources and support services. Prague also has a large number of research and development centers, which attract foreign investors looking to tap into the Czech Republic's highly skilled talent pool. 

Overall, the latest European Cities and Regions of the Future 2023 report by fDi intelligence highlights the many strengths of Prague and the Prague region as a location for business and investment. With its highly skilled workforce, central location, supportive business environment, and strong infrastructure, Prague is well-positioned to continue its growth and attract new businesses and investors in the future. 

National Theatre in Prague

Prague ranked as one of Europe’s most appealing FDI destinations

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