For this issue of our magazine we have the great pleasure of interviewing the H.E. Mr. Zdeněk Kubánek, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic in Mexico, who was kind enough to answer a series of questions that further clarify the importance of diplomatic, economic and commercial ties between the two nations. Bilateral Ties
Dear Mr. Ambassador, could you share with our readers your experience as Ambassador to Mexico?
I arrived in Mexico in January 2019 and during these three years it has been very satisfying to see the depth and quality of our bilateral ties, which in this year 2022 will be 100 years old. My goal is to strengthen these bonds and seek new areas of cooperation, in order to make the Czech Republic and Mexico even closer. Bilateral Ties
The Czech Republic and Mexico have a solid foundation of cooperation in trade and science. There is currently a growing potential for Czech-Mexican projects that often go unnoticed. Both countries are booming in innovation and technology, including Industry 4.0, life sciences and nanotechnologies. Bilateral Ties
The promotion of foreign trade is one of the main tasks of the Embassy and our economic cooperation has achieved in the last two decades a remarkable development. Mexico is currently the most important trading partner of the Czech Republic in Latin America and the second most important on the American continent, only after the United States. Our trade with Mexico represents more than half of the trade with all Latin American countries.
What you share with us is definitely very interesting, regarding the economic field, what is the most important economic sector in your country and which companies have business in Mexico?
The Czech Republic has a dynamic, innovative and competitive economy. It is the fourth most stable economy in the European Union. Our main economic sectors are the automotive and machinery industry, electrotechnics, energy, chemical industry and metallurgy. The Czech Republic is also one of the top leaders in the world of nanotechnologies, IT and innovative engineering.
Some 40 Czech companies are currently operating in Mexico and can make important contributions to the local economy. For example, the Czech company Trelleborg Bohemia, a.s., which operates an auto rubber membrane production plant in Silao, Guanajuato, employs 130 people.
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Mexico has an important number of trade agreements and treaties, however, it is not always a simple process to invest in the country. What is the general opinion of Czech companies about the facilities to invest in Mexico?
For our companies, Mexico represents an invaluable gateway to the Latin American market and in view of the recent ratification of the Free Trade Agreement between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) to the North American market. As a result, several Czech companies have begun to invest in Mexico, mainly in the automotive sector, although there is also growing interest in the aerospace and health sectors.
We want to support this trend of private investments in Mexico and we manage several support programs to facilitate the process of launching a business or product. Within these programs Czech companies receive services and support such as business partner search, legal incorporation, or human resources. In times of restricted movement due to the pandemic, this program proved to be very satisfactory and efficient.
We cannot avoid touching on an issue that unfortunately is causing havoc worldwide and especially in our country, therefore, how do you consider that the COVID-19 issue has affected companies in your country?
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought effects to the global economy that no one could have imagined. Our way of life has changed and businesses have had to adjust to the new normal. What is certain is that the short-term impact on employment, inflation and economic activity is still hard. With a lot of luck our companies in Mexico survived and with the economic reactivation they continue their work.
However, looking at the positive side of the current situation, the COVID-19 crisis also created enormous entrepreneurial opportunities. It is more than evident that this pandemic is changing society and that brings stimuli for technology, creativity, and innovation, which are fundamental for economic and sustainable growth down the road.
It is certainly invaluable to look at the pandemic as an opportunity for entrepreneurs and it was even a catalyst for IT and home delivery companies, however, it is always essential to have specialized support and advice, so it would be very important for our readers to know, how does the Embassy support companies that want to forge business ties between the two nations?
The Commercial Section of the Embassy offers Czech companies a wide range of services through the provision of market information and business opportunities. Apart from the above-mentioned market access program, it also provides individualized services according to the needs of each company, organizes seminars, trade fairs and business missions.
The office of CzechTrade, our state trade promotion agency, is also located in Mexico, with its main objective of cooperation between companies from both countries (B2B).
Thank you Ambassador, for the information you give us about the functions of the embassy and CzechTrade in the promotion of trade to our country, however, trade and investment work both ways and we know that in Mexico there are many companies that are also interested in diversifying their operations and investing in other markets, and it is for them that our next question is directed; For Mexican companies that want to invest in your country what sectors are considered priority and that the government of your country encourages more for attracting foreign investment?
Thank you Ambassador, for the information you give us about the functions of the embassy and CzechTrade in the promotion of trade to our country, however, trade and investment work both ways and we know that in Mexico there are many companies that are also interested in diversifying their operations and investing in other markets, and it is for them that our next question is directed; For Mexican companies that want to invest in your country what sectors are considered priority and that the government of your country encourages more for attracting foreign investment?As a highly industrialized country, the Czech Republic attracts technologically advanced investments with high value-added projects. Many of them are aimed at the automotive, aeronautics and energy industries, or innovative technologies, such as nanotechnologies. Investors value the central position within the European Union, solid infrastructure, educated and highly skilled workforce and competitive costs.
As a highly industrialized country, the Czech Republic attracts technologically advanced investments with high value-added projects. Many of them are aimed at the automotive, aeronautics and energy industries, or innovative technologies, such as nanotechnologies. Investors value the central position within the European Union, solid infrastructure, educated and highly skilled workforce and competitive costs.
Without a doubt, the Czech Republic has a preponderant role to play and the sectors you share with us are of high value, which undoubtedly require highly trained personnel.
To conclude our interview, we would like you to share with us from your perspective, how can our readers learn more about the activities of the Embassy in Mexico?
As I have already mentioned, in 2022 we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Czech Republic and Mexico. On this occasion we are planning several events to be organized both in Mexico and in the Czech Republic.
I would like to take this opportunity to extend an invitation to your readers to join us in these events of great importance for both nations. For a detailed program, please visit our website; https://www.mzv.cz/mexico and social networks (Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/CZenMX/), where the activities will be announced.
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Mr. Ambassador, allow me to thank you on behalf of Asesores Stratego and our readers for the openness you have had with us, it has been a great pleasure to share your vision on current issues between both nations, no doubt, there is a long way to go to increase trade and investment in both directions, but the information you share is of great value to our readers, and we are sure that this will help to visualize more clearly the economic and cultural importance of your country for Mexico. |
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