BEIJING, Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- On 28th October, the Czech Republic celebrated its National Day, the 91st anniversary of the creation of an independent Czechoslovakia, the predecessor of today's Czech Republic. Additionally, the People's Republic of China and the Czech Republic are celebrating this year also as the 60th anniversary of mutual diplomatic ties. Both countries confirmed with recent high-level visits the progress achieved during this period through joint efforts in trade, as well as in the scientific, agricultural, environmental and many other sectors. According to the Chinese tradition, the new period of 60 years just started and it is up to both nations to use this very good opportunity for a leap forward to new and modern ways of mutual cooperation at the central, regional and municipal level, developing concrete projects in renewable resources of energy, environmental protection, biotechnologies, services etc.
Mutual trade development
According to the data of the Czech Statistical Office, mutual trade exchange between the Czech Republic and the People's Republic of China reached a total of USD 13.2 billion in 2008, with a Chinese import surplus of USD 11.7 billion. Exports to the Czech Republic were USD 12.5 billion, which is about 16 times more than the volume exported from the Czech Republic to the Chinese market (USD 773 million). Year-on-year increase of exports reached 4.3%, of imports 27.4%, and of the trade deficit 34.6%. China took the 2nd place among importers to the Czech market in 2008 and became the 5th biggest trade partner of the country; the trends indicate that China will further strengthen its position.
Due to the financial crisis, Czech exports to China lost their
above-average dynamics in the first eight months of 2009 (-6.7% compared to 2008), the same applied to imports from China (-14.5%). From January to August 2009, Czech exports to China reached USD 453.1 million, and Chinese exports to the Czech Republic were USD 6.02 billion.
National Day Reception
In order to celebrate the day of independence of the nation and to welcome the new Ambassador, H. E. Mr. Libor Secka, to Beijing, the Embassy of the Czech Republic hosted an official reception on its premises. Hundreds of VIP guests from China and foreign countries were invited to enjoy the nice weather, an amazing concert by the famous Czech mezzo-soprano singer, Ms. Edita Randova, and of course the tasty delicacies including traditional Czech food. Thanks to the companies -- partners of the Embassy -- the guests tasted also the ZUBR brand of Czech beer, newly coming to the Chinese market, accompanied by soft drinks of Kofola Co., a leading Czech producer. The admirers of another classical export product, the famous Czech crystal, were not disappointed either by the recently arranged presentation of glassworks at the Embassy.
