“Since it became a independent state in 1993, The Czech Republic has continuously strengthened and developed a good relationship with Vietnam,” Czech President Václav Klaus stressed the traditional bilateral relationship during his four-day visit to Vietnam from September 29 to October 3, 2006.
The accompanying of more than 20 companies, including three giant financial groups, in the President Václav Klaus’ visit has reflected the interest of Czech business circle in the relationship development with Vietnam.
Over the past decade, the commercial and investment relations of the two countries have been strongly developed. The Czech Republic is a unique Eastern European country in that it provides official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam. Since 1994, The Czech Republic sponsored some US$18 million, mainly for vocational training, healthcare, flood relief and disabled children assistance. This year, via the European Union (EU), THe Czech Republic pledged to aid Vietnam with US$200,000 to prevent avian influenza.
In trade, the two-way trade revenues were only US$41.6 million in 1997 but jumped to US$111 million in 2005, including US$92 million export earnings of Vietnam, which mainly ships garments, textiles, footwear, handicraft, foodstuff, coffee, timber, and wooden products and seafood.
In investment, The Czech Republic ranked the 36th out of 74 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. As of 2005, it invested US$36 million in Vietnam with the largest project being the Kaolin screening project valued US$32 million in Quang Binh Province. The Czech Republic mainly invests in glass, beer, electrical equipment, kaolin and construction materials. Energy, transportation and mechanics are highlighted for the future cooperation of the two countries.
During its four-day visit to Vietnam, the Czech business delegation has met and worked with many Vietnamese corporations. They inked important documents with the Electricity of Vietnam, Vietnam Cement Corporation and Vietnam Coal Corporation. They also visited a large hospital construction project in Haiphong.
Jaroslav Hanák, Vice Chairman of the Czech Industry and Transport Association, said The Czech Republic is strong at machinery, equipment, electronics parts, chemical, pharmaceutical, garment accessories, glass, milk and dairy products; hence, his country want to cooperated with Vietnam in metallurgy, construction, construction material, transportation and mechanical manufacturing. At the same time, it is also very keen on Vietnamese consumer goods. Many household products like lighting devices and electronics are holding the top position in Czech.
“Together with new opportunities when Vietnam becomes the full member of the WTO, the visit of President Vaclav Klauswill be a driving force to boost up the potential cooperative relationship of the two countries and mark a new era in cooperation between Vietnam and Czech in the 21st century,” Deputy Minster of Trade Le Danh Vinh emphasised at the Vietnam-Czech Business Forum under the framework of the visit.
Thu Huyen
Vietnamese
