The 66th International Engineering Fair marked by the transformation of industry - photo gallery part 1, pavilions G1, V, P

Digitalisation, Automation and Human Collaboration – The Main Messages of This Year's MSV in Brno

This year's trade fair took place at a time when traditional industries are undergoing a pivotal transformation and opening up new opportunities. “Digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence, energy transformation – these are all topics that are fundamentally changing the face of industry and, with it, our everyday lives. But even with all this technological progress, one thing remains unchanged. What matters most is born of human collaboration. Technology is merely a tool, but we ourselves are always the driving force behind change, and that is why MSV is so unique. At its heart are not machines, but people who create, invent, take risks and invest,” said Jan Kubata, CEO of Veletrhy Brno, assessing the role of this year's event.

The trade fair also took place during a change in political leadership following the parliamentary elections, and its proceedings clearly confirmed that MSV is an event that stands above the current political debate: “It is a platform for innovation, collaboration and finding solutions that move Czech industry forward. I am very grateful that, regardless of our political views, we all recognise the crucial role MSV plays in our country's prosperity,” Kubata concluded.

Dialogue on the Future of Czech Industry

As is traditional, the first day was marked by meetings between key figures in Czech industry, including political leaders and representatives of unions, associations and chambers. Guests included President of the Senate of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Miloš Vystrčil, Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček, Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Karel Havlíček, President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic Jan Rafaj and President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce Zdeněk Zajíček. The Assembly of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic also took place, setting tasks for the incoming government. Among the guests were President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová. An unusual feature was the active participation of representatives of the industry and trade portfolio from both the outgoing and incoming governments.

Second from the left, President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel

Energy was an important topic at this year's MSV. The exhibition grounds hosted the first-ever forum of the new Czech Energy Association. The main topic was the transformation of the Czech energy sector, specifically its transition to a more sustainable, low-emission model in a way that would also prevent overly rapid developments and continuously ensure the stability, reliability and security of energy supplies. Participants in the panel discussions representing the energy sector included ČEZ, EPH, Sev.en, innogy, Pražská plynárenská, ČEPS, Veolia Energie ČR and E.ON. Industry was represented by Třinecké železárny, Wienerberger, Siemens Energy and Doosan Škoda Power. All companies were represented at the highest level, primarily by their CEOs.

The Trade Fair's International Dimension Paved the Way for New Contracts

This year's event was attended by exhibiting companies and business delegations from 40 countries around the world. Ten countries opened official exhibits supported by their governments or export promotion organisations: Slovakia, Austria, France, Poland, Hungary, China, India, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Japan. Interest from the USA deserves special mention. A delegation from the US state of Georgia travelled to the trade fair, where the state also had a stand for networking with representatives of state and local government. The delegation included experts in supporting entry into the US market, doing business in the USA and technology development.

The visit from South Korea was no less significant. The delegation included 15 buyers, and during the visit organised by CzechTrade, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between Veletrhy Brno and the Korean import promotion organisation KOIMA (Korea Importers Association). Other CzechTrade activities worth mentioning include the traditional Meeting Point – a consultation meeting with twenty directors of its foreign offices – as well as an extensive accompanying programme supporting Czech exports.

Second Part of the Photo Gallery »