This is a publication that still smells of fresh printer's ink, written by experts in Czech-Chinese relations. It was created by the father-and-son team of Nebálks, who are united not only by family ties but also by their shared experience working at the legendary agricultural enterprise Slušovice and their long-term business ventures in the People's Republic of China. Therefore, it is fitting that this extraordinary book is titled "
Concise Scope, Powerful Content
In this paperback with over a hundred pages, the authors offer a perspective on the long-standing economic and friendly relations between Czechoslovakia, or rather the Czech Republic, and the People's Republic of China, based on their personal experiences from business trips and specific collaborations with Chinese partners. Moreover, the book introduces inquisitive readers to not only commercial activities and the presentation of Czech companies in China but also to the broader historical context of these relationships. A significant role is played by the story of the Sino-Czech-Slovak Friendship Farm Zhongjie, which was named as a gesture of gratitude for the assistance provided by Czechoslovakia to the People's Republic of China in the 1950s, when agricultural machinery that was then lacking in China was supplied.
This project has evolved over time, from an agricultural enterprise inspired by the model of the then JZD AK Slušovice to a modern industrial and development zone, reflecting the overall transformation of the Chinese economy.
Inspiration and Challenge
The book is written in a lively and engaging language, avoiding clichés and overly optimistic portrayals, and highlights the dynamic development of China in recent decades, its technological progress, and its ability to quickly innovate and adapt to new conditions. Through specific examples, it shows readers the differences in approaches to development, investment, and strategic planning, which can be both an inspiration and a challenge for the Czech Republic.
In addition to an interesting and informative preface and introduction, readers will find dozens of chapters, each more fascinating than the last. We mention just a few: Slušovice as an Inspiration for Reforms, The Zhongjie Friendship Farm, A Joint Venture in China, Conferences and Summits on Cooperation with China, or the 4th Sino-German-European Conference, and finally, a Study Trip to China and Initiatives from Recent Years. One interesting detail is the chapter about the Museum of Friendship with the Tree of Friendship, or the Delivery of Organs to China.
Another expert, Ing. Zdeněk Jandejsek, Csc., wrote the foreword.
In Summary
Karel Nedbálek and his son, Karel Nedbálek Jr., in their book, also describe their business trips to Hong Kong, Tianjin, Changshan, and Beijing. And in their extraordinary manuscript, they show the immense strides that China has made in the last seventy years. From a backward country, it has transformed into the second-largest economy in the world, with dominance in robotics and quantum computing.
Restoring friendly relations and economic cooperation with the People's Republic of China should be a priority for the citizens of the Czech Republic.
For example, how is it possible that in 2019, 700,000 Chinese tourists visited Prague, while today there are only a few hundred? How could this be, when in that year there were four direct air routes between China and Prague, whereas now there is probably only one operating…
Therefore, it's not surprising that at the end of their book, which should be in the library of anyone interested in economics and international relations, including journalists and political scientists, the authors state:
If the Czech Republic wants to succeed in a rapidly changing world, it should actively develop international partnerships, learn from successful models, and support innovative thinking and long-term development strategies.
Meet…
Doc. JUDr. Ing. Karel Nedbálek, PhD., MBA (born 1956) studied at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Technical University of Brno. After graduating, he worked as director of the company SAMBOX at JZD AK Slušovice. From 1990 to 1992, he was the general manager of DAK START TRENČÍN, the second-largest successor organization of JZD AK Slušovice. In 2002, he studied at the Faculty of Law of Comenius University in Bratislava.
He participated, among other things, in the management of the joint venture TANGSHAN-BROUMOV CLEANING MACHINERY in China. Currently, he is also an arbitrator at the Arbitration Court of the Chamber of Commerce and the Agrarian Chamber of the Czech Republic.
Mgr. Karel Nedbálek (born 1986) obtained a master's degree in law from Masaryk University in Brno. He served, among other things, on the supervisory board of an organ manufacturer in Krnov and oversaw the delivery of organs to the cathedral in the Chinese city of Tianjin. In Hong Kong, he presented a new Czech wine brand, Emperor Charles. He also has experience in legal practice.
In Slušovice, he once managed a branch of a reputable insolvency administrator. He lectures on civil and commercial law at Tomas Bata University in Zlín. He is a two-time Czech champion in judo, having won two third places in qualifying tournaments for the European Championships.
Ivan Černý