events 2008

Ambassador Richard Graber at the 14th International Trade Fair of Student Companies

Ambassador Graber Congratulates Students for their Work and Creativity at the Trade Fair

March 13, 2008

Ambassador Graber participated at the opening ceremony of the 14th International Trade Fair of Student Companies, which belongs to the central European fair arranged by students, not professionals.  The main purpose of this event is to provide an opportunity for student companies to present their yearlong work to other Czech and international companies. Students offer their company’s fictional services, goods and products and close contracts with other firms or the public. 

During the opening remarks Ambassador Graber said: “One of the great traditions of American education is to give students hands-on experience in careers they are interested in.  Either through internships, volunteer efforts, or partnerships with businesses, research institutes or NGOs, American students are encouraged to ‘see’ or ‘feel’ what it is like to be a ‘professional’.  That you are engaged in such a program through your schools and with support of Czech businesses and the Czech ministry of education is truly a wonderful ‘best practice’.  Creativity and innovation start at an early age – look at Bill Gates! – so I look forward to hearing from Fair organizers which one of the teams’ ideas could actually be that seed that grows into a mighty tree for your country’s industry.  “ 

The Trade Fair takes place at the Vystaviste Exhibition Grounds. Last year about 170 student companies participated in the fair. The first Trade Fair was organized in the Czech Republic in 1994 by the student company Antre Ltd., established by students from the Business Academy (high school) Heroldovy Sady in Prague. Since 1998 Antre Ltd. has been cooperating with student companies from abroad.  The Fair was co-supported by the Czech Ministry of Education, Prague City Hall and U.S. Embassy Prague.

Please click here for a photo gallery from the event.