On 23 April, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to China, Mr. Martin Tomčo, accompanied by the Economic Diplomat, Mr. Adam Kupka, met in Zhengzhou with representatives of the provincial government, including the Director‑General of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Henan Province, Mr. Liang Jieyi, followed by meetings with representatives of selected companies, primarily from the aviation sector.

The main focus of the talks with provincial representatives was on concrete projects for potential business cooperation. Zhengzhou, as one of the key logistics hubs in central China, offers significant opportunities, particularly in aviation. In addition to air cargo, the city is also focusing on the development of sport and general aviation, including aircraft weighing up to 400 kilograms.

A strong reference for Czech industry in the region is the already installed passive surveillance system produced by the Czech company ERA at the local airport, which was repeatedly mentioned during the meetings as an example of successful technological cooperation.

The Director of China Henan Aviation Group, Mr. Zhang Minchao, expressed interest in establishing an air cargo connection between Zhengzhou Airport and airports in the Czech Republic. Special attention was given to Ostrava Airport, which has long been strongly positioned in the cargo segment. The discussions also covered possible cooperation involving Czech aircraft, particularly in sport aviation, pilot training, and the so‑called low‑altitude economy, including the use of drones.

A follow‑up meeting with the cargo air carrier Air Central, which among other routes operates a regular service to Budapest, focused on specific options for logistical connectivity between the Czech Republic and China.

Beyond business‑related topics, representatives of Henan Province also expressed interest in renewing communication at the sub‑national level. Another potential area for development is museum cooperation, as the Henan Museum ranks among the three most important museums in China. Given that the Yellow River flows through the province, interest was also expressed in international cooperation in river basin protection and water management.

Henan is a dynamically growing manufacturing center, creating attractive opportunities for Czech companies operating in mechanical engineering, particularly in segments involving large‑scale and heavy equipment. In the field of research and development, opportunities were identified for Czech electron microscopes, which have long been among the successful Czech export products on the Chinese market.

The rapid development of urban infrastructure, including the construction of new hotels, representative premises, and hospitals, is generating further opportunities. Design companies can build on the strong reputation of Czech crystal glass, while healthcare facilities represent potential for Czech firms in the field of medical technology and healthcare products.