Is the state ready for crisis situations? We interviewed Pavel Švagr, Chairman of the State Material Reserves Administration, who established a transparent environment that contributed to the successful management of the COVID-19 crisis.
You are the central governing body of the state administration responsible for economic measures during emergencies and for managing state material reserves. What does that involve?
The State Material Reserves Administration (SMRA) is crucial in ensuring the state’s readiness for crisis situations. Our primary responsibility is to secure and manage the state material reserves, which include the stocks of materials and raw materials that the state can use during emergencies such as natural disasters, pandemics, or other crises. These reserves comprise food, fuel, medical supplies, and other essential commodities. Additionally, we oversee systems for economic measures during emergencies, coordinating and preparing actions to ensure the economy runs smoothly and key sectors function efficiently during crises. We also provide humanitarian assistance, such as in the context of the war in Ukraine. The effectiveness of our office is continually tested by crises, but it is important to note that our procurements are guided by the crisis plans of individual ministries and the funds allocated to us. Crisis preparedness inherently involves significant costs.
What role does your office play for the business community, and how do you interact with it?
The business community is a vital partner for us in securing emergency supplies and maintaining supply chains. The SMRA collaborates with numerous companies to obtain essential raw materials and supplies. Private companies also lend their expertise and capabilities during crises, enabling a more effective government response. Our collaboration extends beyond securing state reserves; it also includes crisis planning and coordination. Together with the business community, we assess risks and develop strategies to ensure market and supply stability even in unforeseen situations. This cooperation enhances the resilience of our country’s entire economic system.
Crisis management necessitates regular exercises and training to maintain preparedness. How do you ensure this readiness?
Preparing for crisis situations is a crucial aspect of our job. We regularly organise crisis simulations and exercises that primarily involve state institutions and municipalities. These exercises enable us to test our readiness to mobilise and deploy our reserves during a crisis. For example, this past May, we conducted the “RESOURCES 2024” exercise, which included participation from our team and representatives from various ministries, as well as the crisis staffs of the Vysočina and Liberec regions and the crisis staffs of unicipalities with extended competence, such as Nový Bor, Liberec, Moravské Budějovice, and Jihlava. In response to the current security situation, this year we practiced the functioning of our system under a state of national emergency and even a state of war for the first time. This involved collaboration with the Regional Military Command of the training regions. Regarding training, we offer courses not only for our employees but also for the entire public administration. These courses aim to familiarise participants with crisis legislation and specific procedures, ensuring they can respond swiftly and effectively to various types of crises.
Thank you for the interview.
