Jitka Haubová: ICC calls on governments for pragmatism and de-escalationWe want trade based on rules, not power pressure

“At the international level, the ICC in Paris is intensively engaged in issues related to the introduction of tariff measures that have been announced and presented by the new US administration – and thus the very real risk that these measures could trigger a harmful global trade war.” We spoke with Jitka Haubová, Chairwoman of the National Committee of the ICC Czech Republic and member of the International Chamber of Commerce’s top management, who has just returned from the ICC headquarters in Paris.

How is the ICC currently helping companies navigate and overcome this very difficult period?

ICC Secretary General John Denton has led an extensive media campaign, appearing on CNBC, BBC, FT, Reuters and the Daily Telegraph. Our main message has been constructive – we have called on governments to prioritize negotiation and de-escalation wherever possible. We have also warned about the predictable negative impact of any tariff increases on the US economy, as well as the risks of a shift from rule-based trade to coercion. A task force has been established to monitor the rapidly evolving situation and to help calibrate the ICC’s response and engagement as needed. In the coming months, we will undoubtedly have a very important role to play in presenting pragmatic and data-driven solutions.

Other key focus areas include the digitalization of documents in international trade, the digital flow and archiving of documents and online interconnection of supply chains. A related topic is cybersecurity, as a protection against the growing threats by organized crime groups. Being part of major international institutions, the ICC has the opportunity to influence these policies.

What have you achieved in the past year within ICC Czech Republic? What are you personally most proud of?

I am glad that after a long time, ICC Czech Republic has achieved balanced finances, which also reflects the trust of our clients. In terms of supporting Czech companies, I would like to highlight our expert seminars and regional meetings. Our seminars focused on the Incoterms 2020 rules remain very popular, providing companies with practical knowledge for the effective management of international trade operations. We also organize regional meetings, where you can get in-depth insights into specific markets and opportunities in various regions. We are also actively engaging with state administration authorities to submit proposals for regulatory changes. In short, we continue to do everything we can to support companies and have their backs.

You mentioned Incoterms rules. So far, they have evolved rather slowly and gradually. Do you think the current turbulence in international trade relations will have impact on their content and revision frequency?

Absolutely. Current global challenges, including trade wars, pandemics, regulatory shifts and technological advancements, may lead to faster and more fundamental changes to the Incoterms rules. For example, current geopolitical tensions and changes in trade policies may require adjustments in how risk and cost responsibilities are defined between buyers and sellers. Similarly, technological advances in logistics and transportation could lead to new ways in which goods are transported and tracked, which may also be reflected in future versions of Incoterms.

In December, ICC Czech Republic published the Company Stability Index, which showed that despite all the economic challenges, the vast majority of Czech businesses are still able to meet their obligations. Can you tell us more about this unique tool? What is its purpose and how often will it be updated?

The Company Stability Index provides particularly valuable insights for foreign trade partners and investors regarding the stability and reliability of Czech companies. We plan to update it regularly to reflect the current situation and provide businesses and their partners with relevant data for decision-making.

You mentioned that ICC Czech Republic organizes a number of specialized events for company representatives. Can you introduce some of them to TRADE NEWS readers?

This spring, we are hosting two very interesting events, to which we would like to invite your readers. First, it is the very popular Prague Arbitration Day, which will take place on 6th March in Prague. Experts from Europe and the US will discuss modern arbitration and alternative effective dispute resolution. Next, ICC Czech The Antitrust is a conference focusing on current competition law issues, taking place in Prague on 24th April. It will provide company representatives with key insights into compliance with antitrust rules and into preventing risks associated with violating these regulations. Last year, our conference on digitalization in transport documentation was a great success. We will continue to address modern trends in document digitalization in logistics and trade this year as well.

Last but not least, I would like to recommend to your readers our newsletter focused on current ESG issues in the world of business. It provides companies with up-to-date insights on sustainability trends, including sustainability-linked loans and other fast-evolving legal topics. This bulletin helps businesses navigate ESG issues and implement sustainable practices into their operations.

Jitka Haubová was interviewed by Jana Jenšíková

Photo credits: Jitka Haubová