India invites Czech businesses to partner in infra, R&D, tech

India today invited companies from the Czech Republic to partner in mega infrastructure projects and in other sectors like research and development, technology, power and transportation.
Pointing out that bilateral relations between India and the Czech Republic span almost across all sectors and the traditional partnership has now moved to synergy based level, Secretary (EPA & ER) in the External Affairs Ministry, Sujata Mehta, invited Czech businesses to partner with India in mega infrastructure projects coming up across the country.
Addressing the Indo-Czech Republic Business Forum organised by Ficci, Mehta said that collaborations in R&D, technology, power and transportation areas would be beneficial for both the countries..

Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic Jan Mladek said that the country was now a part of the European Union and hence it has become a gateway for accessing European markets. The minister urged the Indian businesses to take full advantage of this opportunity.
Trade between India and Czech Republic experienced a 10-fold growth in the last 20 years and it stands at USD 1.2 billion.
The Czech Minister said there is more potential for growth in bilateral trade which can be achieved by engaging in mutual partnership and cooperation not just in the traditional trade items but in areas such as environment protection, water treatment plant, hydro power, energy, industrial technology, petrochemicals, medical equipment and tourism.

Three agreements were signed at the Forum between firms belonging to the two sides on delivery of Aircraft L410; technical support; and on cooperation in distribution and production of equipment for Water Purification.