China's ties with Prague offer much potential

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Czech Republic, which is a good opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved and experienced so far.

Since the beginning, economic cooperation has been a natural part of our bilateral relations. During the 1950s, we offered agricultural assistance to China and helped the country in its industrialization efforts. We also exported equipment to China, especially for sugar refineries and distilleries.

The Czech Republic is one of the most economically successful members of the European Union, thanks to its geographic location. That has made the Czech Republic a favorable destination for foreign direct investment, with many Czech companies exporting their goods to Germany and other places in Europe. And we adhere to strict European quality standards.

China is one of our most important partners in business and economic cooperation. In terms of trade volume, China is our second-largest partner after Germany.

Trade between the two countries is mostly in machinery, transportation equipment and industrial products. We also cooperate in other areas such as aerospace, finance, healthcare, environmental technologies, mining and energy.

The Czech aviation sector has also been able to achieve major success in China.

In addition, cooperation in the health sector has been remarkable. It started with medical stays of Chinese children in Czech spas. We have had exchanges of doctors and medical staff. We also train Chinese emergency helicopter medical personnel and raise awareness among Chinese citizens about ways to provide first aid.

New opportunities have opened up with the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, in which the Czech Republic can offer its expertise in areas such as construction of sports infrastructure, especially ice rinks, and training in ice hockey or skiing.

Technological advancements and new scientific inventions have also provided new opportunities.

Over the years, we have mostly traded in goods. Now we can offer expertise in research and development. Not many exchanges have taken place in this area, and that is why we should further explore and enhance our cooperation in this direction.

The Czech Republic is a manufacturer of ultrahigh-resolution scanning electron microscopes that the company Tescan has been selling in China for years. Our nanotechnology research is world-renowned. We have also come up with nanofiber applications in areas such as water and air treatment, as well as other applications using nanostructures or nanoparticles that offer the highest level of air purification and anti-counterfeit protection.

Let's work together to improve the lives of our people and fulfill the strategic partnership between our two countries.

The author is Czech ambassador to China. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.