Brno holds title of City of the Future

BRNO was recognized as the Central European City of the Future at the real-estate trade fair in Cannes. Following its victory in the Visegrad category of the European Cities and Regions of the Future competition, this marks the South Moravian metropolis’s second international award. The subject of the assessment in Cannes consisted in the economic potential of individual cities and regions, cost level, human resources, telecommunications, transport, quality of life and promotion targeted at foreign investors.

21.03.2006

The prize was presented to Deputy Mayor Miroslav Hošek at the MIPIM trade fair. “This victory proves that Brno is on the right path, offering its projects to renowned foreign and domestic firms, and has gained greater prestige and attractiveness in the eyes of new investors” said Mr. Hošek. Evidence of this is seen in the departure of a delegation of representatives of the city of Brno, CzechInvest and Brno universities to Japan, where they have the task of gaining new investors for the city. The delegation departed on Saturday, March 25, and will visit a total of four Japanese cities - Osaka, Nagasaki, Hiroshima and Yokohama. A key issue will be the possibilities of a new technology park in whose construction the Japanese side wants to participate in Brno.

It’s about strategy
The assessment report revealed that a range of factors contributed to Brno’s results. In addition to rapid economic growth and the high level of per capita GDP, the city’s development strategy, investment incentives and public investment projects also played a role. Another significant factor was the creation of conditions for investors in the city. This can be attributed especially to two industrial zones, Černovická Terrace and Czech Technology Park. Information technologies and telecommunications also contributed to Brno’s primacy.

Foreign investment
In recent years Brno has attracted foreign investors to its industrial zones. Such firms as Honeywell, Daikin Industries, Aguna, Daido Metal and Ohmori have located their operations there. Brno achieved its prize-worthiness only gradually. An important date is 1991, when the city became a stop for Euro City trains on the Vienna-Prague line. That same year, Design center of the CR also appeared here. Currently, the city authorities are focusing their efforts on completing the renovation of the Špilberk castle.

Regional Edition | Mladá fronta DNES – Brno
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Title: Brno holds title of City of the Future
Author: ČTK - JAN TOMANDL
Section: Metro Page: 2
Edition: Moravia
Publication date: 21 March 2006
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