Czech prime minister stresses cooperation with China on aviation,industry and finance

Before Chinese President Xi Jinping kicks off his historic visit to Czech Republic, Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka accepted a written interview by People’s Daily on Sino-Czech relations. 

The following is the transcript of Q &A.

1. How would you evaluate the current relationship between the People’s Republic of China and the Czech Republic? What is, in your opinion, the most promising development? What are the factors that strengthen this development?

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) represents an important commercial partner for the Czech Republic and it is only natural that my government strives to deepen ties with your country. We have been intensively working on strengthening this partnership over the last two year, and I am glad that our efforts already began bearing the first results. I am therefore delighted at the first historical visit of the Chinese president to the Czech Republic.

Cooperation between China and the Czech Republic is and will continue to be beneficial for both countries. Czech Republic is unindebted country, it is the second fastest growing economy in the European Union, and thanks to its strategic position in the centre of Europe it represents an ideal transport and logistics hub.

2. What are your expectations for the President’s Xi Jinping’s visit? What’s your impression of him?

I met President Xi Jinping last autumn during my visit to China. I am glad to have the opportunity now to meet him once again in the Czech Republic. This time, Prague is the only European metropolis, which he will be visiting on his way to the USA. This reinforces the dynamic progress in the Czech-Chinese relations yet again. I am confident that this visit will present an excellent opportunity to sign bilateral agreements.

3. What potential do you see for the future that will benefit people in both countries? What are the areas with the greatest potential?

Czech Republic signed an agreement on cooperation between the Czech Republic and PRC last autumn concerning the ‘new silk road’ project, the so-called “One Belt, One Road,” initiative in which dozens of countries from around the world participate. We would like to focus, in cooperation with China, primarily on the aviation and industry in general. Another important area of cooperation is in the financial sector. I had personally met with representatives of the largest Chinese, and in essence global, financial institutions such as ICBC, and the fact that the Bank of China is opening its branch in Prague serves as an excellent example to other investors. I would also see tourism as a very successful example of cooperation between our two countries, especially considering that a direct air link between Prague and Beijing was opened last autumn. Last, but definitely not least, we would like to continue in cooperating in the healthcare sector. Czech Republic became a base for traditional Chinese medicine, which is exemplified by the fact that we opened a clinic focusing on traditional Chinese medicine in the University Hospital in Hradec Králové, and we continue in our focus on spa and rehabilitation care.