SOMALIA - The new Czech-Somalia Chamber of Trade & Commerce held its first press conference last month to announce the finalization of several projects designed to help rebuild Somalia's infrastructure, including the purchase of field hospitals. The chamber's mission is to provide broad-ranging support to companies and individuals interested in doing business in Somalia.

POWER - State-run power company CEZ announced Oct. 31 that its year-on-year net profit increased 94 percent to 13.4 billion Kc in the third quarter. The company revised its annual net profit forecast to 16 billion Kc from 15.2 billion Kc.

RESEARCH - The country more than doubled spending on science and research over the last 10 years, with expenditures reaching 35.1 billion Kc in 2004, the Czech Statistical Office said Oct. 31. The figure represents 1.27 percent of gross domestic product, or 0.65 percentage points below the European average.

PROFIT - Dominant fixed-line provider Cesky´ Telecom surprised analysts with an announcement that net earnings increased 6.5 percent to 4.8 billion Kc in the first three quarters of the year. Consolidated revenues fell 2.9 percent to 45.2 billion Kc, following market expectations.

AIRLINE - Czech Airlines started offering more flights to Eastern Europe Oct. 30. The airline, which offers flights to 117 destinations in 50 countries, expects to accommodate more than 5 million passengers this year, up from last year's record high of 4.34 million.

SALES - Sparkling-wine maker Soare Sekt saw year-on-year sales increase 9 percent to 509 million Kc ($21 million) as of June 30. The company, which is the country's second largest sparkling-wine maker, is planning to expand operations. It recently invested 30 million Kc to improve its production capacity.