By Monsi A. Serrano
It was a short but meaningful visit for the Czech Republic’s Prime Minister His Excellency Petr Fiala as he graced the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Manila’s Czech Industry Forum 2023, on April 17, 2023, at the Raffles Fairmont Makati.
The said business forum which the Czech Embassy spearheaded under the tutelage of Her Excellency Jana Šedivá in partnership with the Czech Chamber of Commerce, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. One of the highlights of the historical visit of Prime Minister Fiala was when he personally opened the business forum that was attended by over 100 participants from various industries. PM Fiala was joined by Vladimír Dlouhý, the President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking to the country’s top business leaders and representatives from different institutions, the Czech Prime Minister shared his observation about the Philippines, “The Philippines is a rapidly growing economy with an impressive GDP rate, a dynamic workforce, and ambitious modernization programs. While Czechia is known for its advanced manufacturing industry, cutting-edge technology, and innovative solutions.” You can find the best of both countries right here at this forum, let’s combine them together”, he said.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President, George Barcelon, who was also present and relayed a few words on underlining the growing importance of PH-EU ties expounded on where the Czech Republic and the Philippines can synergize.
“Agriculture, defense, transportation, mining, and energy, among many others are industry strengths of the Philippines. It is important to remain consistent in renewing opportunities in trade and investment, especially between the Philippines and the Czech Republic”, Barcelon pointed out.
For Czech Chamber of Commerce (CCC) President Vladimír Dlouhý, he reaffirms their chamber’s eagerness to establish more partnerships with companies from the Philippines as the country continues to exhibit a good economic image, credit rating, and foreign direct investments.
Both PCCI and CCC signed into agreement their Memorandum of Understanding as well during the forum. It serves as a huge step toward enhancing trade and economic relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic. TESLA Technologies CEO Mr. Petr Matějček, Smart Citi Teknologi CEO Mr. Mario Marcos, also sealed the deals and shook hands during the ceremonial signing.
The other companies, who are also part of the business delegation from the Czech Republic include, Colt CZ Group SE, Czech Export Bank, EGAP, EGT Express CZ, Excalibur International, IQS Group, Omnipol, Phonexia, Petrof, PPF, ŽĎAS, AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE, Excalibur Army, and Rescue Trailer.
After the programme, the attendees took the time to introduce and network between business to business in search of possible connections. The conference also served as a platform for representatives from the government, chambers, and business leaders from defense and security, banking and finance, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare industries to discuss new trends and opportunities for both countries that may arise as the year unfolds.
Meanwhile, Czech Ambassador Jana Šedivá, speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS hopes that the visit of the Czech Republic’s Prime Minister an initiative of the Czech Embassy in Manila will continue to deepen the relationship between the Philippines and the Czech Republic and the business forum would spur more investments, people to people and also tourism exchange.
“This year the Czech Republic and the Philippines are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. We will always cherish your friendship, and as you know very well, the “Czech connect” with the Philippines is longer than our diplomatic relations because two great men from your country and my country, Dr. Jose Rizal and Czech Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt, respectively, had been very good friends and it is just proper that we Czech and Filipinos, make this friendship continue the way Dr. Rizal and Professor Blumentritt forged their friendship together,” Ambassador Šedivá concluded.