The Czech Republic is about to become a strategic partner for China
- By Jan Korbel
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E-mail China.org.cn, March 30, 2016
The Czech Republic has a major presence in the heart of the Chinese people and is arguably the most popular middle-sized country among Chinese citizens. The Chinese people are familiar with the close historic relations between the two countries and the influence they've had on daily life in China. Many people from the older generations grew up riding a bus or trolley made in Czech Skoda factories. Both old and new Czech vehicles have excellent reputations in China, and thanks to Xi Jinping's visit, it can be expected that they will only get better. Skoda, the Czech car company, has secured a deal in China worth about 16 billion yuan. This investment will also provide China with more job opportunities, and the resulting technological overspills will help Chinese industry reach higher levels.
China has already purchased some companies in Czech heavy industry and is ready to purchase more. The acquired companies were already focused on China, and the Chinese investors will help them develop in Chinese markets. Considering the size of the Chinese market, it is expected that these companies will extend their operations and bring new job opportunities to the laborious Czech people.
As a key member of the 16 + 1 Central and Eastern Europe countries and China cooperation initiative, the acknowledgement of the Czech Republic is very important for the Chinese strategy to expand the Belt and Road initiative.
According to President Zeman, the Czech Republic will become a "safe harbor" for Chinese investments in Europe, and it is expected that more Chinese investment and finance will enter Central and Eastern European countries through the newly established Czech channels. Setting up a branch of the Bank of China in the Czech Republic will help in achieving this goal.
The author is a Czech journalist and columnist based in China.
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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