Australian institutions look to lure English-language learners The endless sunshine of Sydney’s Manly Beach, the rustic allure of Byron Bay, weekend trips into the countryside – there are few countries with a lifestyle that seems as appealing as that of Australia. Like other English-speaking countries – and, increasingly, like some countries where English is not… Keep Reading
Company under pressure as its problems in the Balkans start to spread On the heels of street protests and denunciations from politicians, ČEZ saw its spiraling crisis in Bulgaria come to a head Feb. 19 when the government there removed the company’s electricity distribution license. The authorities took the license away over alleged breaches of… Keep Reading
Czech firm disappointed, but experts say legal costs are worthwhile investment Budějovický Budvar has indicated it may appeal after suffering a setback in the latest ruling in its century-long legal dispute with an American rival, following a European Union court’s decision that it did not deserve sole rights over the Bud name in the 27-member… Keep Reading
Interpreters on hand for visitors from world’s most populous nation Zlata Chrastinová has no doubt which group of tourists is spending most at the Erpet Bohemia Crystal store she manages near Prague’s Old Town Square. “The Chinese are definitely No. 1,” she says. “This year [compared] with last year we see [their spending] has increased… Keep Reading
Presidential election law leaves holes in the rules of campaign funding As the first-ever direct presidential election in the Czech Republic draws closer, now just two months away, and the list of candidates is whittled down to a handful of names, those still in the race are increasingly competing against each other to court powerful… Keep Reading
Imagine a world without cash. There would be no more coins weighing down your purse or wallet and certainly no more visits to the ATM. That scenario seems a long way off, but some inside the banking industry are hoping prepaid cards will be the solution to a cashless future. The cards, which have been… Keep Reading
Banks look to new mobile technologies to spruce up their services A new wave of mobile technologies, like the Czech National Bank’s “Money” application, above, is facilitating local customer payments via payments via smart-phone and tablet apps.. As Prague becomes ever more accustomed to the sight of iPads, iPhones and other similar gadgets in the… Keep Reading
Medics, officials enjoyed ski trips and sightseeing excursions to Australia Hundreds of Czech doctors, pharmacists and government officials have been implicated in a global bribery scandal involving the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, while another international drug company has acknowledged it collaborates with most of the members of the National Immunization Commission, the body that determines which… Keep Reading
KPMG says complacency could turn into a ‘ticking time bomb’ for banks Many banks have been struggling just to survive the past few years, and a recent study shows while management is redirecting the bulk of attention and resources to propping up its institutions, focus on preventing money laundering is slipping, even as it remains… Keep Reading
Amendment is a ‘major leap forward’ in fight against graft Anti-corruption campaigners are lauding an amendment to the law on public procurements that took effect April 1, and though most agree the changes represent an important step in combating graft and the wasting of public funds, some ministers have warned they will pile on extra… Keep Reading
