R.Epstein
I’ve been in the CEE region for the past couple of weeks now currently finishing up a visit to Bratislava. I was in Prague for five days and now Bratislava for three. Tomorrow I board a boat for a cruise down the Danube to Budapest. Better than a train or renting a car, and since there are no flights, it’s the best way to go! In Budapest I’ve got a very busy schedule including a presenation on doing business in the US, of all things, the Export Club. Then it’s off to Warsaw to rendevous with my family who are already there before coming back to Paris and then home.
The trip so far has been fantastic. I’ve been reconnecting with old friends who are still living in the region as well as making new ones. The economies here are booming. Slovakia perhaps leading the pack as one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union. Many attribute the success to an across the board flat tax of 19% for business and individuals alike.
Prague is still one of the most amazingly beautiful cities I’ve ever seen. Walking the Old and New Towns as well as the Castle Districts was magical. I was transported back in time to 1992 when I first arrived there. It felt like I was in every building in the city, which may not be far from the truth as I was peddling our telecom service to anyone and everyone in the city.
It is great to be back. The beer, the architecture, the people. Incredible place. Still relatively inexpensive although nothing like it was in the early 90’s. And incredible opportunity abounds. In addition to reconnecting with old contact and making new ones, I am on assignment for two clients who are looking at the region for very different purposes. More on that in my next posting.
