Czech Republic to send trade missions to PH next year for defense tie up, agriculture investments – Presidential Communications Office

Seeing the opportunities in the Philippines, the Czech Republic said it is organizing visits to the country involving high-ranking government officials and business delegation for possible partnerships on defense, agriculture and other areas.

“The opportunities are here. We just need to grab them and I’m pleased to mention that just in the next year, we will start here with the visit of the foreign committee of our parliament on so much important defense and security issues of the regional geopolitics,” Czech Republic Ambassador to the Philippines Karel Hejč said as he presented his credentials to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday.

“But later on in the year, we plan on bringing our Minister of Agriculture to Manila and to the Philippines where we want to — naturally, our ministers travel accompanied with business delegations. So, carefully selected companies that are interested in doing business with the Philippines, with the Filipino companies, and investing in Philippines.”

With Czech Republic’s geographic position in Europe and its role in past regional conflicts, it was able to enhance and develop its defense and security industry, making it one of the producers of the finest war instruments, arms and ammunition in the world, Hejč said.

And starting with small tractors used in agriculture, the country also manufactures fighter jets, airplanes and other equipment, that made its defense manufacturing sector Czech Republic’s flagships industry. Aside from producing war materiel, the country also offers cooperation in training exercises, maintenance, upgrades, among others, according to Hejč.

“There is a lot. We certainly don’t have the time for all that now but as Manila will be hosting a huge fair in September next year, I will be very happy to invite you to come to see the presentation of the selected manufacturers that will be represented in that fair,” he told the President.

“And, if you will have some time during your visit in the Czech Republic, it will be also a pleasure to show you some of the industries that are interested in working with your Armed Forces, with your Coast Guard, et cetera, et cetera.”

President Marcos told the Czech