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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Czech Republic PM says his visit can be a 'new start' for business ties with PH

Czech Republic PM says his visit can be a 'new start' for business ties with PH

Published Apr 17, 2023 11:38 am
The two-day visit of Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala to the Philippines could be a “new start” of “successful cooperation” between Philippine and Czech companies, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Monday, April 17. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomes Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala in Malacañang. (Noel Pabalate/MANILA BULLETIN)
Known for its high-tech engineering, electronics, and transportation equipment, Czech Republic is eyeing the Philippines because it is “a rapidly growing economy.” “We talked about areas where our countries should cooperate more. I have delegation of Czech businessmen with me here in Philippines. We hope that our visit will be a new start for successful cooperation between our companies,” Fiala said after his bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Malacañang Palace. The Prime Minister took pride in the expertise of Czech companies, which he stressed can offer solutions in “many fields,” such as agriculture, aviation, transportation, and space technologies. He noted also that defense and security cooperation are “very important in our relations,” citing Czech company Česká zbrojovka’s offer of “extensive modernization” to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Aside from the defense industry, Czech Republic is also interested in the country’s agricultural sector. Fiala said that Czech companies provide technological assistance and expertise to the Philippine National Dairy Authority and they “can also offer technologies for storing raw milk and its processing.” Fiala is currently in Manila for a two-day visit until Tuesday, April 18, to boost the bilateral ties between the two countries, which will observe the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations on Oct. 5 this year. He also took to Twitter to share his activities on his first full day in Manila. “The Business Forum in Manila is a great opportunity to network with over 100 representatives of Czech and Philippine companies,” he wrote. “The Philippines is a rapidly growing economy and I am glad that Czech companies are and will be operating here in many areas,” the Prime Minister added. He identified the defense industry, aviation, or transport as some of the areas that the Philippines and Czech Republic can partner. Fiala said that the business ties between the two countries have a “long tradition,” citing the opening of Bata stores by Tomáš Baťa in the 1930s. Bata, a shoe store, can be found in several malls and department stores in Metro Manila.

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