"Exports are key to the growth of the Czech economy, and India has great potential for us in this regard. In order to open the door to new opportunities for our companies I participated in a number of meetings with India’s government counterparts and opened several business events that promote cooperation between Czech and Indian businesses," says Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela, adding: "Just last year our exports reached a record level of 985 million USD and we expect it to be even higher this year. I see great potential especially in the field of energy, information technology, transport and services. I believe that thanks to new contacts, our companies will find new reliable partners and successfully establish themselves on this market."

Czech companies have been operating in India for decades and have their production facilities established here. Czech industry has excellent references on the local market, especially in the automotive industry, the railway sector, the defence and aerospace industries. At the same time, Indian companies are active on the Czech market in areas such as ICT, the pharmaceutical industry, the textile industry, etc.

"Given the growth of Indian civil aviation sector and the presence of Czech companies such as ELDIS and PBS in India, there is potential for further cooperation in technology supplies or airport modernization. The opening of a direct air connection between Prague and Delhi and the Indian pilot training project by the F AIR company represent other opportunities for cooperation," says Minister Síkela, adding: "With the Škoda Auto production plants in India and the new logistics center in Pune, there is room for further development and expansion in the automotive sector. There are also opportunities for Czech companies in the field of cooling, pumping and energy, such as FANS, Sigma Group, Energo Pro and Doosan Škoda Power, both in India and within the framework of cooperation in third markets."

"Although the Indian market is challenging, it presents many opportunities for our companies. Aviation, defence, energy, information technology and renewable energy sources are all areas where Czech companies can succeed. Indian partners are interested in original, innovative and advanced technologies or systems. Historically, Czech and Czechoslovak companies have a good name and sound in India," says Radek Špicar, vice-president of the Confederation of Czech Industry, who led the Czech business delegation.

During the five-day trip, Minister Síkela held talks with the Indian Minister of Trade and Industry, the Minister of Civil Aviation, the Minister of Road Transport and Highways, the Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as representatives of important Indian companies. Czech companies from the sectors of engineering, information technology, defence or petrochemicals took part in the trip. As part of the official program, the 12th session of the intergovernmental Czech-Indian joint commission was held in Delhi on December 5th chaired by the Director-General of the Economic Section of the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade Mr. Petr Doškář together with the Commerce Secretary Mr. Sunil Barthwal on behalf of the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry. During the meeting, current business cases of Czech companies on the Indian market were discussed and a plan of activities to support bilateral and multilateral relations for the next period was agreed upon.

Source of text and photos: MIT CR